A plan - Ford employee price. D plan - Dealership employee price. Z plan - Ford retiree price. X plan - Ford partner price.
Any rebates for these programs are in addition to any other rebates. When using these plans the price is already printed on the invoice and the dealer can't charge any additional fees (not even the infamous Documentation Fee or as I like to call it Additional Dealer Profit). They also can't keep any dealer direct rebates.
Audi sold just over 83,000 total vehicles in 2005 and Subaru only sold 187,000 total vehicles in the U.S. And don't forget that Ford includes Volvo, Land Rover and Mazda. I'd say selling 500,000 AWD vehicles in one year qualifies as "becoming a leader in AWD technology". The AWD system developed by Volvo has been acknowledged as one of the best around.
That will be a good differentiator for Ford over the likes of Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai, and will give buyers an option besides Subaru for a reasonably-priced mid-sized AWD sedan.
Absolutely. I think that's why Lincoln chose the Volvo platform for the MKS because it already offers AWD out of the box. Time will tell but at least it's a strategy.
It's a good strategy, and a great alternative for buyers that want a car with AWD traction, and not a crossover or SUV. Unlike Subaru and Audi/VW, if they can keep the price down and gas mileage up, they'll get customers.
Pretty much all the Five Hundreds I see on the road are AWD. Granted I live in the snow belt, but I bet it'll work for the Fusion as well...
What a bunch of crap. I stopped listening to anything the Edmunds reviewers write the day the Sr. Editor said he didn't understand how increasing the stroke of an engine increased the displacement. That's like saying you don't understand how a tall glass holds more water than a short glass. Duh!
Just read the 4th place review. It's so full of inconsistencies and contradictions it's pitiful.
I dont know why but it seems that everyone is focusing on only those four cars as midsize family sedans. Whatever happened to the Pontiac G6, the Chevrolet Impala and Volkswagen Passat? None of those cars were in the previous midisze comparison. I also think Edmunds should have widened the playing field and included a Nissan Altima and a Subaru Legacy.
With that being said, it's sad to see that it was mainly a lack of feature content that killed the Fusion. If they test it again when it comes with navigation, standard airbags, stability control and the 3.5 V6, I'm sure it will beat out the Accord.
I don't see what's wrong with the interior the way it is in black. A lot of European cars are like that. I actually find the Fusion's interior to be pretty classy.
I was not aware that the Fusion will ever come with the 3.5L V6. I believe that as usual, Ford will keep that as an exclusive for Zephyr, then wonder why they continue to lose sales to the so-called imports. (Funny, as Camry and Accord are assembled here, the triplets are assembled in Mexico).
According to internal documents I saw last year the 3.5L is planned for Fusion/Milan but I would expect it to come later and maybe only on the AWD versions. This engine has a lot of additional power available including a displacement upgrade so they shouldn't have a problem keeping the distinction between the Fusion and the MkZ.
There are people out there with an almost cult like mentality to car brands. There is a small segment of society that wouldn't think of buying anything other than a Toyota. To them there is no other options.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I dont know why but it seems that everyone is focusing on only those four cars as midsize family sedans. Whatever happened to the Pontiac G6, the Chevrolet Impala and Volkswagen Passat? None of those cars were in the previous midisze comparison. I also think Edmunds should have widened the playing field and included a Nissan Altima and a Subaru Legacy.
Just wanted to clarify something. The Impala is not considered a midsize family sedan. Rather it is a fullsize family sedan. While I agree that the test could have included the G6, Malibu, Altima, Legacy, Galant, 6, Passat, and possible even the Lacrosse, they are not the key players in this segment. Before anyone gets worked up over this comment, let's face the fact that the only car that can hold a candle to the mainstays, Accord and Camry, is the Fusion. I'm sorry for those Malibu, G6, Galant and Lacrosse lovers, but they don't come close to the competition. Furthermore, the Passat and Legacy, in V6 form, are pricey. The Galant, 6, and Altima are outdated. So really in this segment, the key players are the Accord, Camry, Sonata and Fusion.
Now as for placement, I both agree and disagree. While I can understand that the Sonata has high feature content for the dollar, it isn't as stimulating to drive, or for that matter look at, as the Fusion. So really those two could have gone either way. I do agree that with time the Fusion will jump a notch or two among these cars, but it will need a more powerful engine, and a more refined interior and available technological upgrades. Again, these are coming soon, but they aren't here yet.
