GapBoyPCS

Testing is one thing. Media ops are another. Usually these vehicles have to be "shipped back" to their originating country at some point (at least that's my understanding). Auto manufacturers have some leeway in bringing cars over to the US for limited testing. If I recall, there were some last generation RS tooling about HQ a few years ago.

I'm still on the hunt. Just an FYI: Ford.ca is allowing people to price out a 2010, and the Employee Pricing sale applies. Fordvehicles.com looks like it's in the middle of updating its site to include it on its Build & Price site. The image doesn't come up 100%, but it looks like info is available.

I always tell people keep in mind how much you want to spend and what you want your tires to do when replacing them. Are you planning to run them all year around? Any snow duties? Purely rain and sun? How much do you plan to spend?

I was talking to a local Canadian dealer today and found out the Build Sheet is now out for 2010. I was interested in the SES sedan, and noted two things: - MyKey; and - Unique front and rear fascias To those in the know: Is it safe to assume that the SES sedan will get the same treatment as the coupes? I was also told Ford is building the 2010s in July? Any ideas on when pricing will be released? Given that the European one will come over, will the 2010 just run from July 09 into Dec 10? Or will a really short '10.5 or '11 roll out before the European model comes?

I think a differentiation has to be made: Are the covers on the lug nuts coming off (so a plastic cap comes off but the actual nut and tire still stay in place), or are we actually talking the lug nut spinning or coming right off allowing a tire to come off)? The cap coming off isn't much of a problem because the tapered base of the nut still should be there holding the wheel...but the problem is finding the right socket to get that nut tight or loose (it can create a problem trying to get the nut off in an emergency situation because now the nut is "smaller" without the cap than with it). After about three years of ownership, I had two of the caps coming off. My tire retailer had some solid, one-piece nuts (non-capped), which fit (12 x 1.5, I believe), and I replaced all my nuts to one-piece. For longevity, I recommend McGard or Gorilla branded nuts (McGard makes the Ford Accessories locking nuts).

I had to go into my local dealer for it, but I was unable to get a copy -- only see it on the salesperson's screen. There wasn't much difference to the US version. From what I understand, the running change is an interior trunk release.

Thanks. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to have a Sport quoted up. I only had the dealer quote me up the SEL I-4 with the automatic. Their optioning system didn't show the 18-inch wheels as an option I'm still reeling from sticker shock (over $30K with every single option).

Related note/question: Does anyone have access or know about the Canadian options? I'm hearing some limited packaging options (like AWD only being sold as Sport models).

That's probably the same article I read. Assuming the I-4 will suit my needs and feel behind the wheel, I'm just wondering whether it'd be worthwhile (mainly from the $ side) to hold off a few months to get the feature. I can see it being useful when I have to slow down for an off-ramp or traffic jams (despite all efforts to drive to the conditions, looking ahead, blah blah blah).

I drive in a similar manner (I average about 30,000 miles a year). The dealers whom I get my services from all suggest that it's not worth it for mainly highway driving. As for maintenance, one dealer advised me there are scenarios where you will need two service technicians: one who conducts the work; and the other who holds the grounding strap/pole. That could mean there are times a more complex repair will require a higher labour. To the OP: Thanks for posting the guide. It's looking that I might get a Fusion SEL. The one thing I'm just wondering is Ford stated they would have some sort of fuel management system where aggressive deceleration will cause the fuel to be cut off, and that would be available later in 2010. Is there any rumblings about when exactly that will come into production?

I was wondering the same thing. That being said, I have the Mach HIDs in my Focus and they've proven to be a mixed bag. They're great when they are working. But when the bulbs or ballast go on you, it's a pretty hefty bill. Back to topic, does anyone have any inkling on Canadian pricing, especially the SEL I4 with the Sport Appearance Package? It looks like that might be the car that holds me over until the new Focus comes to market.

I'm in a similar boat. Any info on the 09 ordering guide will be greatly appreciated. Based on Autoblog (link), stability control is standard. If the rear headrests are there as well, I think I'm going for a 2009.