[PatienceWins]

Great choice!! I love this car for its practicality, power and space.

Please do keep us updated about the after sales service.

[balajird]

Glifford, Congrats on your purchase (i bumped in to this thread after your reply to the "ford fusion a super hatch" thread. Please do update us on your maintenance expenses and your service centre experience.

[NIP]

Dont know how i had missed this thread before. I think you have a beautiful car in pristine condition and the 1.6 goes like stink ! enjoy maadi

[Glifford]

Originally Posted by balajird

Glifford, Congrats on your purchase (i bumped in to this thread after your reply to the "ford fusion a super hatch" thread. Please do update us on your maintenance expenses and your service centre experience.

Originally Posted by PatienceWins

Great choice!! I love this car for its practicality, power and space.

Please do keep us updated about the after sales service.

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

Do keep us informed about the maintanance costs. I heard that the costs are high and some spares are difficult to get.

Thanks guys and sorry for the delay in updating. I got the car because of this forum and I ought to give back in form of information about the car . So will post some posts (originally posted on the Ford Fusion Yahoo Group). Some of them are dated (about 2 months) but nevertheless convey important information about usage experience:

The first section below explains the space in the car and one common complaint about the car (esp. older version). Black (cosmetic) plastic covers from the B-pillar on the doors just flying off! Read on:


Over weekend of 24-Apr-2009 to 19-Apr-2009 (Election day in Bangalore onward) we had a jolly good time in the Fusion and it proved its worth! Had cousins and kids come over and we were a bunch of 8 needing to be transported in and around Bangalore together! That was 4 adults and 4 kids (by age, make it 5 adults and 3 kids by weight ). Of course I was in no mood to hire another vehicle to do the job while the Fusion was there!

So in preparation had bought a couple of plastic stools (one 8" tall, one 12" tall) to seat the two youngest kids in the boot. After some experimentation they found that sitting on the stools was kinda inconvenient except for the smallest. So we made a larger kid/adult sit alone in the boot with a bedsheet and the rest squeezed up in front! The person behind really enjoyed the place finding it very comfy and often dozed off to sleep.

The Fusion was loaded in all respects. And I did have to set the AC higher than we normally would. Still it cooled. I never saw the rear so low and the rear tyres so deep inside the wheel arch! And guess what! I did manage to scape the bottom on more than a couple of road humps! Yes, even with that 198 ground clearance! After the first, I was careful, but still it happened! Came as a shock! (Learned later that I was braking after the front axle had crossed the bump, this could have increased chances of scraping)

Made two long(ish) trips outta town. One evening to Nandi hills (reached beyond dusk) and it pulled up those slopes effortlessly (my first ghat driving experience in the car). This was the first trip I managed to push the Fusion beyond 100 kmph (call me a sissy, it took around 2000 km or driving experience on the car to do that).

The next trip was to Mysore! Pushed beyond 120kmph this time around. Very often on public demand since they found me a very defensive driver, sticking to the rules, even nonexistent ones!

It was then this thing happened! Suddenly heard a click behind me, something like the central locking, locking in (even though it was locked). Asked nephew behind me what he was upto, he was dozing to be up to any mischief! I didn't look back in the rear view mirror! My mistake! Realised only an hour (and several km) later as we walked back from the Gumbaz at Srirangapattana! It was of the B-pillar on the driver side front door! Sigh! If only I had noticed it fly and had picked it up!

Now I feel like kicking myself in the foot! If only I had looked at the RVM instead of asking the nephew! Now that strip must be there somewhere between Mandya and Mysore all crushed. Will have to procure a new one if they have stock during service this week*! Sigh! And once I see how they fix it, will remove the rest and refix*. Infact the passenger side rear door has it slightly out of place, but that never flew!

Overall they had a great trip and loved the car. Cousin even tried her hand at driving it (she normally drives Scorpios/Boleros) and was impressed! They liked how much space inside a small car (on the outside) can manage! The final trip to drop them back to the bus station was fun with all the luggage (and lesser passengers).

* Update: Did get it replaced. Read details in the service post coming up next.

[bblost]

With all due respect to you Sir.

You put the health of a young child in jeopardy.
Carrying anyone in the boot is extremely risky.
More so on a highway, with higher speeds.
I dont mean your driving is bad. But a lot of crazy speeds on the highway by other vehicles puts your car at risk.

