wnyvet

CR's overall MPG was listed the same for the Camry Hybrid, and for the FFH, at 34MPG. :kissass: In approaching my first full month driving my 2010 FFH, my overall just hit 41.0 today. This is attributed to gaining experience about what the technology does, and learning how to tweek out improved performance, without what could be considered serious hypermiling. The fuel economy is getting better all of the time.

I dunno if it's just me, but ever since I took possession of that 2010 FFH on July 8th, I've had continual cravings for burrito's. tequila :tequila: and a siesta. :boring:

I believe that Ford's producing 25k FFH's this year. I'm just wondering how to determine the production number of mine? Thanks!

http://autos.aol.com/cars-Ford-Fusion+Hybr...-15000/state-US That chart shows cost of ownership for the 2010 Fusion Hybrid. Note, that the average annual cost of insurance is $1205.60, with a five-year average of $6028. These show the same: http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:OzSfFw...=clnk&gl=us http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?l=1...f=5744&p=37 http://www.internetautoguide.com/cost-of-o.../882/index.html shows $1568 per year/$7840 total five years. Motor Trends assessment of the average cost of ownership http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2010/ford/f...ship/index.html is even worse ($1741.10 per year/$8707 five years), as is: http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehic...010/Ford/Fusion, http://www.automobilemag.com/am/99/2010/fo...ship_costs.html http://autos.yahoo.com/2010_ford_fusion_hybrid_sedan-price/ is much better at $963/$4816. Edmunds doesn't have figures yet for the hybrid, so I used a 2009 I-4 SEL 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5A) to get a rough idea http://www.edmunds.com/new/2009/ford/fusio...849&vdp=off and it came to $1401/$7006. Suddenly, my 28.5% rate increase of $124, to a whopping $560 per year, seems much more acceptable :happy feet: Such is the cost to get behind the wheel of my 2010 Fusion Hybrid.

Very interesting, indeed. But what's the final figure? Congratulations to all of those, who've managed to maintain a current rate of insurance, and especially those who obtained an even lower rate, and REFUND :banvictory: Surely I'm not the only one with a $124 annual rate increase. Or maybe I am . I dunno, maybe I better go ahead and call around for rates. Suppose I could always just go back and re-trade for the old '97 Accord :shrug: ........nah, I'll happily pay an extra $124 for my new ride :flexing:

Regarding insurance, you're absolutely correct, good friend. :D I mentioned as much ("replaced a '97 Accord, with a street value of about one-fifth of the Fusion Hybrid. Naturally the rate would increase, as the replacement cost is significantly higher"). In a total loss of both, it would cost the insurer much more to replace the Fusion than the Accord ($5k versus $30k), hence, a higher premium. Simple. Nothing's changed at all in my personal circumstances. Still earn each and every discount that's available. Still maintain a flawless driving record. Still have immaculate, debt-free credit history. Same coverage, except that I actually INCREASED the deductible, to stymie an insurance hike. I'm no more of a driving risk now, than when I drove the Accord for nearly 13 years. The subsequent rate increase is soley based upon the value of the Fusion Hybrid, versus that of the Accord. Insurance ain't rocket science. Indirectly, though, all of that expensive technology has EVERYTHING to do with the end-result, which was meant when wondering "how much of a premium is paid for all of that expensive technology built into the car?". Due to the IMPACT of that technology, the hybrid's significantly costlier than it's 4-banger, non-hybrid sibling. Taking that all into consideration, I'm not upset at all with the 28.5% insurance hike, paying $560 per year for the 2010 Fusion Hybrid, versus $436 for the '97 Accord. You seriously think that I should be, and do you suppose that it might be my best interest to shop around for a better deal? thanks.

Was a little concerned for a minute there :unsure: , but now the verdict is in. I had predicted a 20% increase in my insurance rate, but it went up 28.5%. That's not entirely bad, as it's replacing a '97 Accord, which had a street value of about one-fifth of the Fusion Hybrid. Naturally the rate would increase, as the replacement cost is significantly higher. :yup: Now I'm paying a whopping $560 a year.

Thanks for the great info, Michael! Just checked, but could not find where you got the $785 deal at Floods? Maybe it's a territorial discount of sorts? Based upon the charts I looked at, and considering a new 2010 Fusion in TN: PremiumCare 7 Year/60k miles/$50 deductible: Troy $865 ($20 winner) Flood $885 PremiumCare 7 Year/60k miles/$100 deductible: Troy $865 Flood $835 ($30 winner) PremiumCare 7 Year/100k miles/$50 deductible: Troy $1260 ($95 winner) Flood $1355 PremiumCare 7 Year/100k miles /$100 deductible: Troy $1260 Flood $1230 ($30 winner)

Without trying to :beatdeadhorse: , I got this follow-up email today from Ford, verifying what we'd already pretty much concluded: "Dear Sir, I have researched your inquiry further and I apologize for the delay in my response. Please be advised that the Ford Extended Service Plan (ESP) Troy Ford is selling, are authorized Ford ESP contracts. I apologize for my previous miscommunication, and hope that this incident has not tarnished your loyalty to Ford Motor Company. Once again, we appreciate your inquiry and would like you to know, it is always a pleasure to be of assistance to enthusiastic and loyal Ford customers such as yourself. Sincerely, Julienne Customer Relationship Center Ford Motor Company" That was certainly very nice of them to accept ownership of, and retract their initial, miscommunicated statement, which originally contradicted the validity of a dealers ESP. Of course my loyalty remains untarnished. Quite the contrary; I respect and appreciate that they demonstrated initiative and the concern to follow through with a matter that may have been outside of their normal realm of responsibility. Anyone interested in a decent-priced ESP, check out http://www.troy-ford-extended-warranty.com/