I am the proud owner of an 06 Fusion SEL I-4 with auto trans, safety package and ABS. After the college grad rebate, Ford rebate and matching down, I was out the door for less than $400.00 over the sticker price on the car of $21650. Now compare this to the competition and there's hardly a comparision in my book. The design of the car is both striking yet beautiful. And you do get a lot for the money.
My last comment is that I completely agree that there were a lot, and I mean a lot of inconsistencies in the reviews of these cars. I won't even start to breakdown every comment. I will only say that for $10,000.00 less, I own the most fun to drive car in this test. Not to mention the one with the best looks (IMO) and more than enough features for the dollar. And did I mention I saved 10 grand. Yes, I know that a whole bunch of people will reply stating that the Fusion may not (or as they will put it "will not") be as reliable as the Honda or Toyota, it may not have as high of resale value, it may not be as safe, it may not offer bluetooth or navigation, but it's still way cheaper and a blast to drive. And really, for $10,000.00 more, they Accord and Camry must provide all these things, and offer autodriver (similar to autopilot). BTW, that was sarcasm there so nobody get all in a tizzy.
This is rediculous. I can remember when Edmunds really were independant. When they reviewed cars and posted what they thought was the best. Now, meybe the editors are fat and rich, and money does not matter to them as much as it used to. Meybe they are in the pocket of the Japanese autos. Either way, this sucks.
I agree that, at a $7,000 difference in the as tested price of fusion and Camry, the Camry should have been knicked from 1rst place, for that alone. Also, the Camry should not be in the competition to begin with, b/c at 30,000, you are not a midsize family sendan, you are near luxury or at least premuim. It should compete against buicks or something. Toyota follows the crowd and prices there products high. That is not a problem, but if you are a professional, or at least human, you can see that at 7K diff, the camry does not belong in this test.
You know, next time, Edmunds should include these four cars and a Bently. I bet the bently would win due to the Fusions lack of feature content. I would say put in a Cadillac but Edmunds would not let an American car walk away with top honors. Who ever let that happen before with the SUV comparo a few years back was probably shot.
For me, if you look at a $19,000 I4 Fusion, nothing else touches what you get for this price.
When you get into a $25,000 SEL V6, there are so many other choices out there that the Fusion just becomes another member of the pack.
That same interior that looks classy in a $19k car looks el cheapo in a $25k car.
Even a v6 SE stickers under $22k.
This test totally blew it because the didn't compare apples to apples. It is like comparing the Toyota Solara to a Mustang GT because both are 2 door coupes.
A $30k Toyota Camary does not compare to a $25k Fusion. Mark.
A Sonata GLS, or even GL, compares quite favorably (sticker-price wise) to a $19,000 I4 Fusion. What is even more telling is that many people are paying less than $19k for a Sonata LX--top trim, leather, V6, 17" alloys etc.
I agree it is impossible for $25k cars to compete head-to-head with $30k cars. The winners are pre-ordained.
I looked up specs for the Impala and it does seem to be a large car so let's forget about that.
But still they should have included a G6, Altima, Legacy and a Passat. The G6 may not be all that great but it is still a new competitor that deserves to be mentioned. The Altima was refreshed for last year, and it's still very competitive. And the Passat and Legacy in V6 form are a bit pricey, but still in the same ballpark as the $30K Camry.
I agree that no Malibu, Mazda6, or Galant should be included because they are too old and were features in the previous midsize comparison.
I'm hoping this test can be done within a year or two with the playing field expanded to more than just 4 cars. I agree with those who say the price discrepancy in this test was too high.
A V6 Passat equipped like that $30K Camry would be $34K, by my calculations. Still, CR's recent 2.0T tester was about 29K with everything sans NAV, and that might have fit nicely in this group. A Legacy plus NAV is about $32K MSRP (though you should be able to get one for invoice), and carries the advantage of AWD, but lacks (pathetically, like the Fusion), the option of stability control.
Hey everyone, I am new around here. I just got a job selling Ford Cars and Trucks. I really want to get an idea of what everyone thought of the Fusion's buying experience. What can I do to help everyone make the right choice? What do I not want to do? What do you Like about the Fusion?
A clutch. Problem is NO salesperson will bring one close for me to test drive unless I buy the car!?! So I guess I'll have to wait till MORE 5 speeds are made and trickle out to the masses. Welcome Ryan
I get paid on hold back at my dealer so selling a 40k + F250 is at INVOICE is about the same commission as selling a Focus at sticker...and who can sell a Focus at sticker?
