Unlikely performance car?

I know of much love for Fusions and Mazda 6's being fun mid size sedans, but how about the semi-tarted up cousin, the Mercury Milan? Being a 4cyl/5spd car I know it wont be blazingly fast, but does it still have as good a suspension as it's bretheren or has it been softened up for the retirerment crowd?

Asking as I have been looking around, just for fun, and have found some 5spd examples for several thousands less than similar fusions and 6's. I think rolling up to an autoX in a Mercury would be worth the shock factor

The only difference between a Milan and a Fusion is front grill/headlights and tail lights. Mechanically they are identical and come off the exact same assembly line. The suspension on the Milan is the same as the Fusion, not softer. To get different you would have to go to the MKZ which is also based off the Fusion/Milan.
I commend you for shopping Milan 5 speeds. Very few people shop for Fusion 5 speeds and i suspect even fewer shop Milan 5 speeds. I suspect that this is because the Mercury version trys to put on somewhat of a little more aire of upscale-ness over the Ford version. In the USA, upscale and manual transmission are often not intertwined.

If you want my advise, look for a Milan Premier with the two tone leather seats, climate control and a 4 cyl engine with 5 speed. It is interesting to note that the Milan/Fusions were some of the only cars of the time where you could get "all the options" and still stick with a 4 cyl manual.

When shopping, seem disgusted that the car has a manual. Trust me, no one is looking for the combination of all the toys but not an automatic. Use this "disapointment" in the manual trans to get the price down.

Sample:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=271402474&dealer_id=63355365&car_year=2006&rdm=1264042222133&lastStartYear=1981&model=MILAN&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=MERC&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=44122&advanced=y&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=&cardist=262&standard=false

Never driven one so I have nothing to add except this....

Mercury girl is HAWT!!!!!

jrw1621 wrote: Sample: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=271402474&dealer_id=63355365&car_year=2006&rdm=1264042222133&lastStartYear=1981&model=MILAN&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=MERC&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=44122&advanced=y&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=&cardist=262&standard=false

Yikes, $12k, the one I found is listed at $8k. Fusions at $10k and 6's at $11k

I have been so-so on looking for a newer DD, this just might be worth it

buick regal, with the super charger

EricM wrote: buick regal, with the super charger

Ugh, that's like suggesting a Lexus SC430 over a Miata when someone's looking for a sports car.

I posted that sample because I like the color/equipment combination, not the price. I also advised that you negotiate heavily.
Yes, you can get many good deals. I think the low prices have to do a lot with the fact that there are sooo many Fusion/Milan dumped on the used markets from former rental cars. One of the best things about shopping a manual is the guarantee that the car was not a former rental since rental fleets only deal with automatics.

Marty! Takes a licking and keeps on ticking.... wrote: Never driven one so I have nothing to add except this.... Mercury girl is HAWT!!!!!

She claimed to have only $150 in the bank when she got the call from Mercury. She would look bad homeless, and I think eventually she would be discovered in my garage.

Dan

Fusion S

Fusion SEL

Both manual, both under 8k, both within 120 miles of 13743...couldnt find a milan though...probably cuz you broke the news onto the intrawebzorz...way to go neon...why dont you stay in the ignore thread

Adrian_Thompson wrote:

EricM wrote: buick regal, with the super charger

Ugh, that's like suggesting a Lexus SC430 over a Miata when someone's looking for a sports car.

Will i get crucified if i say that i'd rather have the SC430 than the Miata? With the provisions of course that i can do whatever i want to the SC430.