Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Webby the Bear on 24 February 2013, 21:36:21

Title: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 24 February 2013, 21:36:21
As per the previous thread I've had a word with the old man and I think we've agreed that we need a new economical car for the type of driving we mainly do. We rarely go on the Mway and we are just literally pootling round town so a ''city car'' is the wat forward for us. 

Firstly unlucky for you lot you're not getting rid of me!  :P :P :P I still consider this forum to be THE car forum and I will be here just as often as I am now but it's highly likely that the old girl will be sold. Not posting ads or anything like that yet as we're going to get a car, run it for a few weeks and THEN sell. Anyway more on that at a later date....

The Panda is what I want if I'm honest but there's not that many autos for sale (has to be an auto). So I'll be keeping my eye on them. Luckily there are lots of Fusions and got my eye on this one in particular....

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201302245475975/sort/default/usedcars/transmission/automatic/model/fusion/make/ford/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/1/radius/1500/postcode/nn37bl?logcode=p

Does anyone know anything about them? The autobox reliable? The car reliable? Known probs?

As in the Panda thread (or Focus thread... can't remember  :-\) we got talking about performance a lot. In all honesty I'm not interested in that. I want an uber reliable car that's fairly cheap to run, is quite comfy and gets warm quick  ;D

Cheers guys.

The Bear

xxx
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Del Boy on 24 February 2013, 21:40:19
1.4 petrol and Auto, it won't be good on fuel at all. Webby honestly if you want an economical car, get a Corsa diesel or an Astra diesel  :y.
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Del Boy on 24 February 2013, 21:44:56
This needs a bit of work body wise, but it'll be a good car, and economical:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201302115283909/sort/default/usedcars/transmission/automatic/fuel-type/diesel/make/vauxhall/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/postcode/tn231ln/radius/1500/page/1?logcode=p

One of these is most certainly your best bet:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201302205424376/sort/default/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/transmission/automatic/model/corsa/make/vauxhall/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/1/postcode/tn231ln/radius/1500?logcode=p
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 24 February 2013, 21:50:04
Thanks Del.

I've read plenty of reviews and they all reckon that 40mpg round town is easily do-able.  :-\
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: omega3000 on 24 February 2013, 22:52:45
I was looking at the fusion a while back , would have suited me well especially now i have the pipe and slippers  ::) but not keen on its looks , its slated for its handling and basic cabin features but guess its ok as a town car  ;)
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 24 February 2013, 23:14:00
I was looking at the fusion a while back , would have suited me well especially now i have the pipe and slippers  ::) but not keen on its looks , its slated for its handling and basic cabin features but guess its ok as a town car  ;)

i personally really like its looks. like a sort of mini jeep  ;D

handling is of no real issue as you say for just toon driving  :y

just really wanting to find out about the autobox in them and the engines  :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: doz on 24 February 2013, 23:16:52
I've had VAG cars for years as daily drivers. It's only recently I've moved over to Ford for the family hack. We've got an S-Max and I have to say the quality is as good as the Alhambra's we've had in the past and the actual dynamics are far better. I'd say if your looking at a Ford you won't be disappointed but do your homework. Most cars are crap in stop start traffic and I doubt your get more than 30 from a 1.4 on a auto box. If you want good MPG around town I'm afraid a Oil burner is the way to go
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: TheBoy on 25 February 2013, 08:02:36
Thanks Del.

I've read plenty of reviews and they all reckon that 40mpg round town is easily do-able.  :-\
I would be surprised if they can do that on a combined.

To get that sort of mpg around town, you need a modern, small manual oil burner I'm afraid.  Though, IIRC, thats not really an option...

