New possible owner.......mega miles a year worth it?

[hybridwannabe]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm new to this forum. I hate to maybe ask a question or 2 that may have been asked and answered, but my "Loyalty Cash" runs out in a few days, so time is of the essence. I'll try to be brief!

 

Current 2014 Fiesta 1.0 owner. LOVE this car!! But it's a tad too small for my long trips. I have about 15k miles now in less than a year, and my mileage will only go up. So possibility of 20k-30k miles a year in the future! Ouch!

 

Since the Fiesta is not the best for long hauls, I've been looking elsewhere. My parents own a 2012 Fusion, and we all like it, so my interest is perked. I've just started researching the 2014-2015 Fusions as they are an upgrade to what my parents have. More specifically I'm interested in the hybrids.

 

I dropped off a friend at a Ford dealership this morning to get her car fixed. While I was there, I walked around looking at the many Fusion hybrids they had on the lot. Low and behold, a salesman came out, even in the cold weather. I told him my situation and the possible mileage I may put on a new car and he suggested getting the 1.6 or 2.0 instead of a hybrid Fusion. He said with that many miles a year, the warranty will be quickly be up. And then I'm at the mercy of any problems with replacing the batteries at a MAJOR cost. He was unwavering on avoiding the hybrids if I'm doing 20k plus miles a year. Mind you he had 15 or so hybrids right there on the lot he could have upsold to me. He was dead set on the tried and true gasoline engine for high mileage situations. Kind of seemed odd to me for a salesman to lean one way or the other, but maybe he's correct??

 

I was interested in a 2014 Fusion 1.6 w/6 speed manual transmission, but from my research, they are simply not getting the mpg Ford states. In fact Ward's has now gone rogue on all the Ford ecoboost engines since they don't live up to the mpg hype. I'd hate to get a 1.6 manual Fusion and not get even close the advertised mpg highway numbers when I'm used to 45mpg with my Fiesta. So the Fusion hybrid looks like the best bet.

 

Should I be worried about putting that many miles on a Fusion hybrid per year? Would an extended warranty help? Anything else I should be worried about? Since my trips are 500-1000 miles each, I do about 80mph or so with Waze and radar detector. What mileage should I expect from the Fusion hybrid at that speed?

 

Again I apologize if these questions have been asked/answered. I just have a few days left with my Loyalty Cash and there aren't many Fusion hybrids in my small town so I'll have to travel elsewhere, which also takes time.

 

Thank you in advance!

Edited January 9, 2015 by hybridwannabe

[murphy]

The warranty on the hybrid battery and drivetrain is 8 years or 100,000 miles. The battery is designed to last for the life of the car. There is no aftermarket supplying hybrid batteries because there would be no profit in it.

 

I'm confused. The salesmam had "15 hybrids on the lot" but "there aren't many Fusion hybrids in my small town" don't correlate. In my book 15 counts as many since I only need one.

 

How often will you buy a new car? I keep them for 4 to 8 years but many people get a new one every 3 years.

 

I had a 2010 Fusion hybrid (purchased April 2009) for 4 years and now have a 2013 Fusion Energi (plug in hybrid). I upgraded because I wanted the plug in technology, not because of any problem with the 2010.

 

I have no idea what mileage you would get at 80 mph. Drag increases with the square of the speed so it's going to be a big hit I expect.

[Easy Rider]

There is no aftermarket supplying hybrid batteries because there would be no profit in it.

 

Might be true for hybrid models that are less than 5 years old or so.......but not true at all for those that have been around a while.

Thriving markets are emerging for Prius batteries, just for instance.

And like most new things where there is money to be made, some of the "suppliers" are just scam artists.

 

So it appears that there IS profit to be made, when the model in quesion is old enough so that there is a decent volume of replacements needed.

[tr7driver]

The MPG you actually get will depend on the type of driving you do and the climate. High speeds will lead to disappointing mileage, as will heavy use of AC/Heat. If you can tell us about the roads you expect to spend most of your time on and the climate, you will get a better response here.

[Waldo]

I don't agree with the battery concern, there's really no reports of battery failures and as murphy points out, you're covered to 100,000 miles anyway.

 

But given your driving, I don't think the hybrid is the economical choice. At 80mph you're going to get the same if not better mileage in the 1.5 or even the 2.5 Fusion. Hybrids really provide their benefits at lower speeds and with lots of stop and go.

 

If you look closely, you'll see that most people with the 1.6 manual did get the advertised, it was the 1.6 automatic that was not doing well. I think that's been largely fixed with the 1.5 that's now available.