As for the Fusion, find out what the customer currently drives and show them the Fusion that is on par with the equipment in that car.
Its always easier to up sell when Mr. Customer says "but I wanted a ..." then to downsell from something you already showed him that is over his budget. "But that one you should me is so nice, surely you can get me that car at my price which is $50 less than where we are now..." NOT
Remember that the MARKUP on the cars is in the options...As there are not many options on a Fusion, there is not a lot of markup.
Also TALK LEASING! This gives you a repeat customer in 39 months!
Most important though is to SELL YOURSELF! People should GO ANYWHERE to buy a Ford, there are probably 20 Ford dealers within a 20 min drive of your dealer. WHY SHOULD I BUY FROM YOU!
Of course he did. I was making the point that you can't say 5-speed or even 6-speed today when describing a manual transmission because there are 5, 6 and even 7 speed automatics now.
at the end of thier movie trailor or at the end of the article they claim "you get what you pay for". What is that? Heck why didn't they put a BMW or Mercedes in the lot and it sure would have won, and you would have gotten what you pay for right?. $5K is a heck of a lot of money to most working Americans. Does Edmunds know what the average salary of a working family is?? obviously not. This review was a joke. The Camry's price will be its downfall. For those of us who have a level head about dollars earned and what we can really afford.. Sonata, Fusion, G6, Optima whichever sure look good to me! I would feel good about not spending the extra $$$ just have the status of owning a Toyota or Honda.. Come to think of it.. Toyota and Honda are probably the only two car compaines that can get away in the media with this ourtragous price.. :mad:
Thanks for all the input, Now if I could just get my dealer to give me a demo car
Before I got this job i had no idea how much ford had improved their interiors. Every thing you touch feels soft and upscale,In the new cars (Fusion,500,Freestyle) anyway.
Switching subjects, Has anyone seen the 2008 freestyle, Ford almost cut it, But they changed their minds. They added the big three bar grill. Looks cool
Everything you touch feels soft? Maybe you need to spend some more time inside the Fusion. There's a lot of hard plastic in there. But that isn't a knock on the Fusion, that's common these days.
What are you talking about? An average working family? As opposed to what? A family in which no one works? My family and families all around me can afford and have bought new Camrys over the years. Most families who have at least one educated spouse can easily afford a Camry. Maybe by "working families" you mean families without college educated workers in them?
"For those of us who have a level head about dollars earned and what we can really afford.."
As per usual, you are making pretty darn wild assumptions about what buyers of 29/30K Accords and Camrys can really afford. How do you know?
Where actual feature content is concerned regarding the Fusion SEL V6 and Camry XLE V6, the Camry tested has AT LEAST $3 grand worth of stuff that Ford has found unnecessary to offer on ANY Fusion- Navigation, SmartKey, Stability Control, Bluetooth, Dual Climate Control, all come to mind... subract those items off the tab, and the Camry premium is about $2000 (MSRP).
Where actual feature content is concerned regarding the Fusion SEL V6 and Camry XLE V6, the Camry tested has AT LEAST $3 grand worth of stuff that Ford has found unnecessary to offer on ANY Fusion-
To be honest some of that stuff is just fluff.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Well, it certainly isnt winning that many sales for Hyundai..
I don't know how you can draw that conclusion from the article. It doesn't say anything about what the sales numbers for the 2006 Sonata have been. The numbers I have seen have been significantly above those of the prior-gen Sonata.
Semantics. I'll change my statement to "Well, price advantages aren't enabling Hyundai to beat projections"...
And I'll support it by the following lines from the article:
"Last year, Hyundai Motor America touted the redesigned 2006 Sonata as capable of taking on the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Part of that was bringing its sales volume into the big leagues of 150,000 units a year.
Yes, the Sonata is reaching its sales targets this year. But how Hyundai is getting those Sonata sales suggests potential long-term trouble for the automaker's volume leader."
That would indicate to me, sales numbers for the 2006 Sonata are on track to reach 150K.
For that matter, it could be argued that even a lot of the stuff on a Fusion SEL is fluff. For my money, the best buy from a performance standpoint is, in Fusion's case, the V-6 SE, with very few other options, maybe add optional ABS and side curtain airbags and alloy wheels, though even the alloy wheels could be considered fluff. This would keep the out the door price in the low $20K range.