*any* auto is going to be a dog on mpg around town.  Last small engined auto I drove for long enough to worry about mpg was a hire car, a 1.6l auto Matrix shitbox. I reckon I managed about 10-12mpg off it.
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 25 February 2013, 08:05:27
I've had VAG cars for years as daily drivers. It's only recently I've moved over to Ford for the family hack. We've got an S-Max and I have to say the quality is as good as the Alhambra's we've had in the past and the actual dynamics are far better. I'd say if your looking at a Ford you won't be disappointed but do your homework. Most cars are crap in stop start traffic and I doubt your get more than 30 from a 1.4 on a auto box. If you want good MPG around town I'm afraid a Oil burner is the way to go

Altogether now, 'oh no there not'

A modern one will die quickly due to the DPF clogging.
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: TheBoy on 25 February 2013, 08:18:57
I've had VAG cars for years as daily drivers. It's only recently I've moved over to Ford for the family hack. We've got an S-Max and I have to say the quality is as good as the Alhambra's we've had in the past and the actual dynamics are far better. I'd say if your looking at a Ford you won't be disappointed but do your homework. Most cars are crap in stop start traffic and I doubt your get more than 30 from a 1.4 on a auto box. If you want good MPG around town I'm afraid a Oil burner is the way to go

Altogether now, 'oh no there not'

A modern one will die quickly due to the DPF clogging.
Well, yes, granted it will need a regular hoofing up the A43/A45.

My point being, urban 40mpg from a "small family" auto is not achievable.


Petrol can be efficient - the stuff that bro is doing looks to be all petrol (or all electric), and his company is all about efficiency.


Electric may open another option in Webby's case, as I'm guessing the distances are realistic for an electric car. But the initial purchase price, coupled with the concerns about change of circumstance, probably makes it (currently) unviable.
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: omega3000 on 25 February 2013, 10:24:55
I've had VAG cars for years as daily drivers. It's only recently I've moved over to Ford for the family hack. We've got an S-Max and I have to say the quality is as good as the Alhambra's we've had in the past and the actual dynamics are far better. I'd say if your looking at a Ford you won't be disappointed but do your homework. Most cars are crap in stop start traffic and I doubt your get more than 30 from a 1.4 on a auto box. If you want good MPG around town I'm afraid a Oil burner is the way to go

Altogether now, 'oh no there not'

A modern one will die quickly due to the DPF clogging.
Well, yes, granted it will need a regular hoofing up the A43/A45.

My point being, urban 40mpg from a "small family" auto is not achievable.


Petrol can be efficient - the stuff that bro is doing looks to be all petrol (or all electric), and his company is all about efficiency.


Electric may open another option in Webby's case, as I'm guessing the distances are realistic for an electric car. But the initial purchase price, coupled with the concerns about change of circumstance, probably makes it (currently) unviable.

His car wont make the distance to the mini meet and back if electric   ;D

Maybe LPG his current car or buy a car with LPG installed already  :-\
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Del Boy on 25 February 2013, 13:54:50
Why not get an older shape Corsa C 1.3 CDTi auto/easytronic? They're still good on fuel, relatively nippy, and reliable, with no DPF to worry about if you go for an 04-56 plate model.
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 25 February 2013, 18:11:52
Thanks for the advice chaps  :y

I looked at those cars (Del's post - cheers mate) and for spending that sort of cash really want to get as tidy a motor as possible and as small cars go I've not seen anything as tidy as the Fusion (Fiestas oddly way more expensive) or the Panda.

Being honest again I don't want a diesel. All the diesels I've been in (including modern ones) apart from a new Passat my mate had (which was gorgeous) have a horrible cabin shudder that I just can't stand.

I've looked at Polos (nasty inside), Fabias (horrible), Fiestas (overpriced), Corsas (just don't like them and fancy a change from Vx) and I refuse to touch anything French (sorry Steve  ;D)
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: omega3000 on 25 February 2013, 19:04:50
Thanks for the advice chaps  :y

I looked at those cars (Del's post - cheers mate) and for spending that sort of cash really want to get as tidy a motor as possible and as small cars go I've not seen anything as tidy as the Fusion (Fiestas oddly way more expensive) or the Panda.

Being honest again I don't want a diesel. All the diesels I've been in (including modern ones) apart from a new Passat my mate had (which was gorgeous) have a horrible cabin shudder that I just can't stand.