 

How can you be concerned about "Ecoboost hype" when you're obviously having a lot of success with the Ecoboost in your Fiesta?

[Easy Rider]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm new to this forum. I hate to maybe ask a question or 2 that may have been asked and answered, but my "Loyalty Cash" runs out in a few days, so time is of the essence. I'll try to be brief!

 

Loyalty cash is just another marketing gimmick. It is entirely possible that you could negotiate that same price without it.

 

IF most of your miles are highway driving, a diesel might be a better choice.

Of course Ford doesn't sell a diesel car so you would have to look elsewhere.

 

If those highway miles are at high speed, the hybrid advantage disappears pretty fast and something like a conventional Fusion might be more cost effective in the long run.

 

Nobody can absolutely tell you what is best for your situation without knowing a lot more about it.

Just don't let that "loyalty cash" lure you into doing something that you really would not do otherwise.

[acdii]

If you can find a Fusion with the 2.5 in it, and you like it, get it. That motor does get the best highway MPG. It is nearly the same as the 2010-12 Hybrid 2.5, only not an Atkinson type, but the 2.5 in the 2010 FFH got outstanding highway MPG even up to 80 MPH. From what I have seen of fuel reports on the 2.5 models, they are in the 30's at highway speeds. It's too bad they are only in the base model cars though.

[Cobra348]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm new to this forum. I hate to maybe ask a question or 2 that may have been asked and answered, but my "Loyalty Cash" runs out in a few days, so time is of the essence. I'll try to be brief!

 

Current 2014 Fiesta 1.0 owner. LOVE this car!! But it's a tad too small for my long trips. I have about 15k miles now in less than a year, and my mileage will only go up. So possibility of 20k-30k miles a year in the future! Ouch!

 

Since the Fiesta is not the best for long hauls, I've been looking elsewhere. My parents own a 2012 Fusion, and we all like it, so my interest is perked. I've just started researching the 2014-2015 Fusions as they are an upgrade to what my parents have. More specifically I'm interested in the hybrids.

 

I dropped off a friend at a Ford dealership this morning to get her car fixed. While I was there, I walked around looking at the many Fusion hybrids they had on the lot. Low and behold, a salesman came out, even in the cold weather. I told him my situation and the possible mileage I may put on a new car and he suggested getting the 1.6 or 2.0 instead of a hybrid Fusion. He said with that many miles a year, the warranty will be quickly be up. And then I'm at the mercy of any problems with replacing the batteries at a MAJOR cost. He was unwavering on avoiding the hybrids if I'm doing 20k plus miles a year. Mind you he had 15 or so hybrids right there on the lot he could have upsold to me. He was dead set on the tried and true gasoline engine for high mileage situations. Kind of seemed odd to me for a salesman to lean one way or the other, but maybe he's correct??

 

I was interested in a 2014 Fusion 1.6 w/6 speed manual transmission, but from my research, they are simply not getting the mpg Ford states. In fact Ward's has now gone rogue on all the Ford ecoboost engines since they don't live up to the mpg hype. I'd hate to get a 1.6 manual Fusion and not get even close the advertised mpg highway numbers when I'm used to 45mpg with my Fiesta. So the Fusion hybrid looks like the best bet.

 

Should I be worried about putting that many miles on a Fusion hybrid per year? Would an extended warranty help? Anything else I should be worried about? Since my trips are 500-1000 miles each, I do about 80mph or so with Waze and radar detector. What mileage should I expect from the Fusion hybrid at that speed?

 

Again I apologize if these questions have been asked/answered. I just have a few days left with my Loyalty Cash and there aren't many Fusion hybrids in my small town so I'll have to travel elsewhere, which also takes time.

 

Thank you in advance!

I'll be replacing my red car (see sig) with a FFH soon. My nearest dealer has no hybrids on the lot but there are quite a few around town. They're good sellers in my area. Shame on Wards for going like they did ... I have consistently bettered the MPG on my cars (and the 2 prior Fiestas) for 4+ years now.

 

My brother (in NC) has a Fusion Hybrid and loves it. It's his first Ford ever and his average MPG is about 50+ according to his latest emails ... daily use. This is his second Hybrid as the first was totaled by a texting driver that took out his left side ... airbag deployment and lots of debris as he slid thru a ditch. His remark? "Everything worked even when it was getting destroyed!" These are sturdy cars and well worth it in my opinion. Fiesta has been good to/for me but like you I find it's not a long distance comfy ride car.

Edited January 9, 2015 by Cobra348

[jeff_h]

I had a 2014 Fiesta as a rental back in August and drove it 700 miles in 4 days, which was enough to get the feel of it -- the Fusion is a far better ride.

