Looking for "new" used vehicle opinions again...

[davey7]

As a Volvo owner (Ford Free 850, and previously a 245, many moons ago), they are tanks, but not gas sippers by any means, especially compared to my old Civic which didn't need feeding very often at all.

One of my friends had a Satan that just wouldn't die - he finally gave it to a relative who needed a car and was down on her luck.

 

[vacerator]

Davey,

Volvo was likely the only Ford owned company not to gain quality improvements.
They didn't need any. They were even using Toyota automatics in the rear drive S90.
Now the S40 Contour/Mondeo variant I feel was an emberasment.
Jaguar, Land Rover, (except the V6 Freelander engine), Aston Martin, all gained in quality thanks to Ford. The Freelander V6 was built by an outside supplier.
Yes, I know about the AJ V8 timing chain tensioner problem, but if replaced as soon as noise is heard, within a timely manner, the engine is saved. Most cars have some maintainance or problem issue by 80 or 90,000 miles anyway.

 

[davey7]

Yeah, the quality went down from what I hear, once Ford bits starting appearing. A friend of mine owned Jaguars (and Volvo's*) back in the day, i.e. 70's when she was rich, aka married to a doctor and running his practice. She said the joke about needing the mechanic first and then buying the Jaguar was true. I rode in a recent Jaguar sedan a while back, it really did feel special, not quite like a Bentley, but close - coolest thing was the flap over the dash vents that closed when the car was off. Must be a similar feeling to the original 60's "personal luxury" cars, i.e. Thunderbird, Toronado, etc.

*They were driving along and the gear shift lever came up and out. Most people would have pulled over with the clutch in. But no, they fixed it while underway with a big wrench!

I got lucky with my 850 - I was on a quest for one with a stick and most of them were ratty and beat up with torn up interiors (even the successor models were tatty, especially the leather interiors - so where the SAAB's). My other choice would've been an early aughts Civic Si like my cousin has.

 

[vacerator]

Civics, Toronado's etc,

Civics go a long time for sure.
There is a company in England which makes reproduction Jaguar XJ 8's with modern electrics, as that was their main problems.
Now the Toronado was sheer innovation for automotive design, since the Cord 812 anyway. At least the ones up to 1985 were. Even if their fit and finish were cheesy with plastic erzats wood on the dash and doors.
Mechanically, they drove and performed excellently. Roomy also, with that flat floor all the way across the front seat area.
How many cars could drive coast to coast then on one quart of oil consumption?
Tolerances were not what they are today. That should tell us something about the Oldsmobile V8 engine quality.

 

[vacerator]

Davey, re; Civic si,

Is that the one with the tiny back window in the hatch back lift?

 

[dustin92]

Ok, with some more searching and researching, I'm pretty much set on a Toyota Prius- likely 2004-2008. Anyone here own one and what do you think of them? Still a little hesitant of the whole hybrid system and cvt transmission, but I may change my mind once I've driven one. I really like the interior and exterior design, would rather have the tan cloth interior and green or blue exterior, but that's just personal preference. The rear seats even fold down and the hatchback design should give me at least some room for hauling. Now to find one... They seem pretty scarce on craigslist around here, but they are all over on the roads. Need to get a few new problems on the van repaired before I can sell it anyway.

 

[vacerator]

re; Prius

I know one person who owns one. A 2008 model. Very low miles, but they love it.
Not a good test vehicle because of that. It has the original battery pack and has had no problems.
Dustin, if I were buying a used one, I'd opt for an extended warranty because of the expense of battery replacement.

 

[tolivac]

Now i have gone back to a Hybrid car-a 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid-love this car!!Like it better than the straight gas motored one.As I pull into work or home to park-only the electric motors work-like the feeling!Tracton batteries in these vehicles can last the life of the car.The battery charge management circuit in the vehicles doesn't let the battery charge too much or discharge.For NMH batteries this gives the longest life.The "plug in Prius" uses lithium batteries.The other Toyota hybrid cars use Nickel Metal Hydride batteries.

 

[nurdlinger]

"cvt" is really "ecvt"

You can get a good idea of what's going on from this video. Incidentally, I drive a 2013 Ford C-Max hybrid. Its configuration of engine, motors, etc. is highly similar to the Prius.

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmHpSyTsfm0

 

[DADoES]

 
Presumably my 2014 Fusion Hybrid is the equivalent mechanism.  Very interesting and informative video linked there, thanks.  I had read some info elsewhere but seeing the components operate clarifies the system much better.  Surprised me that the engine does not directly drive the wheels.  Will have to show it to my dad.

Driving the Fusion was a new experience for a while but now I don't notice the differences so much ... although it still catches my attention momentarily if, for example, I'm stopped at a traffic light or Whataburger drive-through or etc. and the engine comes on to charge the HV batteries for the air conditioning running or whatever.  Conversely, I drove my dad's pick-up a couple days ago ... and the engine started immediately when I turned the key which momentarily startled me, LOL.

 

[washer111]

The batteries on a Prius shouldn't be too much of a concern, at least for purchasing most secondhand models. I think it was the Google Taxis (or equivalent) that accrued some ridiculous mileage in a few years, and the batteries still tested as good. Its more their disposal that is of concern for me.

And based on that, a replacement battery should really be a worthwhile investment given their longevity.

The engine itself also seems to be holding up to the very hard stop/start life (although starting and immediately revving is hardly healthy)... I've noted some Used Oil Analysis' at the Bob Is The Oil Guy forums with a couple hundred thousand miles, still looks reasonably good.

 

[dustin92]

Here's the next update- I bought a 2004 Toyota Prius yesterday! It was a one owner vehicle with 174,000 miles, sold new at the same dealer I bought it through, always serviced there as well. Everything seems to be in excellent condition and it drives like new. With the trade in of my van, I ended up financing about $2200. So far I'm loving it, but it will definitely take some getting used to.

 

[vacerator]

Congradulations!

Enjoy it. May it provide years of good service!
Smart man you are to make driving as thrifty as possible. Invest and or save the difference you would be spending on high payments.

 

[DADoES]

 
Work to home, this sometimes happens when there's no traffic and I can drive "gently."

 

[dustin92]

So far, the best average mpg I've gotten for a trip was 44.9 over a 8 mile or so trip. It has been cold and yucky here, so the mpgs should go up once it warms up some. So far I don't have a complaint about it at all, but it's definitely different than a normal car.