So I'm thinking of buying a 2009 Focus without ABS, because ABS+TC costs $745 extra, an increase which makes it more sensible to just buy a Fusion (at which point I'm paying closer to $20k when I wanted to be closer to $15k)
Illustration by out-the-door prices (after employee discount/rebates):
2009 loaded Focus w/o ABS: $15,500
2009 Focus w/ ABS: $16,700
2009 similarly equipped Fusion: $18,000
Obviously if I get ABS, it'd be stupid not to get the Fusion at that price, but the wife would rather have the cute Focus. I can say that the only time we've ever had any close calls while driving have been on snowy / icy roads, and I've heard that traditional brakes + sensible pumping are usually superior to ABS in such conditions.
Other than fearing for my wife's safety, I'm also wondering how badly going no-ABS will affect resale value after the 2012 requirement that all cars come equipped with stability control.
Thoughts?
Illustration by out-the-door prices (after employee discount/rebates):
2009 loaded Focus w/o ABS: $15,500
2009 Focus w/ ABS: $16,700
2009 similarly equipped Fusion: $18,000
Obviously if I get ABS, it'd be stupid not to get the Fusion at that price, but the wife would rather have the cute Focus. I can say that the only time we've ever had any close calls while driving have been on snowy / icy roads, and I've heard that traditional brakes + sensible pumping are usually superior to ABS in such conditions.
Other than fearing for my wife's safety, I'm also wondering how badly going no-ABS will affect resale value after the 2012 requirement that all cars come equipped with stability control.
Thoughts?