 

If you plan to go 80 then the FFH will not get very good MPG, as Murphy noted above. But then again I don't think you'll get very good MPG at 80 with any car.

 

I also put a lot of miles per year, normally about 36-40k and the FFH has been great. I will be changing the oil next week in my former 2010 FFH, will be at 192k miles and still runs great.

 

And just because your 3/36k warranty won't last very long, you can get an extended warranty from Ford for up to 125k with duration of up to 7 years.

[Texasota]

From what I have seen of fuel reports on the 2.5 models, they are in the 30's at highway speeds. It's too bad they are only in the base model cars though.

According to the Ford configurator you can get the 2.5 (base engine) in the Fusion SE. Might have to order it if they are not common on dealer lots.

[Easy Rider]

It's his first Ford ever and his average MPG is about 50+ according to his latest emails ... daily use.

We occasionally see owners come here and claim that; some even are able to document it......sort of.

 

BUT those kind of results are NOT typical; not even close.

 

Some come here and say they are getting on the LOW side of 30 too. That isn't typical either.

 

If you think you will get a FFH and also get 50+........the odds are overwhelming that you will not.

[hybridwannabe]

Thanks for the replies. I was at a decent sized Maryland dealer yesterday morning helping a friend and just looked around. Drove 700 miles home yesterday/last night. First thing I did was search out Fusion forums! (posted that at 01:49 est!) The largest dealer here has only 3 hybrids. (just checked online) All 3 Titanium. Darn nice car, but too much money for me at this time. My driving is almost all highway going from Florida up and down the East Coast. I don't do 80mph all of the time, and believe me I know that speed kills mpg. My Fiesta quickly goes down to low to mid 30mpg at that speed. 70mph I'm around 41-42 and 65mph I'm at 45-47mpg. Pretty impressive! So yes crazy difference if you stay slow. But since the speed limit is mostly 70mph, that's the speed I'd drive at. Very little in town driving as I may be moving to walking distance to work.

 

If I bought a non hybrid Fusion, it would have to be a 2014 as I'll only drive a manual. But anything other than hybrid and I'm driving a manual and definitely would get a turbo car. Don't like N/A cars unless it's a big V8. Getting harder and harder to find manuals these days in almost any car except the econoboxes.

 

The ecoboost "hype" I was talking about is from Ward's: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/01/07/ford-ecoboost-poor-fuel-mileage-complaints-wards/

 

Just looking around at various forums, it seems the various Ford mpg ecoboost numbers don't live up to the stated mpg. Ford even had to redo the 2014 Fiesta 1.0 mpg rating and send everyone a check for their goof. And a little magazine reading shows most don't achieve the expected mpg either on any but the Fiesta 1.0. I know the manual bests the auto on the Fusion ecoboost, but still a lot of unhappy owners out there.

 

To Jeff_H, are you on your original batteries at 192k miles with your 2010? Haha you drove a Fiesta for 700 miles, so you can understand why I'd like to "upgrade"!

 

Though the batteries are under warranty till 100k, it seems they can last much longer. Is highway driving better or worse for their longevity? And what happens when they die? The car just doesn't run?

 

A Focus 1.0 that's just coming out seems like a viable option since the highway mpg is 41 I believe. (not sure if it will achieve that as it's 400 plus pounds more than the Fiesta with same engine. Different gearing with the 6 speed but not sure that can make up for that extra heft) But let's face it, the Fusion is a much nicer car, especially for long trips!

 

To Easy Rider, you are correct about jumping the gun with Loyalty Cash. Also, I forgot I can get private cash if need be down the road, which I believe is the same. When I was trying to get private cash for my 2014 Fiesta, I called Ford Corporate and the lady there said don't show the private cash until you've negotiated as low as you can go. Don't give them your name either while negotiating since they can look that up prior or during negotiations. She said to bring up the cash coupon at the end of negotiations as it's an "ace in the hole" before signing. That was her suggestion anyway. Car buying is always a crazy process!

 

Thanks again for all of your input! I never ever thought about a hybrid until now. And I'm a Ford guy, so if I go that route, the Fusion hybrid it will be. Since I never considered a hybrid, I didn't know if they were good for long distances or over 100k. Sounds like you'll get good mileage if you keep it at the posted speed limit, which is usually 65mph or 70mph. Thanks again!

 

PS. Will probably keep this 3 or so years until the next Mustang refresh comes. Then it's on to a new ecoboost Mustang........I hope. Don't think I'll be driving as much then. 2017 or 2018??