I've looked at Polos (nasty inside), Fabias (horrible), Fiestas (overpriced), Corsas (just don't like them and fancy a change from Vx) and I refuse to touch anything French (sorry Steve  ;D)

 No worries webman  ;D :y Ive not found any bolts made of cheese yet but i think the car is made of un rustable tissue paper which is good for fuel consumption  :P :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 25 February 2013, 19:22:23
found this site... it suggests the cambelt on a fusion is every 100000 miles  :y

http://www.mytimingbelt.com/Results.aspx?ModelId=232
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 25 February 2013, 20:01:11
....actually just noticed  ::) 100k miles OR 8 years... so would be due if 04 plate ::)
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: doz on 25 February 2013, 20:06:34
S-max is 100k or 10 years. It will be long gone before that needs doing  ;)
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: BazaJT on 25 February 2013, 20:32:41
There were three gearbox options available on the Fusion.A manual box,"ordinary" auto and a tiptronic type[I forget what Ford called it].Petrol or diesel engines and a variety of model options,Fusion,Fusion + and I think Titanium,leather upholstery could be had as could "privacy"glass to the rear doors,rear quarter windows and rear window.
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 25 February 2013, 20:40:31
Thanks guys.

All the boxes are advertised as semi-autos.

It appears that they're all coil-per-plug too  :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 25 February 2013, 21:06:44
theres one car with only 35k miles on an 04 plate... no cambelt done though. would you guys still buy it and then do the cambelt or leave it based on the very low milege?  :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: martin42 on 25 February 2013, 21:14:07
tbh i would do cambelt,and full service,that way you know whats been done from the 1st day youve owned it
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 25 February 2013, 21:17:02
tbh i would do cambelt,and full service,that way you know whats been done from the 1st day youve owned it

thanks martin. would you do a replacement even with history?  :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: martin42 on 25 February 2013, 21:19:01
yes,you cant trust main dealers as far as you could throw the service manager,
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 25 February 2013, 21:29:41
yes,you cant trust main dealers as far as you could throw the service manager,

 :y

fancy helping me do it on an OOFing Sunday?  ill pay you of course... it would just really be a ''supervision'' as i'd like to do it myself  :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: martin42 on 25 February 2013, 21:32:57
what car will it be on?
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 25 February 2013, 21:37:33
what car will it be on?

53/54 ford fusion...

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201302245475975/sort/default/usedcars/transmission/automatic/model/fusion/make/ford/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/radius/1501/postcode/nn37bl/page/1?logcode=p

 :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: martin42 on 25 February 2013, 21:51:47
need cam locking kit,cam cover gasket,aux belt,use a gates cambelt kit cheaper and it is an oe part as fords use them,gates are not allowed to use the ford logo tho,5/30 semi/fully synthetic oil,asda fully synthetic is really good and about £20,plugs are about £30 ish for 4,oil/air and pollen filter :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 25 February 2013, 22:00:13
need cam locking kit,cam cover gasket,aux belt,use a gates cambelt kit cheaper and it is an oe part as fords use them,gates are not allowed to use the ford logo tho,5/30 semi/fully synthetic oil,asda fully synthetic is really good and about £20,plugs are about £30 ish for 4,oil/air and pollen filter :y

nice one mate  :y cam cover gasket need to be replaced when timing belt done?  :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 25 February 2013, 22:02:25
....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Fusion-Fiesta-Camshaft-Engine-Locking-Tool-/350500430921#vi-content

 :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: martin42 on 25 February 2013, 22:14:03
il borrow it when i do my camblet  :D :D
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: henryd on 25 February 2013, 22:32:48
need cam locking kit,cam cover gasket,aux belt,use a gates cambelt kit cheaper and it is an oe part as fords use them,gates are not allowed to use the ford logo tho,5/30 semi/fully synthetic oil,asda fully synthetic is really good and about £20,plugs are about £30 ish for 4,oil/air and pollen filter :y

nice one mate  :y cam cover gasket need to be replaced when timing belt done?  :y

