We go to great lengths to bring you insightful and entertaining vehicle reviews, and we often drive the wheels off stuff in the process. But that’s not what happened to this unfortunate 2014 Ford Fusion Titanium test car, which we found a couple of mornings ago resting on blocks with all four wheels missing. Wheels have always been a popular target of nefarious types, but, seriously, what the hell?
The perpetrators knew exactly what they wanted—the rest of the car and its contents were untouched—and the act was executed with such efficiency that they clearly knew what they were doing. The Fusion was parked in a carport in a sleepy Ann Arbor apartment complex, and the thieves wrapped a towel around the overhead light and set to work; we figure they made off with their booty in 15 minutes or less.
Of course, they also didn’t give a crap about the car they left behind: Notice that the rear of the car has been dropped on its subframe and suspension. The landscaping blocks also inflicted stress on the body structure, crinkling the rocker panels and wedging shut the front passenger-side door. Significant repairs will be needed before this Ford re-enters the press fleet or—more likely—heads to auction.
But why Fusion wheels? Why not, say, the amazing wheels and performance tires on the Alfa Romeo 4C a colleague drove home the same night? It’s hard to say, but news reports in our area say both the current- and last-generation Fusion wheels are hot commodities. The 19-inchers that were fitted to our Titanium test car are not only attractive but they also can be bolted to many other models, making them easy to flip. And they’re worth a pretty penny, too—a call to our local dealer put the replacement cost, including the four Continental ContiProContact tires, at a staggering $4312.
Of course, this is why vehicles are insured, whether they’re a personal car or in a press fleet. But we still felt violated. Wheel locks might have helped, but short of a secure garage or standing guard all night with a shotgun, if someone wants a set of wheels they’re going to take them. Just let us know if you see some cheap Fusion Titanium wheels on any Detroit-area Craigslist sites, OK?
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