Is this 2013 Ford Fusion fun for the whole family for $6,800? – Jalopnik

A rare six-speed stick brings the fun factor of today’s Nice Price or No Dice Fusion closer to its Aston Martin-esque appearance. Let’s see if this family car is priced in a way that makes adoption a viable option.

One of the most popular songs from Minnesota-based lo-fi band Low is the duet “Plastic Cup.” A fragile lament about the loss of autonomy and the misplacement of value, both symbolized by the titular plastic cup, became a key concert piece for the band.

The plastics in the 1977 Chevy Camaro R/S we looked at yesterday seemed to have held up shockingly well over time, as did the car’s body, paint and, as far as we could tell, the mechanics. There was no misinterpretation of the value of these elements as the Camaro presented itself well and, commendably, claimed to be a two-owner car. However, there was disagreement over the seller’s asking price of $13,500. Many of you disagreed with that question, resulting in a narrow but decisive 54% No Dice loss.

The question is of course: “Are we missing them?” Ford eliminated sedans from its lineup because of market demand, not out of spite. The last sedan to date was a 2020 Fusion that rolled off the assembly line at the Hermosillo, Mexico, assembly plant on July 31 of that year. Now the plant makes the Bronco Sport, which sells in lower volumes than the Fusion on its worst day but may be more profitable for the company in the long run.

Of course, there’s only so much a stick shift can do, and the current owner of this Fusion acknowledges the car’s fuel economy beyond performance credentials by humorously equipping it with a vanity plaque that reads ‘ECOSLOW’.

Nevertheless, there is a lot to like about a car of this size and capability. Its usefulness as a family car is evident in the inclusion of the rear seat, which can accommodate two child seats with room to spare. It also has the sedan’s secret weapon: a separate trunk to keep valuables other than the kids safe.

The blue paint still pops and shows no signs of dings or dents. The bodywork underneath is also notable as it is perhaps one of the most beautiful cars Ford has ever produced, looking very much like an Aston Martin from some angles. The black-coated factory alloys are a take-it-or-leave-it element, but are easily repairable if the next owner hates them.

The cabin also seems to have held up well, and as a mid-range SE model it offers leather seating surfaces, power-adjustable and heated front seats and a few other bells and whistles. All in all, it seems like a comfortable place to spend time while you’re in the car or on your way to work.

What is your opinion about this Fusion and that fixed price? Does that seem like a reasonable deal for someone who wants to buck the trend and stick with a sedan? Or does that price put a damper on such remarkable concepts, or even on the appeal of this car’s six-speed gearbox?

You decide!

Nice prize or no dice:

New Hampshire Craigslistor go here when the ad disappears.

H/T to Whatsupdohc for the connection!

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