Certainly there are buyers that just have to have all the bells and whistles, and the manufacturers and dealers just drool over those customers, but it sure seems a bit ridiculous to load this class of car up with gadgets to push the price close to $30K. For that kind of money you are pushing into near luxury car territory.
The more I read these forums here and over at CR I realize how ridiculous we all get over cars. What difference really does it make that people choose a Camry, Accord, Sonata, or Fusion? It's all about choice and ones personal needs. Some people like value, some people are into status. The next guy wants to impress everybody by buying the prestigious brand. A lot of people want to be a "ME TOO" when they buy Accords and Camrys. Or he just has different tastes and needs. I personally have never been one that wants to be a clone. I own a Sonata and a Mountaineer. I've looked at Honda and Toyota, but for some reason the thought of having an exact duplicate of what everybody is driving has turned me off. One of my brothers sold Toyotas for awhile and swears by them. He is always trying to get me to come over from the dark side. Maybe I'm stupid. I don't know, but that's the way I've been for 50 years.
2012 Highlander Limited AWD V6 and 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE
In other words, sales of the Sonata are up about 50% compared to the 2005 MY. For you, it isn't enough that they have been able to sell 50,000 more Sonatas--they have to beat even these projections for growth. I'll bet any other automaker, including Ford, would love to see 50% growth year-over-year in sales for their mid-sized sedan.
As for all the fleet sales... I wonder why Hertz et. al. are buying so many Sonatas--at a good price according to the article--when they supposedly have a resale value problem. We know these rental agencies don't plan on keeping these cars more than a year or two. Why instead don't they buy, say, more Fusions? Or even Camrys? Ford and Toyota do sell to fleets, and everyone knows that Camrys hold their value better than Sonatas, so even though the Camry costs more up front, they will get it back when they sell the cars. Right? Are the rental car companies stupid or something?
50% OF 25k 12.5K, 40% of 20K is 8K. 1. Expense on vehicle #1: 25K+tax-12.5K 2. Expense of vehicle #2: 20K+tax-8K
Comes slightly in #2 advantage. So it is all math - depends what the possible differences are and also on simple availability as well. Toyo may sell to fleets, just not as much, the discount may not be great as their motivation is only so-so. Hyundai will sell with bigger discount, has more cars available for sale, the vehicle #2 may be even cheaper than numbers projected on MSRP/retail customer price difference.
And don't worry - Fusion will show up in fleets soon enough - once Taurus is completely unloaded, you'll see Fusion at Hertz.
No, I think an increase of 50% is ambitious and impressive. But, I think that increase is at a cost. And I wonder why Hyundai seems to be sacrificing profit potential for the sake of volume....
Compared to the class average, the Hyundai is higher than average, after 12 months on the market... in Fleet Sales, Incentives, and Days To Turn. Hyundai has reasonable explanations for Fleet and Days To Turn, but who knows if thats just PR smoke? Retail incentives on the other hand.... not very impressive....
Comments
Ford is saying this is a reward for the great launch on the vehicle. Applies to Milan also.
Mark.
D plan - Dealership employee price.
Z plan - Ford retiree price.
X plan - Ford partner price.
Any rebates for these programs are in addition to any other rebates. When using these plans the price is already printed on the invoice and the dealer can't charge any additional fees (not even the infamous Documentation Fee or as I like to call it Additional Dealer Profit). They also can't keep any dealer direct rebates.
Tell it to Audi and Subaru, pal. They write an article, like AWD has just been discovered and they were first to jump on it.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Pretty much all the Five Hundreds I see on the road are AWD. Granted I live in the snow belt, but I bet it'll work for the Fusion as well...
with all wheel drive?
Car Camparo
Bye
Just read the 4th place review. It's so full of inconsistencies and contradictions it's pitiful.
With that being said, it's sad to see that it was mainly a lack of feature content that killed the Fusion. If they test it again when it comes with navigation, standard airbags, stability control and the 3.5 V6, I'm sure it will beat out the Accord.
I don't see what's wrong with the interior the way it is in black. A lot of European cars are like that. I actually find the Fusion's interior to be pretty classy.
The Fusion really is in trouble when the 2007 Altima, Sebring, Aura and 2008 Accord come out.
Who buys a $30k Camary? Just consider the auto options out there for $30k!