[Glifford]

Originally Posted by bblost

You put the health of a young child in jeopardy.
Carrying anyone in the boot is extremely risky.
More so on a highway, with higher speeds.
I dont mean your driving is bad. But a lot of crazy speeds on the highway by other vehicles puts your car at risk.

I knew that was coming And point accepted.

That said, the Fusion is more of a Station Wagon, SUV than a hatch. So a person in the last row seats is as vulnerable as in the back (side benches) of a Sumo, Armada or Gypsy.

Front facing last row seats like in a Innova, Xylo, Scorpio are only marginally safer? Where are the crumple zones in these too.

That said, I agree it was not the best thing to do. But as we often do, it was a case of "simply adjust maadi".

[balajird]

By any chance did you took a snap of the B pillar after the plastic has flown off? And, is it not feeling loose while cleaning the car? Any idea how it had happened?

[Glifford]

Originally Posted by balajird

By any chance did you took a snap of the B pillar after the plastic has flown off?

I am sorry, I don't think I have. It was not a nice sight to see So was not too keen in photographing it. It left three holes in the steel door frame open. I had covered them with tape so that water does not enter in the rains. I serviced it about 15 days after it flew.

Originally Posted by balajird

And, is it not feeling loose while cleaning the car? Any idea how it had happened?

It was not loose at all when cleaning.

This is how it happened. The black plastic cover is fixed (using some glue) to three white plastic lugs that snap fit into the door frame (holes).

Now the Indian heat is not the best thing for these cars (esp. the Older version that was much more EU spec than the current one). This caused the glue to deteriorate and slowly loose grip! Finally when buffeted by good wind speed it just gives way and flies off.

The three white plastic lugs remain in the door. Simple!

[balajird]

ohh, sorry to hear about that, hope those three holes didnt leave a big hole in your pocket , do share your experience with the service centre folks

[Glifford]

Originally Posted by balajird

ohh, sorry to hear about that, hope those three holes didnt leave a big hole in your pocket , do share your experience with the service centre folks

Well this post is my pre-service list. Don't get worried that it was too long. It actually was my first service on a used (but well maintained) car. And I am scrupulous in my observation hence the list seems inflated. Read on:

__________________________________
At first I was confused where to take her. Metro was closest to me, but after reading so many horror stories on Team BHP and veterans on the Fusion Group, I was inclined to Lathangi even though it was far-ish. Then after reading Rajesh's experience at Lathangi, I was left with a choice between the devil and the deep sea. So for pure convenience I chose Metro-Lingarajpuram (for pure proximity reasons to my Fraser town residence), nothing else! I had just made an appointment for Saturday morning!

Now here are the list of issues that needed fixing (please see information in brackets too):

1 Spare Needed: Black strip on Driver side door B-Pillar (that flew off recently). (When Metro Lingarajpuram called up to confirm the appointment, I asked if they had the part. She took a while and came back and said. Yes sir, we have it in stock. How much? 2000/- (First shock of owning a Ford). Sigh! I can cut a black acrylic piece and fabricate it for less! Were they cheating me?

Then called Lathangi and asked. They say 1,350 odd! Wow! Now whom do I trust???)
2 Spare Needed: Front left mudflap missing (causes most of the dirt to fly on passenger doors since the left side dips off the road most often. Will I get it as a single piece or I need to buy the entire set?) (When speaking to Lathangi, I asked for this part too. They said. Not available as a single piece! Sigh! Comes as a set of 4. Cost 1,100/- Wow! Second shock!)
3 Spare Needed: Front left suspension strut cover missing (check attached image. Is it there in your vehicles?)
4 Spare Needed: Rubber beading joint on bottom-left (passenger side) corner of front windscreen missing (Hope I get this)
5 Fix: Handbrake not gripping (tighten)
6 Fix: AC Vents clean, smell
7 Fix: Hanging 'Volvo' wire/fuse behind the glovebox
8 Fix: Front bumper loose on passenger side
9 Fix: Steering makes hissing/grating sound when turned to full lock (Both left side and right, does it happen in your cars?)
10 Fix: Engine sometimes does dies immediately after cranking esp. when the engine is warm (happens atleast a couple of times). Just refuses to idle. Like a traffic signal. (when not depressing the accelerator, you are not supposed to anyway.) Almost never happens when cold. Big issue at some signals. Happens about once in every 3-4
trips of the car.
11 Only If Needed: Small Dimple (on rear hatch) fix if needed. Else ignore
12 Only If Needed: Wheel balancing/alignment if needed
13 Only If Needed: Clutch hard
14 Only If Needed: Check gear lever feel.

