Used buyer's guide: Ford Fusion pictures

The electronic accelerator control can fail on the 1.4-litre petrol engine. This results in a loss of power when the car is being driven.

Some Fusions have suffered from water getting into the engine bay. And if the plugs, leads and coil pack are damp, the car can misfire. 

Check the footwells for leaks; rain water can collect there if the seals for the ventilation filters are faulty or haven’t been refitted properly.

Inspect central locking, windows and lights if the electrics play up. It’s often something simple such as a fuse not seating.

The Fusion isn’t as versatile as its supermini-MPV billing suggests, and the cabin design is uninspiring, too. However, it’s user-friendly, the materials are generally good and there’s plenty of space. With all the seats folded, the bo