Choice between 2013 and 2014

[awhelm]

We're at the point of buying a Fusion Energi. With the 3000 or so decrease in sales price for the 2014 over the 2013 we seem to be getting the same prices from dealers for a 2013 or 2014. Is there any reason not to buy the 2014? Our preference is to buy rather than lease? Any advice? Our last car purchase was a 2003 Civic Hybrid, which we still have and use, so we don't turn cars over regularly. Is the Ford Hybrid Energi technology solid or would a lease reduce the risk that Ford is still working out a lot of "kinks?"

[Eric4539]

Hi awhelm,

 

Here are my opinions:

1)  If you are interested in specific options - the heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, rear seatbelt airbags then you have to buy the 2014.

 

2)  If you want a specific color - Bordeaux Reserve or Ginger Ale then you have to buy the 2013.  If you want the Darkside Metallic or Sunset Red Metallic then you have to buy the 2014.

 

3)  The technology of the Energi is new for Ford and I was very nervous about buying the first model year.  But any kinks have been resolved by the various TSB’s for very specific issues.  I can honestly say that the car has been very reliable and I have not regretted buying a 2013 and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

4)  If you are looking for the best deal I think the remaining 2013’s could still be purchased for less than a comparably optioned 2014.

 

5)  If you don’t mind traveling to other dealers, even out of state, search AutoTrader or other sites to find the car that you are interested in.  I think you are in a good position to wheel and deal on a 2013.  The bottom line is how badly does the dealer want to sell you their car.  You have a lot of bargaining power, and to me, that is the fun part!

 

Good luck and let us know what you end up with!

 

Eric

[gerdia]

hi Awhelm,

 

To buy or lease is really a personal preference, if you lease you will get the $5007 tax credit up front like a rebate and if you finance, you'll have to wait until tax season next year.

I would go for, and did, the '14, newer is always better. this is one awesome car and you do get an 8 year warranty on the hybrid system that should cover any problems that may arise.

you can also buy the extended warranty if that will be a comfort to you. I also want to add that a level 2 ( 220V) charger is a must, My energi charges in 2 hours and I'm currently at 1100 miles with the original tank of gas, getting 97.8 mpg. Good luck in your decision and let us know what you went with.

Also, see if you can purchase the car using Ford's x-plan through either your job or someone in the family. it can be about 3K off.

Edited April 3, 2014 at 08:18 AM by gerdia

[wmmallette]

I am looking at a 2013 right now with about 8500 miles on it.  It was a Ford exec test car and dealership bought it.  Dealer said he will transport for free and asking $27K.  Any thoughts on the reasonableness of this price.  It has the navigation, leather seats, adaptive cruise control, rear view camera and daytime running lights as added options on the sticker.  No sunroof, which i like better for the head room and the possibility of issues later.  

 

I think it is a good price, but I wasn't looking for this car and only found it while lokking for the regular hybrid Fusion so my research is limited right now.

[Fat Fusion]

[jeff_h]

I am looking at a 2013 right now with about 8500 miles on it.  It was a Ford exec test car and dealership bought it.  Dealer said he will transport for free and asking $27K.

 

That's a good price, see if they will also throw in an extended warranty.... but be sure to check the VIN in autocheck and carfax to make sure it isn't a buyback vehicle and they are BS-ing you.

[murphy]

The fact that daytime running lights are on the sticker indicates it is either a fleet car or a canadian car.  Regular 2013 and 2014 models do not have DRLs even as an option.

[wmmallette]

The VIN check shows that it is a Ford Company program car.  It has never been titled to anyone.  I have asked 3 different car dealers who i know personally and who have no financial interest in the sale, and they all independently say that it is a car that was most likely driven by a Ford Company exec or rep for a few months, then sold to the dealer. It has no fleet designatioin on either VIN check.

 

I feel good about that part. 

[Rexracer]

Sounds like a good deal to me. Make them throw in the extended warrenty and you will be good for 10 years.