I was happy that I managed to knock off a couple of stuff myself from the list, like 1. Replacing Stereo and 2. Rear 60% split not dropping as latch was jammed.

Now a series of questions. Esp. this was the first time I am taking (any) car for service.. ever!

1. How long will all this take? Including a wash and routine service (including oil-change and stuff)? Possible in a day?
2. Can I trust them to a tank full of fuel? (as if I have a choice?). Had just tanked up before the service.
3. What all do I need to take out of the car before handing it over?
4. Finally (this is a biggie). I am extremely possessive about my stuff (almost like an OCD). This means I hate handing it over to others. Can I stand besides the car observing all that they do (even from a personal interest viewpoint) during the day? I did this for a couple of years for my bikes till I gained trust in the service station. Will they let me on to their shop floor?

The last thing I wanted them to do is carelessly put yet another scratch or dent on the car as I have read on so many occasions.
__________________________________

Actual service experience comes next.

[balajird]

wow, thats a good list. Wishing you good luck for the service.

[Glifford]

The service update post:

Car was serviced on Saturday (09-May-2009) as planned.

After taking the appointment for 9:00, managed to reach at around 9:20 ish (blame the time taken in clearing the car of all personal belongings and "damageable" items like the rear luggage rack and net).

Getting there was easy in terms of finding the place (you can see the "Ford" balloon from the flyover) and the reminder call lady's direction helped. Of course getting there physically meant getting into cramped lanes under the flyover. Also the gate is a little unmarked, so you can see the compound, but don't know how to get in. So I stopped, parked and walked to find the entrance. Turns out that they keep the gate closed and open only if someone wants to get in/out. It is right next to the unauthorised level crossing under the flyover where a train had rammed a palio some months back. Fortunately both passengers survived. It sure is a tough car.

Took the car in and pulled into the parking slot available. One guy came and welcomed me. Took the keys and parked the car in the allotted welcome slot (they have these appointment slots). Watchman handed over a sticker with car number on it and this guy stuck it on the key fob on the button side. (One crib I have about this. Am still trying to clean the gummy goop off the key fob :().

The car was then moved to the "Interactive Inspection" scissor lift area. The car was lifted and it was also padded on these hard rubber bricks placed between the lifts and the body. (Surprisingly, they never used those bricks again for the rest of the day, on all other Fiestas and Ikons! Wonder why only for the Fusion? I am not complaining ) (later learned it was done so as not to damage the black plastic cladding that runs all round on old +s, don't come now). I did see some of these other cars actually slip or adjust a bit as they were lifted on the scissor lift! Not a good sight to see or sound to hear when a ton is lifted 5' over the ground.

Then service advisor (Mr. Harish K.) came and introduced himself and started looking around the car. As he marked existing scratches I started telling him of the issues. Some turned out to be non issues. Some he said he will look into, some he said no spares. Will get into each in detail as I rework my list. He prepared the estimate sheet and try to talk me into some 3rd party add-ons! Like Waxoyl and stuff. I know, have never fallen for such stuff on my bike (of course 3M is different). But the service guy was pushing hard, so gave in to engine compartment treatment for around 4xx/-. I knew it was stupid, but "excellent water repulsion" kinda appealed to me so I gave in. Expecting some heavy rainfall when I go down to Mangalore this month end. But... I know the oily like surface which resulted would have attracted loads of dust by now! The estimate was a whisker under 5000/-

After they lowered it off the scissor lift, one guy came and took it for a test drive. I accompanied and gave my inputs. He took took note.

Came back and parked the car (#7) waiting to be picked up to enter the service bay.

I was eyeing all the cars standing there including the Fiestas, Ikons and occasional Endeavors. There was a lovely Mondeo too! But no other Fusion!