Hey bbf2530, I know that you're trying to help. You did help, you are continuing to do so, and I THANK YOU, once again. Honestly, did not intend for my posting to sound confrontational towards you personally, in any way. I understand wholeheartedly where you came from. For the record, I wasn't attempting to debate, either. Rather, just expressed my thoughts aloud, in general, about an issue that was probably just a simple misunderstanding between that Ford Rep, and I. Never should have brought it public, in the first place. Should'a just initially asked if anyone bought that ESP product from Troy, and if so, were they satisfied that it was Ford-backed, and not an independent. Upon further review from that site (yes, the one you mentioned), it certainly does look legit. My initial cynicism resulted from a price comparison amongst a few of the ESP's I found on the web. Troy's is advertised below all those I found, and way, waaaay lower than those advertised at Ford's site ($580 less, for the 7 year/100k deal). Just sounded too good to be true. Rest assured, I'm more than capable of handling life's challenges on my own. However, I admittedly got caught up in the exuberance of my awesome new ride, and this wonderful forum, and thought I'd lean on some fellow comrades for support. Sorry that I apparently (unintentionally) stepped on your toes, sir. I've ranted long enough. Over and out.

Thanks very much for your patient explanation, bbf2530, and for offering another interesting perspective. I'll be sure to take your advice. I didn't realize that I shouldn't have asked Ford to verify the validity of their dealers ESP product. I just assumed that since it's their $30k-plus, end-product, that they'd be eager and cooperative, to provide ACCURATE info, and that they'd have a keen interest to guarantee the accuracy and validity of such a significant by-product being sold, in support of their vehicles (I mean, we're talking about a one thousand dollar-plus, warranty, not a spark plug, or tire). Since they have absolutely no responsibility in doing so, as you pointed out, then perhaps they should simply have stated so, end of discussion, INSTEAD of possibly giving misinformation that could unfairly compromise business for their dealerships, who are trying to earn a living by selling ESP Plans, and more importantly, are a major, significant by-product that does support their Ford vehicles, and their Ford customers. In the end, and in the name of good business ethics, it's all about customer satisfaction, not just the bottom-line of business' competing for a sale of an ESP Plan. At least from my perspective.

Took possession last week of a FFH, and admit to one small oversight (never obtained an insurance quote). :shrug: I'll find out soon enough, after the policy statement arrives. In the meantime, am interested to know how much of a premium is paid for all of that expensive technology built into the car? Should I expect a 20% increase in the cost of insurance? Thanks in advance.

Haven't decided to buy an ESP yet, but did some research. The price of the plans really do vary, though. For example: the ESP's sold at Troy Ford, in OH, are much less expensive than the one's sold at Ford's main ESP site. However, I can't get corporate Ford to acknowledge that Troy Ford sells a Ford-backed ESP, accepted at any/all Ford dealerships. Matter of fact, they've stated the contrary, by stating that it's an independent plan, only available for use at that specific dealership. That is in direct contrast to everything stated at Troy Ford's site, and the guy I spoke with who works there. It would be irresponsible of me, to make that big-ticket purchase, without verification from Ford, first. It shouldn't be a problem for corporate Ford to simply verify that information, after all, there's a lot of cash involved. The disinformation is rather disheartening.

Last week, I took possession of the hybrid. You're wise to prepare yourself ahead of time, as there's a lot of technology involved. Unfortunately, gas without 10% ethanol is getting nearly impossible to find around here, anymore. Last month, my Exxon stopped selling 100% gas. Lucky for us, that we can travel much farther now without needing to put liquid-corn into the tank, Enjoy your new ride!

Thanks, everyone, for the insight, comments, and for the kind words. Yesterday, I did receive an X-Plan pin from a very thoughtful employee (thanks very much, Andy!). I'm extremely thankful and appreciative for the thoughtfulness and assistance. Now I'll learn how receptive dealers are to Ford's X-Plan program. Hopefully, there's a cooperative dealer who will support the program for a Fusion Hybrid, they'll respect the methods that Ford's incorporated into the program, and it might eliminate all of the typical dealership shenanigans. How about this Veteran, driving off of a Ford lot, in a brand new 2010 Fusion Hybrid, on the 4th of July, 2009! How appropriate is that! This is an incredible forum. Best wishes to everyone for continued success at Ford. Dan

Dear Ford Motor Company, I believe that all US Military Veterans should be included as friends under your x-plan pricing, especially Retired Vets! The $500 rebate for active duty members is a start, but how about Retired Vets? The inclusion of US Veterans under that plan would speak volumes for Ford's sincere appreciation and respect for the sacrifices and contributions that we Veterans have made for our country. Haven't we sacrificed enough, to be considered as contributors to the success of the Ford Motor Company? Without us, there would be no Ford Motor Company, and everyone would be driving BMW's, VW's, Honda's, and Toyota's. Plus we'd all be speaking German or Japanese. Thank you very much for listening. Sincerely, Dan PS - I'm more than ready to help stimulate the US economy, and the Ford Motor Company. I'd purchase a 2010 Fusion Hybrid today, but could surely use the help of x-plan pricing, to make it happen.