[Neil]

wow - that is a great price.  Include the $4007 tax credit and you basically are getting the car for $23k, which is amazing for that car.  

[Russael]

For giggles, I did a search for used Focus Electrics, and those are REALLY cheap... like 20 - 25k for vehicles with 5 to 15k miles on them.  Considering they were 40k, used ones are theft.  They're not holding their value at all.

 

I considered getting one for the GF, but she already drives a Focus and gets decent enough economy... it's sort of like putting a tether on her (but we'd still keep the gas one).  But I still think they're priced really low.  I also don't have the room for a 4th car.

[jeff_h]

For giggles, I did a search for used Focus Electrics, and those are REALLY cheap... like 20 - 25k for vehicles with 5 to 15k miles on them.  Considering they were 40k, used ones are theft.  They're not holding their value at all.

 

For those that saw the estimated HVB range on an Energi at 21 and then find that weather and HVAC can turn that into 12 (or so), it doesn't make that much of a difference as you just use the ICE more.

 

But for those who bought a Focus Electric planning on an HVB range of 76 then find that weather and HVAC turn that into 40, well that takes quite a lot of the viability out of it for many.  We would have bought one for my wife as we've found that most of her daily drives are 20-40 miles, but for the days when that turns into 50-70 around town for school activities and sports and all, that makes it a deal breaker for us, and I bet for many others who have done some internet searches and found posts from owners who could only get 40 or so miles on a charge, etc.

[Energized]

For giggles, I did a search for used Focus Electrics, and those are REALLY cheap... like 20 - 25k for vehicles with 5 to 15k miles on them. Considering they were 40k, used ones are theft. They're not holding their value at all.

 

I considered getting one for the GF, but she already drives a Focus and gets decent enough economy... it's sort of like putting a tether on her (but we'd still keep the gas one). But I still think they're priced really low. I also don't have the room for a 4th car.

IThose used prices are about what they sell for new including the tax incentives and rebates.

 

The sell for 35,170 minus 6,000 rebate minus 7,500 Federal credit minus XXXX State rebate.

 

Given how well equipped the Focus Electric comes, that's a lot of car for $20K.

Edited May 16, 2014 at 07:24 PM by Energized

[Russael]

That's true... however, for a guy like me, I wouldn't be able to claim the full 7500 federal rebate and there are no Michigan tax incentives for electrics.  Still, to get one for 20 - 22k out the door with not a lot of miles on them, it's a fantastic deal.  That 6,000 incentive from Ford is crazy.  I wonder if Uncle Sam is giving them money for an incentive like that.

[murphy]

I think they are trying to "prime the pump". 

 

Dealers are not stocking the Focus Electric so there is no way for prospective customers to learn about the car other than word of mouth from current owners.  In the entire market in Philadelphia, PA and adjacent NJ there are only seven 2014 Focus Electric cars available (5 in PA and 2 in NJ).  My dealer doesn't have one and to my knowledge has never had one.

There is only one used Focus Electric within 100 miles of my zip code.

[Rexracer]

wow - that is a great price.  Include the $4007 tax credit and you basically are getting the car for $23k, which is amazing for that car.  

 

Oh, I assumed this was a "used" car and not eligible for the tax credit. At 27k still a good price, but if its UN-registered and still able to get the tax credit, then 23k is a fantastic price!

[wmmallette]

here is a picture of the vehicle history report portion that deals with that . . . 

 

anyone have opinions as to whether this may still qualify for the tax credit?

[jeff_h]

here is a picture of the vehicle history report portion that deals with that . . . 

 

anyone have opinions as to whether this may still qualify for the tax credit?

 

 

Well based on that pic you posted, it shows that the vehicle has been titled before, and the tax credit is for:

 

"(2) The original use of the vehicle commences with the taxpayer;" as shown in http://www.irs.gov/irb/2009-48_IRB/ar09.html

 

You would probably want to check with the IRS on that particular VIN if you are seriously considering purchasing and claiming the credit.