When the car was taken into the bay, I walked in to stand by it and see (Shubh your tips helped). I would ask a lot of questions as they worked. Often they would ask me to step out for fear of their "manager"! I would, but would return when I felt something important was being done. I guess it helped and also they would call me in whenever they wanted to show me something. I was absolutely uncomfy sitting in the customer lounge in the AC and reading an auto mag featuring the Honda Jazz. I prefered being inside the heat of the workshop.

Here are the points I had asked:
>
> 1 Spare Needed: Black strip on Driver side door B-Pillar (that flew
> off recently)

With all the approximate pricing on the phone, they finally confirmed the price as 1329 (around). I took the plastic cover and it shows "manufactured by Ford India" and "Sent to Metro Ford Lingarajpuram". But some stickers tell me, it could be imported. And it was manufactured in 2007 and shipped then. So the price was also printed then. I wonder how some others for less! (realised later it depends on which door and which side. It can be as low as 600 and as high as 1350.)

The guy fixing it was nice and he also used some black (mirror?) tape to secure it additionally and also some super glue! He also reinforced one more strip that looked like it was coming off! He assured me, the one that he fixed will never fly off Let's see

> 2 Spare Needed: Front left mudflap missing (causes most of the dirt to
> fly on passenger doors since the left side dips off the road most
> often. Will I get it as a single piece or I need to buy the entire
> set?)

No Stocks! Sad! They were not sure of the price and even if there was stock at St. Marks road! Store attendant there was on leave it seems hence they couldn't even find out on the phone. The right onewas also cut and needed eventual replacement. But no stocks! Supposedly costs 1,100 a set of 4. No individual pieces sold!

> 3 Spare Needed: Front left suspension strut cover missing (check
> attached image. Is it there in your vehicles?)

That is a dud. As expected. It is not a cover, but a brace that holds the wiper mechanism. It is there not only on the Fusion, but also the Fiesta. So no issues there!

> 4 Spare Needed: Rubber beading joint on bottom-left (passenger side)
> corner of front windscreen missing (Hope I get this)

No stock again! No idea if it exists. They promised to find out, lets see if they do!

> 5 Fix: Handbrake not gripping (tighten)

This got eventually fixed (and now to my liking) after the second test drive.

> 6 Fix: AC Vents clean, smell

They took off the "Pollen Filter" and it seems to have gone. I wonder why they do it, but remember reading it. Should I get it put back. It seems Ford has stopped supplying Pollen Filters as it is not suitable for Indian Conditions. (Update: Now a new one is made available specially for Indian Conditions)

> 7 Fix: Hanging 'Volvo' wire/fuse behind the glovebox

Didn't bother telling them of this!

> 8 Fix: Front bumper loose on passenger side

It was not loose!

> 9 Fix: Steering makes hissing/grating sound when turned to full lock
> (Both left side and right, does it happen in your cars?)

Not an issue, but a standard behaviour of Hydraulic Power Steered cars. On extreme turns the gush of steering fluid causes that. Also read in the customer guide book in the lounge that you should never hold you steering at full lock for more than 5 seconds. So kinda agreed with it.

> 10 Fix: Engine sometimes does dies immediately after cranking esp.
> when the engine is warm (happens atleast a couple of times). Just
> refuses to idle. Like a traffic signal. (when not depressing the
> accelerator, you are not supposed to anyway.) Almost never happens
> when cold. Big issue at some signals. Happens about once in every 3-4
> trips of the car.

I explained in detail, but couldn't reproduce this on both the test drives. On the second one, the senior guy suggested checking the ECM and when that was done, with no errors. The ECM was reset after permission from me. Have driven 1500+ odd km since, hasn't happened.

> 11 Only If Needed: Small Dimple (on rear hatch) fix if needed. Else ignore

Ignored.

> 12 Only If Needed: Wheel balancing/alignment if needed

Ignored.

> 13 Only If Needed: Clutch hard

It is fine.

> 14 Only If Needed: Check gear lever feel.

It is fine too.


Besides this they called me a couple of times to show under the car. This is what they showed me (at different times).

1. Front brake disk pads worn out. About 3 mm of pad left so better to replace they said! Cost me around 1800 for the set. They also showed me scouring on the disc rotors and told me it would result in shake on hard braking at high speed. If I was willing to ignore I can postpone. Will cost 11,000 odd to replace.

