I am hoping to trade in an old Focus with just under 300K miles that has served me well..
I have done a fair amount of research and am on a budget. The local Ford dealership has the 2020 Fusion 1.5L SE (with the 360 Copilot) for $16,000, and a 2020 Fusion 2.5L I-VCT S for $14,000 brand new.
I'm looking for a midsize, and while I know that the Camry will last longer, the cheapest base model new was $24K. The Accord also went for right around 24K. If I try to find a Camry used, I see them with 40-60K miles for that price. Is it worth it to sacrifice my bells and whistles, American car loyalty, 10 year 200K powertrain warranty (From the dealership), and new car smell for a car that will potentially last longer and gets better MPG?
I also have noticed quite a few problems with the 2018, which is the model I am looking at, predominately with the 8 speed transmission and battery drain.
Here's the Camry I'm looking at... 2018 Camry
Here is the equivalent Fusion I am looking at (Not the exact vehicle, but just a random Fusion with the same features, minus the discount) 2020 Fusion, TRI Ford
I'm open to all opinions, and would love to hear them. On a final note, I have no interest whatsoever in a Korean car, so don't be hitting me with the Kias and Hyundais.
Thanks for reading.
It is absolutely worth it. 40k miles on a Camry is nothing.
I would definitely go that route without hesitation when compared with the Fusion.
One thing I think is interesting is the recent Camrys have had a lot more problems than the Fusions according to CarComplaints.
Including 6 Recalls on the Camry vs 1 on the Fusion (Camrys mass recalled for Fuel pump, Fuel lines, minorly recalled for Pistons, Brakes) (Fusion recalled for Steering bolt getting loose)
Added to the reports of major electrical problems and transmission issues, It seems to not necessarily be an easy decision to dismiss it as reliable because of the past record.
It would be an easy decision for me. I've had enough of "Ford Quality". 2 '18 Mustangs, an '18 F150, and a year long lawsuit later nobody is changing my mind on their "quality".
Ford definetly has an 'interesting' way of making their modern vehicles, as in trying to preserve 'value' and 'affordability'. This translates to CHEAP.
I would forget the 1.5 Fusion, that is an Ecoboost and they are nothing but problems. I would also think twice about the Accord because unfortunately, for whatever reason, Honda decided to turbocharge both engines. The 2.5 Fusion is actually a good car that should last. However, if it were me I would go for the Camry as it can last you forever. Overall I would say that the Camry is worth it, although the 2.5 Fusion isn't bad either. The weakest link on the Fusion is the transmission so if you do end up with one don't drive it too hard.
Thank you for the insight. I'll definitely consider the 2.5.
Can I assume you’d like to get as much life (years/mileage) out of the vehicle? I personally like to avoid first year generation vehicles even Toyota’s. That Fusion is the last year of that generation and it was one of Ford’s more reliable vehicles so there is that, and if you go that route get the 2.5L. It’s a tough choice since you have those constraints you outlined.
I appreciate the advice!
The 2018 year had transmission problems for the Camry look for a 2017 or 2019 and for the Fusion only get the 2.5 engine the ecoboost ones are not that good. Go used Camry over Fusion though.
Problem I run into is I can't stand the look of the 2017 (Right before they refreshed the design) and can't afford a 2019 unless it was in a rental fleet...
Well then make sure it was fixed and have a mechanic check it out.
Congratulations 300,000 miles, way to go.
