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Comparing gas vs hybrid?


Jus-A-CMax
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The C-Max goes up mountains like they aren't there - no down-shifting - no audible engine revving - a total breeze.  I would buy the C-Max just for the way it doesn't shift even if it didn't get better mileage.  Sometimes the intangibles steal the show!  Sort of like those of you who said you didn't care about the "kick-gate" but now wouldn't be without it.  I can't imagine going back to a car that doesn't sail over mountains like they aren't there!  Bugs me every time the Lexus down-shifts!

 

Yes and those (not so) intangibles: 

 

like when I 'install' myself in our old BMW 5, bend, contort, fall ............ugh!  Our C-Max, a beautiful ease to get in. 

Start the bimmer, a howl & an annoying whine before it settles in ........ugh!  Our C-Max, just quiet sublime pleasure on start-up.

Driving the bimmer, feels like a struggling overweight boat ....ugh!  Our C-Max, with the same weight & a couple fewer hp, feels light, agile & responsive.

 

Nick

Edited by C-MaxSea
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The C-Max goes up mountains like they aren't there - no down-shifting - no audible engine revving - a total breeze.  I would buy the C-Max just for the way it doesn't shift even if it didn't get better mileage.  Sometimes the intangibles steal the show!  

 

+10 -- you may have hit the nail on the head completely about why I just adore getting into Maximis and why mpg (although a lot of fun) isn't even close to why I love this car.  Some of the things are true for any hybrid, like the no engine revving (although the Prius sure makes some odd noises when you drive it -- part of the problem is that it isn't *nearly* as soundproofed as our ride) and others (like the headroom and nice cargo area) can be gotten from other vehicles, but there isn't a one I know of that puts it all together like the C-Max, at least at this price point (AND gets great gas mileage).

 

It really feels like a much more expensive vehicle to me -- something I would have had to pay at least 10K more for.  

Edited by Kelleytoons
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Volt … Apparently it has the best EV range of any of the plugin hybrids. 

 

Not any more. The plug-in hybrid landscape changes often.

 

The new BMW i3 is a 4-seater that travels about 80 miles. Add the optional 'Range Extender' (650cc gas engine and 1.9 gal gas tank for about $4000) and it gets you to about 160 miles combined. PluginCars.com review of the BMW i3: http://www.plugincars.com/bmw-i3.html

 

PluginCars.com review of the Chevy Volt: http://www.plugincars.com/chevrolet-volt

 

This page at PluginCars.com lists all the current offerings: http://www.plugincars.com/cars

Edited by kostby
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Just wondering if anyone considered the Chevy Volt before they made their decision? Apparently it has the best EV range of any of the plugin hybrids. I saw a video on youtube where this guy claims

he drove 9,000 miles on 14 gallons of gas!

 

You bet.  It got me inspired about Lithium Ion batteries and electric motors.

 

The reasons we didn't buy:

 

1.  Cheap and plasticy feel to the interior

 

2.  Only seats two in the back.  Deal-breaker for the missus.

 

3.  Smallish trunk.

 

4.  Felt it was overpriced and zero buying incentives from GM at the time.

 

5.  (minor) Not particularly crazy about exterior design.

 

We test drove the Energi and thought it was a step up in terms of interior refinement, ride quality and quietness.  It just felt better.  

 

I still think the Energi is an amazing car, but I had to agree with the boss when she looked in the trunk and said "ok, where's the rest of it?" 

Edited by Adrian_L
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Not any more. The plug-in hybrid landscape changes often.

 

The new BMW i3 is a 4-seater that travels about 80 miles. Add the optional 'Range Extender' (650cc gas engine and 1.9 gal gas tank for about $4000) and it gets you to about 160 miles combined. PluginCars.com review of the BMW i3:

 

PluginCars.com review of the Chevy Volt: http://www.plugincars.com/chevrolet-volt

 

This page at PluginCars.com lists all the current offerings: http://www.plugincars.com/cars

 

We're just on the cusp.  A very exciting time in automotive history. 

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