Changing the pads also meant bleeding the fluid and adding new! So additional charge here for material and labour (some 600 odd in total)

2. Clip holding hydraulic line missing near the rear side. I asked them to fix. Turns out that clip costs some 90 rupees!

3. Bushing holding the gearbox shows signs of wear and near end of life. Will cost 2500 odd to replace. They suggested I can wait till next service. I did.

4. Rear high mounted stop/brake lamp had fused. I remembered it was working fine till recently. Anyway, replaced. Cost 450 odd!

When the (relatively senior) technician took it for the second test drive, I asked to accompany him. He agreed and I explained the issues. I liked the way he checked everything from the seats to the feel to the car running with the engine off!

I enjoyed watching the ECM being checked and then reset.

After that I had to leave for a couple of hours as my Wife wanted help shopping on Commercial street. Had not stepped out for a glass of water or a bit of lunch till then (call me crazy!).

When I was almost done at commercial street, I got a call from the service advisor that the vehicle was almost ready. Asked if it was raining. He said it had just done on the washed car :(

Got back and found they had not applied beading polish on the black cladding. So the guy came and did it. Meanwhile they wiped the car dry.

I checked the stuff, and found that there were only 3 spare alloy nuts along with the anti theft key. There should be 4 actually (one for each wheel). At first Harish denied. Then he searched hard and found it under the rear passenger seat. Got the car cleaned up well and then also put in those papers on the floor. I was satisfied with the
cleaning and vacuuming.

Preparing the final bill he told me it came to 6700 odd. At first it is a huge jump from the 5000 estimate. But then he had put in the brake lamp and new brake disks which in itself was around 2200. Add labour to that with additional brake fluid cost.

So kinda disappointed I gave in. Actually I had eyed the lovely sporty aluminium/rubber brake pedals for 2300 odd and had decided to gift them to the car if the bill was around estimate. But with this bill, I decided to keep it as it is.

As I left I was saddened that I couldn't get the mud flaps also since it had rained and was mucky around. I also got to see the minor and major differences between the Fiesta and Fusion and liked the way the Fusion is designed. Also was impressed by the way that despite a couple of bottom scrapes last week on my Fusion, the under body coating was intact and how damaged it was on several Fiestas and Ikons. Also got to see a lot of more recent cars with lots of body damages!

Definitely more than I expected, but there were part replacements. Hence the cost!

Overall I was impressed with the service and attitude. Yes a little more than budget, but part replacements cost me. And the spare prices (except for that black strip) were not exhorbitant. Also my standing there helped as they did their job well.

[gemithomas]

Thats one of the best detailed service reports i have read. Great to see your love for the car. I think you were born to be a FIAT customer probably something slightly went wrong :LOL

[Glifford]

Originally Posted by gemithomas

Thats one of the best detailed service reports i have read. Great to see your love for the car.

Thanks! To be honest, you would have read them on the Ford Fusion group months back. I didn't get time to format them for here. Even now I just did a quick glance and pasted. There must still be mistakes in the middle.

Originally Posted by gemithomas

I think you were born to be a FIAT customer probably something slightly went wrong :LOL

I still am one in heart. The Punto is as enticing as it is and I will definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a new car (with the guts to bear with service tho'). I smile everytime I see a 1.6 GTX/Sport pass by. And my heart skips a beat everytime I see an S10! Adventures are still admired a lot and I wonder why I didn't look hard for one.

The Fusion had been the Plan-B on my lookout for a good used car with a 1.6 heart. Had I managed to close the deal on that lovely S10 (#198), I would have never ended up with one.

But today I am a happy Fusioner. The space, power, feel, equipment level, ground clearance and fuel efficiency of the car is better than what a Palio could give. But then I do miss the seductive Italian lines, double barrel headlamps, reverse sleeve under the gear knob, zero blower AC etc.

I guess it was a good decision and I am enjoying it.

[balajird]

Wow, what a report, Glifford, it not only takes some effort / pain to stand near the car during the service but also takes some effort to key in all the details for the benefit of the fellow members. Thanks for your effort and it certainly helps in knowing how these guys work in the service centres.