Mark.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Just wanted to clarify something. The Impala is not considered a midsize family sedan. Rather it is a fullsize family sedan. While I agree that the test could have included the G6, Malibu, Altima, Legacy, Galant, 6, Passat, and possible even the Lacrosse, they are not the key players in this segment. Before anyone gets worked up over this comment, let's face the fact that the only car that can hold a candle to the mainstays, Accord and Camry, is the Fusion. I'm sorry for those Malibu, G6, Galant and Lacrosse lovers, but they don't come close to the competition. Furthermore, the Passat and Legacy, in V6 form, are pricey. The Galant, 6, and Altima are outdated. So really in this segment, the key players are the Accord, Camry, Sonata and Fusion.
Now as for placement, I both agree and disagree. While I can understand that the Sonata has high feature content for the dollar, it isn't as stimulating to drive, or for that matter look at, as the Fusion. So really those two could have gone either way. I do agree that with time the Fusion will jump a notch or two among these cars, but it will need a more powerful engine, and a more refined interior and available technological upgrades. Again, these are coming soon, but they aren't here yet.
I am the proud owner of an 06 Fusion SEL I-4 with auto trans, safety package and ABS. After the college grad rebate, Ford rebate and matching down, I was out the door for less than $400.00 over the sticker price on the car of $21650. Now compare this to the competition and there's hardly a comparision in my book. The design of the car is both striking yet beautiful. And you do get a lot for the money.
My last comment is that I completely agree that there were a lot, and I mean a lot of inconsistencies in the reviews of these cars. I won't even start to breakdown every comment. I will only say that for $10,000.00 less, I own the most fun to drive car in this test. Not to mention the one with the best looks (IMO) and more than enough features for the dollar. And did I mention I saved 10 grand. Yes, I know that a whole bunch of people will reply stating that the Fusion may not (or as they will put it "will not") be as reliable as the Honda or Toyota, it may not have as high of resale value, it may not be as safe, it may not offer bluetooth or navigation, but it's still way cheaper and a blast to drive. And really, for $10,000.00 more, they Accord and Camry must provide all these things, and offer autodriver (similar to autopilot). BTW, that was sarcasm there so nobody get all in a tizzy.
I agree that, at a $7,000 difference in the as tested price of fusion and Camry, the Camry should have been knicked from 1rst place, for that alone. Also, the Camry should not be in the competition to begin with, b/c at 30,000, you are not a midsize family sendan, you are near luxury or at least premuim. It should compete against buicks or something. Toyota follows the crowd and prices there products high. That is not a problem, but if you are a professional, or at least human, you can see that at 7K diff, the camry does not belong in this test.
You know, next time, Edmunds should include these four cars and a Bently. I bet the bently would win due to the Fusions lack of feature content. I would say put in a Cadillac but Edmunds would not let an American car walk away with top honors. Who ever let that happen before with the SUV comparo a few years back was probably shot.
When you get into a $25,000 SEL V6, there are so many other choices out there that the Fusion just becomes another member of the pack.
That same interior that looks classy in a $19k car looks el cheapo in a $25k car.
Even a v6 SE stickers under $22k.
This test totally blew it because the didn't compare apples to apples. It is like comparing the Toyota Solara to a Mustang GT because both are 2 door coupes.
A $30k Toyota Camary does not compare to a $25k Fusion.
Mark.
I agree it is impossible for $25k cars to compete head-to-head with $30k cars. The winners are pre-ordained.
But still they should have included a G6, Altima, Legacy and a Passat. The G6 may not be all that great but it is still a new competitor that deserves to be mentioned. The Altima was refreshed for last year, and it's still very competitive. And the Passat and Legacy in V6 form are a bit pricey, but still in the same ballpark as the $30K Camry.
I agree that no Malibu, Mazda6, or Galant should be included because they are too old and were features in the previous midsize comparison.
I'm hoping this test can be done within a year or two with the playing field expanded to more than just 4 cars. I agree with those who say the price discrepancy in this test was too high.
~alpha
I am new around here.
I just got a job selling Ford Cars and Trucks.
I really want to get an idea of what everyone thought of the Fusion's buying experience.
What can I do to help everyone make the right choice?
What do I not want to do?
What do you Like about the Fusion?
Thanks
Ryan, PA, Crest Ford
I'll have to wait till MORE 5 speeds are made and trickle out to the masses. Welcome Ryan
2018 430i Gran Coupe
I get paid on hold back at my dealer so selling a 40k + F250 is at INVOICE is about the same commission as selling a Focus at sticker...and who can sell a Focus at sticker?
As for the Fusion, find out what the customer currently drives and show them the Fusion that is on par with the equipment in that car.
