Background:
I just recently got married, and we currently have three vehicles between us. My 2008 Fusion SE V6 with 60k miles, her 2003 Malibu with 200k miles, and our 2001 Explorer Sport Trac with 140k miles. The Fusion and Sport Trac have been excellent, but fuel economy is lacking (22-24 combined for the Fusion, ~17-18 combined for the Sport Trac). Her Malibu is on it's last legs, so we're looking to replace it. I still owe somewhere around $7-8k on the Fusion, and both other vehicles are paid for.
I went to a local dealership yesterday to test drive a 2012 Focus. Most of the ones they have are SEL or Titanium trim, and tipping the scales at $24-25k. I'm looking for something closer to $20k.
My requirements, in order of preference, are:
- Around 20k, not much higher.
- Good fuel economy. I want 30+ MPG combined if possible.
- Decent size / weight. A Focus is roughly perfect on both fronts. I could go a bit bigger (mid-size), but don't want to sacrifice fuel economy. I don't want to go any smaller.
- Decent fit and finish.
- REAR DISC BRAKES. I'm tired of drums.
- Decent technology.
- Decent power (160 HP+ is nice, wasn't impressed with the last generation Focus).
Right now, they have a 2012 Focus SE with the Sport Package (rear discs, nicer wheels, spoiler, etc.) for around $20k with discounts. The discount promotions from Ford run out at the end of the month (around $22k without discounts), and I hate feeling like I'm looking for a needle in a haystack in terms of requirements vs. price.
Any suggestions on other vehicles to look at, or roughly what I should be expecting to pay for what I want?
One last question, and this one probably falls under the "call and ask" category. Currently my parents have me on their insurance policy. My Fusion is co-signed between me and my dad. I was planning on buying the newer car, and handing the Fusion down to my wife. We still owe a bit on the Fusion though, so signing it over to her so that she can put it on her insurance isn't an option. Any idea if an insurance company would allow someone to add their daughter-in-law to their policy, or any other way to get her covered for a car that isn't in her name?
Thanks guys.
I just recently got married, and we currently have three vehicles between us. My 2008 Fusion SE V6 with 60k miles, her 2003 Malibu with 200k miles, and our 2001 Explorer Sport Trac with 140k miles. The Fusion and Sport Trac have been excellent, but fuel economy is lacking (22-24 combined for the Fusion, ~17-18 combined for the Sport Trac). Her Malibu is on it's last legs, so we're looking to replace it. I still owe somewhere around $7-8k on the Fusion, and both other vehicles are paid for.
I went to a local dealership yesterday to test drive a 2012 Focus. Most of the ones they have are SEL or Titanium trim, and tipping the scales at $24-25k. I'm looking for something closer to $20k.
My requirements, in order of preference, are:
- Around 20k, not much higher.
- Good fuel economy. I want 30+ MPG combined if possible.
- Decent size / weight. A Focus is roughly perfect on both fronts. I could go a bit bigger (mid-size), but don't want to sacrifice fuel economy. I don't want to go any smaller.
- Decent fit and finish.
- REAR DISC BRAKES. I'm tired of drums.
- Decent technology.
- Decent power (160 HP+ is nice, wasn't impressed with the last generation Focus).
Right now, they have a 2012 Focus SE with the Sport Package (rear discs, nicer wheels, spoiler, etc.) for around $20k with discounts. The discount promotions from Ford run out at the end of the month (around $22k without discounts), and I hate feeling like I'm looking for a needle in a haystack in terms of requirements vs. price.
Any suggestions on other vehicles to look at, or roughly what I should be expecting to pay for what I want?
One last question, and this one probably falls under the "call and ask" category. Currently my parents have me on their insurance policy. My Fusion is co-signed between me and my dad. I was planning on buying the newer car, and handing the Fusion down to my wife. We still owe a bit on the Fusion though, so signing it over to her so that she can put it on her insurance isn't an option. Any idea if an insurance company would allow someone to add their daughter-in-law to their policy, or any other way to get her covered for a car that isn't in her name?
Thanks guys.
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