[jeff_h]

To Jeff_H, are you on your original batteries at 192k miles with your 2010? Haha you drove a Fiesta for 700 miles, so you can understand why I'd like to "upgrade"!

 

On the 2010, the HVB is original and have never had any issues at all and lifetime MPG still at 39 (sticker is 40/36), I replaced the 12V battery at 140, it wasn't showing any issues but at that point is when my wife's friend took ownership so I replaced it so she would have a new 12V rather than having it decide to go bad (most do after 3,4,5,6 years whatever it's just life) because it was time to kick the bucket.

 

So now I see the car every 2-3 months to change the oil, plan to take a few pics and post once it passes 200k as it still looks good too.

[hybridwannabe]

 

 

So now I see the car every 2-3 months to change the oil, plan to take a few pics and post once it passes 200k as it still looks good too.

 

 

I guess these hybrids can last!! Do you have the highest mile Fusion hybrid on this board?? Thanks!

Edited January 9, 2015 by hybridwannabe

[corncobs]

I guess these hybrids can last!! Do you have the highest mile Fusion hybrid on this board?? Thanks!

For his 2010 it's up there but IIRC there is one member with a 2013 FFH that wrapped up almost 60k in just under 2 years.

 

It was definitely a lot of driving in a short amount of time. Personally I believe battery technology has come a long way so that there will be other stuff to go broke before the HVB goes down the drain.

 

If you wanna stay with Ford the FFH is your best option when it comes to fuel efficient comfortable long road trip vehicles. All other engines will suffer lower MPGs as well as you stated yourself on the Fiesta between 60 and 80 MPH runs.

[Easy Rider]

 

If I bought a non hybrid Fusion, it would have to be a 2014 as I'll only drive a manual.

 

And I'm a Ford guy, so if I go that route, the Fusion hybrid it will be.

You have some conflicting requirements here.

The Fusion hybrid does NOT come with a manual transmission.

I don't think any hybrids do.

[hybridwannabe]

You have some conflicting requirements here.

The Fusion hybrid does NOT come with a manual transmission.

I don't think any hybrids do.

Sorry, the first sentence is OK. If I bought a "non hybrid fusion" aka gasoline Fusion, it would have to be a manual. 2014 model of course as the manual is dead for 2015. Second sentence meant if I buy any hybrid, it will be a Fusion hybrid since I'm a Ford guy. And no, there's no manual in any hybrid I don't think. I would just have to suck that part up and be one of the 94% of those with an auto. Yuk!

[Cobra348]

We occasionally see owners come here and claim that; some even are able to document it......sort of.

 

BUT those kind of results are NOT typical; not even close.

 

Some come here and say they are getting on the LOW side of 30 too. That isn't typical either.

 

If you think you will get a FFH and also get 50+........the odds are overwhelming that you will not.

I agree with you. Brother drive about 60 miles or so to/from work, so maybe that's why the muleage he reports? <shrug> As long as I can easily hit an average of 35 MPG or so with daily usage I'll be happy. Road runs I'll have to see but I definitely would like to see 40+.

 

Again ... my driving style may defeat those wishes but I have been reading here a lot and believe I can make it happen.

[mwr]

My 2015 FFH gets about the same mpg as you say your Fiesta does at various highway speeds.

[hybridwannabe]

My 2015 FFH gets about the same mpg as you say your Fiesta does at various highway speeds.

 

Thanks for the input! I'm happy with my Fiesta mpg but it's just too small for long trips on a monthly basis. I'm looking at 2014 Fusion hybrid models now since they might be discounted with the new models coming in. Are there any big upgrades with the Fusion hybrid from 2014 to 2015? Anything "better" with the 2015 models? Dumb question, but is Sirius/XM available on the lowest hybrid models? Since I drive a lot, the only 2 things I care about are having Sirius/XM (an absolute MUST) and maybe a moonroof as I'm an aviation junkie and live near a military base. I miss having a moonroof when those massive planes land right over the highway. I can live without the moonroof, but satellite radio is a must have. Not sure satellite radio is available on the base hybrid models though. Just fishing around, seems like a great time to buy a 2014 model.

Edited January 10, 2015 by hybridwannabe

[mwr]

The 2015 FFH SE has vertical adjustment of the front passenger seat as standard. I wanted that since I have some "shorter" friends and didn't want them to have to "sit in a hole", but instead sit higher like the rest of us. Yuo can find the standard and optional intems for the FFH in the 2014 and 2015 order quides.

