Used car tests

Used buyer's guide: Ford Fusion

The jacked-up Fiesta had limited appeal new, but the Ford Fusion looks top value used

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9 Jul 2013

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What to look for

• The Fusion is based on the 2000 Fiesta, so it’s a bit short on safety kit. Not many examples have ESP or curtain airbags. • Officially, cambelts should be renewed every decade or 100k-plus miles. But it’s worth doing the job more frequently.• Clutches can appear to fail, when it’s actually only a spring washer coming loose behind the pedal.

As the Fusion is a five-door only, your sole choices concern the engine and transmission. It’s also worth going for the highest spec you can afford. If you can stretch to a post-facelift model, they’re well worth it – just buy carefully, as some pre-facelift Fusions are available on the same 55-plate. Autos are common, but were only ever offered on petrol cars. Although diesels are pricier to buy than petrol models, they are much more punchy, and also promise significantly better fuel economy and cheaper road tax.

Recalls

The Fusion has been recalled four times. The first was in March 2003 because some cars built in August 2002 had been fitted with a sub-standard rear axle. Then, in August 2007, Fusions made in August and September 2006 were called back due to faulty steering columns. The next recall came in November 2007, as the power assistance for the steering could fail on models built in October and November 2007. The most recent callback was in February 2012; some Fusions made in September 2011 featured sub-standard rear axle mounting bolts.

Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.

Driver Power

Our view

The Fusion has never appeared in our Driver Power reliability and satisfaction survey, but the popular Fiesta is a regular – and never scores well. Owners of every version of the supermini seem disappointed with the reliability, quality, dynamics and comfort. Only the handling and running costs save the day.

Your view

Steve Barton from Redditch, Worcestershire, loves his Ford Fusion. He says: “It’s done more than 100,000 miles with complete reliability. Running costs are low and it’s good to drive, plus there’s plenty of space in the cabin for me to carry all sorts of stuff. I can’t see why I’d get rid of it.”