Car shopping update

[Deleted]

We're not buying anything today because the insurance adjustor still hasn't been out to tell us whether H's Maxima is totaled. But we went to the Toyota dealership, and then on a whim, the Ford dealership. We really liked the Camry Hybrid, Fusion Hybrid, and Ford's new C-Max Hybrid.

As he expected, H had a million complaints about the Prius, most of all that he didn't find it comfortable. It doesn't make a lot of sense to buy a car for its fuel efficiency and then not be able to take it on trips because it's uncomfortable. So, to my displeasure, we ruled out the Prius. 

We liked the Camry Hybrid a lot. We have rented new Camrys (non-hybrid) on two recent trips and thought they were great cars. I drove a '98 Camry for the first 12 years of my driving life, so I have a positive association with Camrys. There's a big drop in highway mpg from the Prius (48 mpg) to the Camry (38 mpg), though. The trunk space didn't seem like an issue to us. There is the crash test issue that Cosmos pointed out yesterday. 

As H was driving back from the Toyota dealership, I started reading on my phone about best hybrid cars and best mid-size sedans. The Ford Fusion hybrid ranked highly on both lists, so we decided to go to the Ford dealership. They didn't have a Fusion Hybrid on the lot (apparently production isn't keeping up with demand), so we drove a non-hybrid Fusion. I don't think there are a whole lot of differences, and we found the Fusion to be a very nice, comfortable ride. Its fuel efficiency is quite a bit better than the Camry Hybrid (45/45 vs. 38/41).

While we were there, we decided to try the C-Max, which is Ford's new hybrid designed to compete with the Prius V. It's actually sized in between the Prius and Prius V, but its mileage is better than the Prius V. It is WAY more comfortable (more head room) than either Prius model. H liked it, too. But I think we are leaning toward the Fusion Hybrid because they are similarly priced, similar mpg, and the Fusion is a little more spacious. I'm still trying to decide how I feel about hatchbacks.

The Ford dealer is going to call us (hopefully this week) when they get a Fusion Hybrid in stock (he said it's likely to be tomorrow). In the meantime, we've got some research to do on price, reliability, fitting potential carseats in the backseat, etc.! If anyone has experiences with any of these models or other suggestions, I'd love to hear it!

[Deleted]

Exciting! I really like the way the new Fusion looks. I havent seen a C-Max in person, just online.

I have a very positive association with Fords lately. They've really stepped up their game.

[steph96]

I'm glad you looked at the Fusion! Ford has really stepped up their game recently.

My issue with hatchbacks is the lack of privacy. I don't want people to be able to see everything I have in my "trunk". I'm not sure if they ave a screen or something for privacy in the car you looked at. I'm just paranoid about people breaking into cars if they see things inside.

[awkwardpenguin]

My friend has a (non-hybrid) Fusion and my in-laws have a hybrid Fusion, and they're all pretty pleased. The hybrid Fusion has reasonable leg room for an adult in the back seat, so I imagine it can RF a car seat or two without a problem.

I'm also a big fan of the Camry, but I'd personally probably get the non-hybrid version. The fuel efficiency gain isn't big enough to justify the extra purchase price and maintenance costs, in my opinion. The non-hybrid 4 cylinder Camry posts 35 MPG on the highway, so unless you do tons of city driving, I'm not sure the cold hard math comes out in favor of the hybrid.

[mbcdefg]

Glad you found something you like!

MH really wants a hybrid of some sort, but we just don't have the money for it right now. That's interesting to hear that the Prius isn't very comfortable. He's getting interested in the Volt. And we both test-drove the Leaf during a traveling exhibition a year or two ago, but the people there weren't able to answer a lot of our questions.

Re: Ford, I had a Focus as a rental a few years ago and I really liked it. I looked for one when I had to buy a used car back in August, but the dealership didn't have any in my price range so I wound up with a Nissan Sentra.

[Deleted]

I'm kind of intrigued by plug-ins, but we live in a condo and don't have a place to charge one. H and I did discuss running an extension cord off our patio and into the parking lot. LOL

[KaraOrNot]

I don't have any experience w/ these models, but I have had 2 Fords in the past and had very positive experiences. I also really like the way the Fusions look.

[Deleted]

I have strongly positive associations with Toyota in general, not so much with Ford. I think I need to get over this mental barrier.