 

I have the sun/moon roof (all my cars have had a sunroof since almost forever). I find it "opens up" the inside of the car, but it is on the small side, at least compared to the huge one on my prior car, a 2005 Subaru Legacy Wagon.

 

There are links posted here to them but i can't find them right now. Probably someone else will post them here.

Edited January 10, 2015 by mwr

[lolder]

The advantage of a hybrid diminishes to about 15% at high highway speeds. That is the difference in the Atkinson engine efficiency. The design of the Ford/Toyota eCVT hybrids is bulletproof. They should last forever with low maintenance. They are complicated cars electronically as are most cars today. The first salesman was an idiot with hidden agendas. HVB failure is proving to be a non-issue. The HVB and eCVT are integral to the operation of the car. If they fail, you need a tow. Their failure rate is incredibly small.

Get a FFH ! Any year or trim will please you. Get a used one or holdover. They are a highway limo.

Edited January 10, 2015 by lolder

[darrelld]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm new to this forum. I hate to maybe ask a question or 2 that may have been asked and answered, but my "Loyalty Cash" runs out in a few days, so time is of the essence. I'll try to be brief!

 

Current 2014 Fiesta 1.0 owner. LOVE this car!! But it's a tad too small for my long trips. I have about 15k miles now in less than a year, and my mileage will only go up. So possibility of 20k-30k miles a year in the future! Ouch!

 

Since the Fiesta is not the best for long hauls, I've been looking elsewhere. My parents own a 2012 Fusion, and we all like it, so my interest is perked. I've just started researching the 2014-2015 Fusions as they are an upgrade to what my parents have. More specifically I'm interested in the hybrids.

 

I dropped off a friend at a Ford dealership this morning to get her car fixed. While I was there, I walked around looking at the many Fusion hybrids they had on the lot. Low and behold, a salesman came out, even in the cold weather. I told him my situation and the possible mileage I may put on a new car and he suggested getting the 1.6 or 2.0 instead of a hybrid Fusion. He said with that many miles a year, the warranty will be quickly be up. And then I'm at the mercy of any problems with replacing the batteries at a MAJOR cost. He was unwavering on avoiding the hybrids if I'm doing 20k plus miles a year. Mind you he had 15 or so hybrids right there on the lot he could have upsold to me. He was dead set on the tried and true gasoline engine for high mileage situations. Kind of seemed odd to me for a salesman to lean one way or the other, but maybe he's correct??

 

I was interested in a 2014 Fusion 1.6 w/6 speed manual transmission, but from my research, they are simply not getting the mpg Ford states. In fact Ward's has now gone rogue on all the Ford ecoboost engines since they don't live up to the mpg hype. I'd hate to get a 1.6 manual Fusion and not get even close the advertised mpg highway numbers when I'm used to 45mpg with my Fiesta. So the Fusion hybrid looks like the best bet.

 

Should I be worried about putting that many miles on a Fusion hybrid per year? Would an extended warranty help? Anything else I should be worried about? Since my trips are 500-1000 miles each, I do about 80mph or so with Waze and radar detector. What mileage should I expect from the Fusion hybrid at that speed?

 

Again I apologize if these questions have been asked/answered. I just have a few days left with my Loyalty Cash and there aren't many Fusion hybrids in my small town so I'll have to travel elsewhere, which also takes time.

 

Thank you in advance!

 

At 80 mph I get around 32-34 mpg depending upon factors such as AC use and ambient air temperature. As a comparison my previous 2012 Passat TDI would average around 36-38 under similar conditions. Keep in mind that diesel fuel contains about 11% more energy per gallon than regular unleaded gasoline or E10 and costs about 40% more per gallon.

 

I found the Fusion Hybrid surprisingly efficient at high speeds compared to a similar car in its weight and class like the Passat TDI.

[mwr]

At 80 mph I get around 32-34 mpg depending upon factors such as AC use and ambient air temperature.

I haven't done 80 mph yet, but at 70 mph mine freeway cruising that includes hills, mine gets about 42 mpg (44 on the car's display).

[Easy Rider]

 

Keep in mind that diesel fuel contains about 11% more energy per gallon than regular unleaded gasoline or E10 and costs about 40% more per gallon.

 

When gas prices were up, the difference was much less than 40%.

NOW however........today I noticed that gas was about 2.25 and diesel was 3.25. YIKES.

That's pretty close to 45%.

At the moment I'm glad that I do not have a diesel but that might not last too long.

 

I wonder why gas went down so much and diesel hasn't hardly budged ???

 

P.S. It would be nice if you trimmed your quotes just a bit. :)

Edited January 10, 2015 by Easy Rider