The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Aardvark on January 31, 2023, 09:53:32 AM
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I drive a 2017 Ford C-Max Energi and I absolutely love it.
My sister in law is in the market for a car. Home charging isn't an option for her, but I still think that the C-Max Hybrid is a really really good option for her needs. Are there any other cars that you would look at give the following specs:
-Price sensitivity
-Cargo space is important
-MPG is important
-Will be used for commuting, and weekend trips between LA and San Diego.
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Prius V will give you a bit better fuel economy and a bit more cargo space, but likely more expensive purchase price too.
That being said, I like the hybrid Fords and the CMax seems to fly under the radar for what it is which could mean deals are easier to find than a Prius V.
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Yeah, the Prius V was my second suggestion to her, but the driving experience is way worse (under powered, and sedan seating) and it probably costs more up front.
Glad to hear that you approve of the C-Max :)
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If you need even more cargo and passenger capacity, it's really hard to beat a Honda Odyssey. I wish they had a hybrid version--Toyota made a hash of the Sienna Hybrid.
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According to Wikipedia, the car didn't come close to EPA mileage claims and had to be lowered. I'm sure it does better in town when it can benefit from electric only, but once you need the gasoline engine on I would question whether it does any better than other small cars. Fords aren't the most reliable cars on the planet either, Fix Or Repair Daily.
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Yes I just got a C-Max 2015 Energi last year when cars were really expensive. Great timing!
Averaging 97 - 105 mpg per fill up in my case and I've racked up about 20k miles since I got it.
Only thing I've done was to swap out the rear view camera for a new one, went bad and was becoming a nuisance.
I think I may look into the Ford Escape Hybrid PHEV when it comes out and see if its worth it.
Sure they are better performing PHEVs out there but I don't think it is worth it to me for my use and I don't want to pay for tech that will be outdated in a few years.
If home charging isn't an option, then perhaps the C-Max Hybrid (non plugin?).
I'm also in CA (Valencia).
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I LOOOOOOVE my 2015 CMax hybrid.
Have had absolutely NO mechanical issues with it.
I was getting 41 mpg with mostly city driving for the first seven years I owned it.
That dropped down to 40 after my crazy road trip to Utah/Colorado and back this fall -- learned that those 80-90mph speed zones in desolate Idaho and Wyoming are fun to drive, but do a number on your gas mileage.
I am so sad they don't make the CMax for US sale any more. It really is an awesome little car, especially if you are short. I can sleep in the back of mine, and the visibility is WAAAAY better than the Prius.
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If you need even more cargo and passenger capacity, it's really hard to beat a Honda Odyssey. I wish they had a hybrid version--Toyota made a hash of the Sienna Hybrid.
We're happy with our Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. A non-hybrid minivan is a gas hog, would not choose the Odyssey...
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If you need even more cargo and passenger capacity, it's really hard to beat a Honda Odyssey. I wish they had a hybrid version--Toyota made a hash of the Sienna Hybrid.
We're happy with our Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. A non-hybrid minivan is a gas hog, would not choose the Odyssey...
For our family of eight, the options are limited. And an Odyssey beats everything, hands down. Sure, there are vehicles that get better gas mileage, especially the new Sienna Hybrids. But for taking a cross-country trip with every seat occupied, it can't compare to the practicality and comfort of the Odyssey.
I can fit plywood flat on the floor of my Odyssey with the rear door closed. There aren't many vehicles on the market today that can do so. The Sienna can't any more.
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If you need even more cargo and passenger capacity, it's really hard to beat a Honda Odyssey. I wish they had a hybrid version--Toyota made a hash of the Sienna Hybrid.
We're happy with our Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. A non-hybrid minivan is a gas hog, would not choose the Odyssey...
For our family of eight, the options are limited. And an Odyssey beats everything, hands down. Sure, there are vehicles that get better gas mileage, especially the new Sienna Hybrids. But for taking a cross-country trip with every seat occupied, it can't compare to the practicality and comfort of the Odyssey.
I can fit plywood flat on the floor of my Odyssey with the rear door closed. There aren't many vehicles on the market today that can do so. The Sienna can't any more.
I think even the Rezvani Vengeance would need a trailer to haul that, although your family would be safe inside: https://www.rezvanimotors.com/rezvani-vengeance
I just came across it today in a Reddit video in the style of a mom blogger making fun of it, and I had to see if it was real.
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Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. I have a 2019, and it's averaged 40 mpg over the past 3+ years.
I'm now at 54k miles, and I've done nothing other than routine service and replaced the tires.