Originally Posted By: Srt20
Why replace the throttle body?
A couple reasons..
1 - The Electronic Throttle Body that came from the factory with the Fusions, Escapes, and I believe 1 or 2 other cars, can potentially be subject to a known issue that can cause the electronics in the throttle body to deteriorate. When this happens, the result can be loss of power, non-responsiveness, etc.. essentially, it goes into limp mode. A while back, Ford issued a TSB on them that applied a programming update to alleviate some of the symptoms, but ultimately, if your car has one of the bad Elec. Throttle bodies, then the only TRUE fix is replacing it. They're actually pretty cheap to replace, and extremely easy.
2 - I'm pretty sure the throttle body on my 2010 Fusion was the original factory-installed one, and since my Fusion has over 225,000 miles on it, I felt it was prudent.
The old Throttle Body assembly:
The new one:
(Note that you can actually SEE my reflection in the butterfly in the new one, whereas the old one is BLACK and crusty.
Originally Posted By: Srt20
Sounds like they are pretty solid cars?
Very, at least overall. Sure, some people have horror stories, but I think you can pretty much say that about any car. Overall, yes. Fusions were very popular for a reason, and you can still see a TON of them on the road for a good reason. They last. Heck, mine at 225,000 miles feels at least as solid as many other cars I've had with far less than 1/2 that mileage. I would have no concerns driving it across country.
Originally Posted By: Srt20
I am assuming the ones he has are 4 cylinders, they look like the more basic models, cloth seats, lower end radio, etc.
Well, some fit this description, but not all. There were three engines offered in the 2010-2012 Fusions. They offered the 2.5 Duratec 4-cylinder, the 3.0 V6, and the 3.5 liter in the sport. There was also a Hybrid version of the 2.5 in the Hybrid model. While it's true that the lower models did indeed come with less by default, many of them still had options that allowed upgrades.
The lowest level was the S trim level, then the SE, then the SEL which came pretty loaded up. Then you got the Sport model which was as it sounds - Powerful engine, sport styling, etc.. And finally the Hybrid which offered the 2.5 liter i4 gas engine paired with the electric.
Mine is the SE trim level, and even it has quite a few nice features. The stock sound system is amazing - 6 speakers including the two door post tweeters, great bass, Sync, Blu-tooth, steering wheel controls, etc.. Mine has cloth seats, but I find the cloth to be quite durable and looks decent. The seats are actually VERY comfortable.
.. of course, as you go up, you get options like leather, moonroof, NAV, etc..
Originally Posted By: Srt20
Yeah I don't mind maintenance, but she puts on a good amount of miles per year, and I don't want something Im constantly having to fix or add oil.
If it matters, aside from having to replace the Belt Tensioner (90 minute job, $42 for parts) and the Electronic Throttle Body (45 minute job, $71 for the parts), I've really only had to do minimal work to it - Almost entirely just regular maintenance like oil changes, trans fluid drain & fills, filter replacement, etc..
The Valve Cover Gasket does need replacing, but heck.. it's still got the factory original one in it at 225,000 miles, so what do you expect?
The engine also does not leak a drop of oil, nor does it "use" any noticeable amount over a 7,500 mile oil change interval.
Originally Posted By: Srt20
I mean, I know its a c r a pshoot with used vehicles, but I just don't want to jump into a known problem child type car.
Just do your due diligence when you look at a car, inspect it, look up the carfax, and trust your gut.