Yep,cover needs to come off to insert setting bar to cams  :y,no timing marks at all on the 1.4.
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: omega3000 on 25 February 2013, 22:56:31
The 4 pot club  ::) ;D While your doing the service on the fusion ill start the head gasket on the pug  :(
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: martin42 on 25 February 2013, 22:59:26
you killed it already steve  :D :D :D
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 27 February 2013, 18:37:34
on the research list i've found out that the water pump is aux belt driven... however the ones from 56 plate onwards were timing belt driven... glad ill be gettin the older one lol

as a matter of pure interest.... as i've heard there's no timing marks on the block or sprockets... i presume i'd get it to TDC using the tissue method and lock it using the cam and crank lock tools.... as opposed to the omega which you cant really go wrong with the help of the marks?  :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: henryd on 27 February 2013, 18:50:41
on the research list i've found out that the water pump is aux belt driven... however the ones from 56 plate onwards were timing belt driven... glad ill be gettin the older one lol

as a matter of pure interest.... as i've heard there's no timing marks on the block or sprockets... i presume i'd get it to TDC using the tissue method and lock it using the cam and crank lock tools.... as opposed to the omega which you cant really go wrong with the help of the marks?  :y

To find top dead you remove top rocker cover and line up cam slots,then back off slightly and fit timing pin to block and gently wind crank up to touch :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 27 February 2013, 18:55:23
on the research list i've found out that the water pump is aux belt driven... however the ones from 56 plate onwards were timing belt driven... glad ill be gettin the older one lol

as a matter of pure interest.... as i've heard there's no timing marks on the block or sprockets... i presume i'd get it to TDC using the tissue method and lock it using the cam and crank lock tools.... as opposed to the omega which you cant really go wrong with the help of the marks?  :y

To find top dead you remove top rocker cover and line up cam slots,then back off slightly and fit timing pin to block and gently wind crank up to touch :y

oh i see... i didnt realise there were slots on the cams.... is this at the back of the camshafts or on the sprockets themselves?

think martins going to help me but i just wanted an idea myself  :y

ill search for a youtube vid for a similar engine as the fusion in particular isnt on there :(
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: henryd on 27 February 2013, 21:38:42
on the research list i've found out that the water pump is aux belt driven... however the ones from 56 plate onwards were timing belt driven... glad ill be gettin the older one lol

as a matter of pure interest.... as i've heard there's no timing marks on the block or sprockets... i presume i'd get it to TDC using the tissue method and lock it using the cam and crank lock tools.... as opposed to the omega which you cant really go wrong with the help of the marks?  :y

To find top dead you remove top rocker cover and line up cam slots,then back off slightly and fit timing pin to block and gently wind crank up to touch :y

oh i see... i didnt realise there were slots on the cams.... is this at the back of the camshafts or on the sprockets themselves?

think martins going to help me but i just wanted an idea myself  :y

ill search for a youtube vid for a similar engine as the fusion in particular isnt on there :(

Back of camshafts (gearbox end ),the slots are slightly off centre and when bar is fitted correctly setting bar is touching head and slotted into both cams :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Radar on 27 February 2013, 21:51:15
Slight different but i have a 03 fiesta 1.4 petrol manual - does close to 40 around town and 45 on motorway.On the forum i sometimes visit they recommend 5 yrs for cambelt changes. i had no record of it being done but did it last september with water pump and full service for £350 ish.

Nice little car - fusion is not much bigger in reality but i understand how it would be cheaper.
Reckon you would get around 30 around town. Owned it for 21/2 years and the only thing i needed to do was buy modified washer jets (£2.50 each) as water can drip onto spark plugs/coil pack and rust them up and reconnect a swicth for heated front screen. fiestaownersclub.com could give some pointers. hth. Can get genuine parts from paynes of hinkley on the old egay site.

There was a guy down my road selling a mint fusion over christmas but i think its gone now - i had a good look round it as it was on the school run and was very nice - if its still there i will let you know.
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: martin42 on 27 February 2013, 22:33:59
there is an excellent guide on pumapeople.com,although it covers the 1.7 vct engine its basically the same engine without vct
Also thats the reason you need to remove cam cover,locate bar in slots in cams as stated and the pin goes into a hole to lock crankshaft so its all timed up right :y
Title: Re: In addition to the Panda thread.... what do you think of Ford Fusions?
Post by: Radar on 27 February 2013, 22:34:07
Do a Google "Ford Etis" search and go to vehicle section. It can give some useful info. too -