Looking at Buying 2014 Fusion Energi Used

[Aristophean]

Hi All,

 

I just came across this forum and wanted to get everyone's opinion on buying a used 2014 Fusion Energi SE with about 9,500 miles on it.

The dealer wants $24,982 for it. I actually had to put a $1,000 refundable deposit on the car so they could bring it back from auction as they've had it for 3 months and have been unable to sell it. I'm going to look at it today and try to keep it overnight to test it out.

 

Everything I've read about the car seems great and I just want to get a couple of opinions from others and see if they think this deal is good or bad. I was originally just going to get a new Fusion Hybrid, but I came across this one so I was very interested. 

 

As info, my parking garage where I work is installing 240v chargers, so I would be able to charge at night for my 16 mile commute to work and then charge 2 hours for free at work to get back home. That's the main reason I'm considering this vehicle.

 

Anyway, I appreciate any feedback, and if I purchase the car I look forward to becoming a regular on these boards! Thanks!

[Rexracer]

As far as buying one of these cars used there is no issue. If the car has the features you want, then I wouldn't hesitate to do it. Sounds like you are in an optimal position to take the fullest advantage of the EV mode. With your 16 mile commute, if its all freeway over 60mph, and your running the AC, you will likely be using some gas each direction, but it will be minor.

 

I would also look into an extended warranty if you plan to keep the car for 5-7 years. I do not know the rules if a 2nd owner can get the warranty, but I would look it up. To be clear I was always VERY against extended warranties. Spending 3-4 grand to add a year or 2 onto the warranty was always a bad idea to me. BUT once i saw you can get out to 7 years/100k miles for about 1k, that totally changed the conversation.

Flood Ford ESP was who I went through. https://www.floodfordesp.com/

Look up this information before going in, as the dealer will want to sell you the ESP, and will try and charge a lot more for it.

 

Post up pictures when you get it!

[Aristophean]

Thanks Rexracer!

 

From my understanding, the original manufacturers warranty will still apply. I checked out the Flood Ford ESP, but I don't think I can purchase as I live in Florida. I can probably still use their prices as a guide for the dealer though.

I'll be happy to post pictures as soon as I can, but if anyone is interested, here are some photos off autotrader where I found the deal:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=32225&endYear=2015&vehicleStyleCodes=HYBEL&modelCode1=FUSION&showcaseOwnerId=576534&startYear=2014&makeCode1=FORD&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&searchRadius=200&showcaseListingId=330474626&trim1=FUSION%7CEnergi+SE+Luxury&mmt=%5BFORD%5BFUSION%5BFUSION%257CEnergi%2BSE%2BLuxury%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=372830659&Log=0

 

I really like the color as it's the same as the car I'm planning to trade in. The only options I really wanted were back up camera and sensors, but it doesn't look like this one has those. I'm willing to overlook those as I believe it's a great deal and I'll be able to take advantage of the EV mode here saving me some money in the longrun. 

[Dan's Energi]

Wow, there's so few Level 2 chargers around Jax, it's great there's going to be more.  Will they be public or private?  Jax is VERY slow on EV's which is one reason why I didn't buy a Leaf. Someday Jax will catch up to Orlando - hopefully.  We've had an EV for 2 years now and really like them.

 

Personally I think you will want the backup camera and sensors but you'll see for yourself once you test drive it.  If they can't help you out email Buddy at Bozard and see what he can do for you.

 

Good luck!

[Aristophean]

Thanks Dan!

 

They are putting the Level 2 chargers downtown in a couple parking garage, one of which I park in for work.

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2014-05-18/story/jacksonville-will-add-two-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-downtown

 

I took the car home last night for a test run and have to go back to the dealer today to make a decision. Didn't get a chance to charge the EV as there is lots of stuff in the garage that I need to move in order to get the car in. Does anybody charge their car outdoors? I'm just curious. I'm going to try to ask for the weekend to use the car and make a decision.

 

All in the, car will be about $27k out the door. I don't find that too bad. It's a base Energi Luxury SE. Thoughts?

 

Thanks!

[murphy]

Since it's used I assume you don't have the window sticker.

Go to this web site and enter the VIN.

 

http://www.researchmaniacs.com/Ford/TrackFactoryCarOrders.html

 

That will display the window sticker which will tell you what the original MSRP was for the car.

 

I got mine in April 2013 and used 29 gallons of gas for the rest of 2013.  So far in 2014 I've used 3.8 gallons of gas.  The majority of my driving is local using just electricity.  Only trips out of town require burning gas.

 

Most level 2 chargers are rated to be installed outdoors.

I have used my level 1 charger outdoors when visiting my brother.

Edited August 8, 2014 at 03:19 PM by murphy
typo

[Aristophean]

Thanks for the link Murphy. I was able to pull up the window sticker. It's a base SE Energi, original MSRP was $35,495. The selling price on the one I'm looking at is $24,892. I'm being offered $16k for my 2010 TSX trade, which I owe about $17k on. So that's rolling in an additional $1k to cost. Good thing is I'm only paying tax on difference between my trade and Energi SE.

 

I'm hesitating because I want to try and find one with backup camera and sensors, possibly push button start (I know might as well get Titanium), but I'm trying to stay as close to $30k as possible.

[Dan's Energi]

I remember that article.  Very cool of CSX to do this.  I just hope folks mind their chargers and get off when they're done.  

 

You're going to love going EV.  What part of town do you live in?  Have you looked at the Volt (40 miles EV) and the Focus EV & Leaf (60-80, maybe more EV but no gas backup engine)?  They're much smaller but have a much better EV range.

 

I got a kick out of the Coggin managers quote.  I have told them time and time again that they need to put a charger or two in somewhere.  They were satisfied when the Town Center put one in, but it's now a pay-for-charge station and those are not cost effective for cars with slower chargers (Energi, C-Max, Volt).  All the dealers put their chargers behind the gate so when they're closed then you're out of luck.

 

Anyway, if you're test driving (BTW they really should have charged it for you) and still leaning towards back up cameras then I'd keep looking.  Ford has some great cash back and financing deals on new vehicles.

[Dan's Energi]

So, what did you decide to do?

[steveparsons]

Check ford rebates as last month they had 4k off in addition to 5k in tax rebates it made it a no brainer for us to buy a new energi Cmax vs. a used one for 20K.

 

[Aristophean]

So I ended up returning the Energi SE. I'm getting a titanium brought in from a dealer in Georgia delivered this week. The titanium will have all the features I originally wanted.

 

Negotiating price currently.

[Dan's Energi]

GREAT!  Only thing I would say you "need" to add is the AC seats.  Best thing since sliced bread IMHO.