Its always easier to up sell when Mr. Customer says "but I wanted a ..." then to downsell from something you already showed him that is over his budget. "But that one you should me is so nice, surely you can get me that car at my price which is $50 less than where we are now..." NOT
Remember that the MARKUP on the cars is in the options...As there are not many options on a Fusion, there is not a lot of markup.
Also TALK LEASING! This gives you a repeat customer in 39 months!
Most important though is to SELL YOURSELF! People should GO ANYWHERE to buy a Ford, there are probably 20 Ford dealers within a 20 min drive of your dealer. WHY SHOULD I BUY FROM YOU!
Mark.
Of course he did. I was making the point that you can't say 5-speed or even 6-speed today when describing a manual transmission because there are 5, 6 and even 7 speed automatics now.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
We need to train people to stop saying 5 speed or 6 speed and to simply start saying "manual" when they mean a manual transmission.
Now if I could just get my dealer to give me a demo car
Before I got this job i had no idea how much ford had improved their interiors. Every thing you touch feels soft and upscale,In the new cars (Fusion,500,Freestyle) anyway.
Switching subjects, Has anyone seen the 2008 freestyle, Ford almost cut it, But they changed their minds. They added the big three bar grill. Looks cool
Well, it certainly isnt winning that many sales for Hyundai.. http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060327/SUB/60324026&SearchI- D=73239979929311
"For those of us who have a level head about dollars earned and what we can really afford.."
As per usual, you are making pretty darn wild assumptions about what buyers of 29/30K Accords and Camrys can really afford. How do you know?
Where actual feature content is concerned regarding the Fusion SEL V6 and Camry XLE V6, the Camry tested has AT LEAST $3 grand worth of stuff that Ford has found unnecessary to offer on ANY Fusion- Navigation, SmartKey, Stability Control, Bluetooth, Dual Climate Control, all come to mind... subract those items off the tab, and the Camry premium is about $2000 (MSRP).
~alpha
To be honest some of that stuff is just fluff.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I don't know how you can draw that conclusion from the article. It doesn't say anything about what the sales numbers for the 2006 Sonata have been. The numbers I have seen have been significantly above those of the prior-gen Sonata.
And I'll support it by the following lines from the article:
"Last year, Hyundai Motor America touted the redesigned 2006 Sonata as capable of taking on the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Part of that was bringing its sales volume into the big leagues of 150,000 units a year.
Yes, the Sonata is reaching its sales targets this year. But how Hyundai is getting those Sonata sales suggests potential long-term trouble for the automaker's volume leader."
That would indicate to me, sales numbers for the 2006 Sonata are on track to reach 150K.
~alpha
Certainly there are buyers that just have to have all the bells and whistles, and the manufacturers and dealers just drool over those customers, but it sure seems a bit ridiculous to load this class of car up with gadgets to push the price close to $30K. For that kind of money you are pushing into near luxury car territory.
I just really have to question some of the stuff that some put in cars. There seems to be to many gadgets at to high of a price.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
As for all the fleet sales... I wonder why Hertz et. al. are buying so many Sonatas--at a good price according to the article--when they supposedly have a resale value problem. We know these rental agencies don't plan on keeping these cars more than a year or two. Why instead don't they buy, say, more Fusions? Or even Camrys? Ford and Toyota do sell to fleets, and everyone knows that Camrys hold their value better than Sonatas, so even though the Camry costs more up front, they will get it back when they sell the cars. Right? Are the rental car companies stupid or something?
1. Expense on vehicle #1: 25K+tax-12.5K
2. Expense of vehicle #2: 20K+tax-8K
Comes slightly in #2 advantage. So it is all math - depends what the possible differences are and also on simple availability as well. Toyo may sell to fleets, just not as much, the discount may not be great as their motivation is only so-so. Hyundai will sell with bigger discount, has more cars available for sale, the vehicle #2 may be even cheaper than numbers projected on MSRP/retail customer price difference.
And don't worry - Fusion will show up in fleets soon enough - once Taurus is completely unloaded, you'll see Fusion at Hertz.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Compared to the class average, the Hyundai is higher than average, after 12 months on the market... in Fleet Sales, Incentives, and Days To Turn. Hyundai has reasonable explanations for Fleet and Days To Turn, but who knows if thats just PR smoke? Retail incentives on the other hand.... not very impressive....
~alpha
OK, I didn't think it was that complicated but I guess I was wrong. Try saying the following:
Butts in seats
Butts in seats
Butts in seats