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CheesyRider

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Posts posted by CheesyRider

  1. Today I finally installed my H-Spoke wheels. I'm not sure how accurate my scale is, but the standard SE wheels weigh 48.6 lbs each, and the H-Spokes weigh 53.0 lbs each.

     

    Last week, when the weather was in the 60s my wife got a 39mpg average when the car was only used for her work commute. We'll have similar weather this week, so I'm curious to see how the new wheels affect the mileage.

     

    Unfortunately the car is dirty and I didn't get a chance to take nice outdoor photos, but here it is:

    img5674dw.jpg

     

     

  2. Hey, a flight or drive to MN is cheaper than buying a car I would be uncomfortable driving! I may be crazy enough to take you up on that!

     

     

    Man, just a nice 2000 mile cruise!

     

    Or, just do what I did. Order one and test drive it when it comes in. I was under no obligation to buy and would have gotten my deposit back if I didn't like it. Another option is to keep your eye on Cars.com. Unfortunately, right now, the closest one with a photo to confirm it is indeed a manual is nearly 900 miles away from you. But, if you prefer, feel free to swing by. I love visitors!

     

    That's too funny. That is THE car I test drove and then ordered one promptly. Wasn't crazy about the ruby red and radar options on that one. I ordered a ginger ale with the dune interior and black wheels. Thought it would look sharp. Unfortunately Ford "balanced out" the color right after I ordered so I had to change to sterling grey with black leather. kept wheels. I LOVE it and the mileage is great. I think it has enough power though it would be more fun with a bigger motor.

     

    I think you dodged a bullet with that one. I saw a sterling grey with black wheels when I was getting my oil changed at the dealer. It looked awesome!

  3. Thanks everybody for your input. I was wondering how tall the people who have the manual transmission are? I just wish i could test drive one, but know thats impossible. i am 6'1", but think have longer legs in general. We rented a 2013 for a recent long road trip, and i was able to get really comfortable with my distance from the pedals with the auto. Im worried that i will need to move the seat forward to have the ability to depress the clutch all the way, which makes the angle of my right foot on the gas/brake not very comfortable.

     

    I'm 5'11" and find the distance from the pedals to be quite good. I understand your concern. The current generation Subaru Outback/Legacy was quite comfortable for me with the auto trans, but the manual version was not due to how far forward the seat needs to go in order to push the clutch pedal all the way in.

  4. I vote for the 1.6 manual. No surprise as that is the one I own. I have yet to see a review where the 1.6 didn't come out on top as the most fun to drive in spite of less power than the 2.0.

     

    I wouldn't worry about resale. The most I've ever lost selling a manual compared to an auto is about $1000. Well worth the price. In fact, one car I had sold for more than an equivalent auto would have gone for. I wouldn't be surprised if that would also hold true for the Fusion. Since it is so rare, people may seek them out.

     

    I don't think parts availability in the future is going to be a problem. Even though it looks like the engine may have a short run, they've made a lot of them. I seem to remember reading that the same manual transmission is used in the Focus and other makes including Mini. Plus, other than a slight chance on needing a new clutch at some point, it is unlikely you'll ever need to do any manual transmission repairs.

     

    The mileage difference may be larger that EPA numbers indicate. It seems everyone with a manual is happy with their mileage, but a lot of 2.0 owners complain.

     

    If you can't get over the power difference, you could consider other cars with more power and a manual. Maybe a new or used Regal, ATS, or CTS?

    • Like 2
  5.  

    I paid $1400 for the H-Spokes and tires, including shipping to my house. I bought these.

     

    Congrats! I think they're the best looking wheels available for the Fusion. I plan on putting mine on soon, but I'm waiting until the potholes around here get filled.

     

    I may have missed it, but did you have to do anything special to keep the tire pressure light from turning on? On my last car the senors on new wheels were automatically recognized.

  6. I just filled up yesterday. I thought I was going to get my first 35mpg tank, but some downtown Minneapolis driving caused it to fall to 34.3. When I filled up my estimated range was about 560 miles. Eat your heart out hybrids!

    img5601n.jpg

    This was with about 80% highway, 20% city. Morning commute temp mostly low 20s with afternoon commute temp in low to mid 30s.

    • Like 2
  7. Fuel economy continues to climb for my car. It looks like I'll probably average over 35 mpg for an entire tank with my next fill up. High temps have been mostly in the 30s around here. Once warmer weather gets here, even with a switch to 19" wheels, I won't be surprised if I see over 37 mpg for an an entire tank. I'm still perplexed as to why the auto trans Fusions aren't doing better.

  8. Thanks. That must be in his signature? I usually use the forum iPad app, which does not show the signatures. I was hoping Cheesy put his rims on a hybrid so he can tell me how it affected his gas mileage.

    No hybrid here. It's my actually my wife's car and she refuses to buy an automatic. She loves a good stick! Anyways, I haven't put the 19" wheels on yet. I'm waiting until spring. I've had bad luck in the past with low profile Continentals and Minnesota potholes. When I do put them on, I'm going weigh them to see how much heavier they are than the stock 17s and I'll report on how much the mileage goes down.

  9. Makes sense if you dont have your fusion yet, but 2 weeks for those that do, may seem like a bit of a wait to save $5-10. Autoanything says they will ship in 1-2 days, so i am guessing less than a week for delivery.

     

    Looks like only two days for me. I ordered today and they've already shipped. Tracking shows a Saturday 3/2 ETA. That's really fast for free shipping.

    • Like 1
  10. I could not find a Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) tire in a 235/40 R19 on TireRack. Anyone know if they are even manufactured in this size?

    I don't think so. I've looked around and there are very few tires of any kind offered in that size. I imagine it will be a year or two before a decent variety of tires is available.

     

    Wow, that's a steal for those. From the dealer you'd be looking at $600 per rim alone.

     

    It's not a bad deal considering how infrequently they show up. I think i paid $1400 for mine including tires, tpms, balancing, and shipping. I noticed the same seller also has them listed on Ebay for $799 plus $99 shipping.

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