This is my recommendation as well. OP, have you driven the new 2010 Fusion? If not, then you should test drive it before deciding that you don't like it.
Ford Fusion Sport AWD (3.5L 265HP V6)
Brand spanking new for $30K.
When considering rear space occupants + trunk space the Fusion wins out over the BMW 3, Audi A4, and Lexus IS by a mile! IS is only available with the 206HP motor in AWD configuration.
^^That's actually good info. MPG is not a primary concern, but something that gets that kind of mileage is certainly an added bonus for sure.
This is my recommendation as well. OP, have you driven the new 2010 Fusion? If not, then you should test drive it before deciding that you don't like it.
Just full disclosure. We only have 3000 miles on it so far (and over 2000 of that was on a long trip), so the mileage is likely higher that it will be in the long run. We've also been running premium (it will run on 87, but recommends premium). Finally, it has been babied a good bit other than last weekend when I drove it pretty hard on some nice roads. Still, we're more than happy with the mileage.
If you're driving it like a rental, it is possible to get mileage in the teens. But so far it has proven to be very efficient...especially on long trips.
The TSI doesn't require premium? My FSI engine has a huge yellow sticker on the gas lid that says "Min octane 91"
No, it does not require it, but it recommends it (including a sticker on the gas lid) premium. The salesman said 87...which I did not believe...but I read the owners manual and it agreed with the salesman...although recommended 91 or greater for maximum performance/efficiency. I'll scan in the owners manual page if I get a chance.
We don't drive enough for gas prices to be a concern...so I'm sticking with Premium for the time being.
No, it does not require it, but it recommends it (including a sticker on the gas lid) premium. The salesman said 87...which I did not believe...but I read the owners manual and it agreed with the salesman...although recommended 91 or greater for maximum performance/efficiency. I'll scan in the owners manual page if I get a chance.
We don't drive enough for gas prices to be a concern...so I'm sticking with Premium for the time being.
The TSI doesn't require premium? My FSI engine has a huge yellow sticker on the gas lid that says "Min octane 91"
When my Maxima is replaced the G line will be on the short list but the mileage will need definite consideration. Putting premium fuel into a car that gets in the teens in the city = not very fun.
Apparently the new 3.5's in at least some of the models are now going back down to regular gas.
The sweet looking new 3.5SR Altima uses 87 I read somewhere.
One of the biggest complaints when I had my VQ35 was having to put premium in, but man did that thing haul ass.
My vote is a4 1.9 turbo diesel. It gets 600miles per tank! It feels relatively fast on the inside, lots of bttuons to play with, plenty of room, 4 door and it loos pretty good.
Koing
The TSI doesn't require premium? My FSI engine has a huge yellow sticker on the gas lid that says "Min octane 91"
I find it laughable to call 91 octane premium, that should be standard. 95-98 octane is premium. Refiners in the US get away with poor standards.
I find it laughable to call 91 octane premium, that should be standard. 95-98 octane is premium. Refiners in the US get away with poor standards.
Maybe before spouting off on something you know nothing of; you would know the US uses the average of RON and MON ratings. So how about learning instead of posting when you are lacking even the most basic knowledge in this area.