[curbsideprophet]

Glad you found some options you like. We were considering the C-Max, but in the end DH thought it was too small. It is really more comparable to a Prius than the Prius v, which is partially why the mileage seems so much better when comparing it to the v.

Have you check out the Subaru Outback? Some models can get 30 mpg highway, which is not great, but it is all wheel drive. We did not find the front seats comfortable, but maybe you would not have problem with them. However if cargo space is something you want I think it is worth checking out.

Good luck with your decision.

[catbus]

I have no recommendations here, since I haven't been in or driven any of those cars, but I will put in a plug for hatchbacks. We have a Subaru Outback, and I love the versatility of the cargo area in comparison to a sedan trunk.
I think most modern hatchbacks come with a roller cover for the cargo area. Ours did, and I *think* it was standard equipment. But usually we just have reusable grocery bags and an emergency kit in the rear, so I actually leave the cover open, figuring if someone were considering breaking into our car they could peek in and see that there's nothing worth stealing.

[Deleted]

Jan 21, 2013 15:53:15 GMT -5 curbsideprophet said:

Glad you found some options you like. We were considering the C-Max, but in the end DH thought it was too small. It is really more comparable to a Prius than the Prius v, which is partially why the mileage seems so much better when comparing it to the v.

Have you check out the Subaru Outback? Some models can get 30 mpg highway, which is not great, but it is all wheel drive. We did not find the front seats comfortable, but maybe you would not have problem with them. However if cargo space is something you want I think it is worth checking out.

Good luck with your decision.

I think a mid-sized sedan will give us plenty of cargo space.

The C-Max is definitely smaller than the Prius V, but larger than the Prius. The C-Max has pretty comparable fuel efficiency to the Prius (47/47 vs. 51/48).

[Deleted]

I can't believe I didn't even think to mention the C-Max! H's coworker has one, he can't stop talking about it. He LOVES it, and this is a guy who has been driving various Ford vehicles for 25 years - lease ones, so a new one every year or so. Again, take it for what it is - a Ford engineer's opinion. Glad you liked both cars. Ford has worked incredibly hard in the last few years to become competitive again.

[Deleted]

Goodness y'all. I just found this, and now I am really confused. www.digitaltrends.com/cars/epa-investigates-ford-hybrid-mpg-figures/

[Deleted]

My sister has a fusion and she loves it!

[catbus]

Jan 21, 2013 16:55:08 GMT -5 @redbellpeppers said:

Goodness y'all. I just found this, and now I am really confused. www.digitaltrends.com/cars/epa-investigates-ford-hybrid-mpg-figures/

:-(

It sucks to be an informed consumer sometimes. (I mean, it's best in the long run, but frustrating when you think you're close to a decision and dig up something like this.)

[stumpy]

Again, we love out Toyota Camry Hybrid!! It is so nice and DH says it is his favorite car ever. (and his last car was a Toyota Camry but that got into a small accident and they didn't total it even though they should have . . . so we kept the Camry until they came out with a Hybrid.) We knew we wanted a Hybrid and we both have had Toyotas in the past. The run for forever and the hybrid technology is more advanced with Toyotas. (Ford hasn't been making them as long)
We looked at just about every sedan known to man and the Camry Hybrid was great due to comfort, styling, options, MPG, etc.

We did a ton of research and really it has to come done to what you and your DH like. There will always ALWAYS be a test or review that says the opposite of what you just read. That's just life.

Oh, and I want a plug in but I live in a condo too. I want the long extension cord out the garage as well! LOL!

[Deleted]

Jan 21, 2013 17:20:25 GMT -5 stumpy said:

That's what my H just said. Problem is, I'm not that picky about cars. My main requirements are fuel efficiency and reliability. Since those are the same and the prices are close, I am confused. I was leaning much more toward the Fusion hybrid when I thought its mileage was sooooo much better than the Camry hybrid.

Sigh. I think we're leaning toward the Camry hybrid now.

[Deleted]

Jan 21, 2013 16:55:08 GMT -5 @redbellpeppers said:

Goodness y'all. I just found this, and now I am really confused. 

I found edmunds.com a lot of help when looking for cars, both their reviews and the consumer reviews. 

[stumpy]

You will love it. I am always amazed at DH's gas mileage. Some trips are like 50 MPG . . . crazy!!! It does depend on how you drive and your commute. But you will get better gas mileage than a regular sedan and you will be doing your part to help the environment and save money on gas as well.

DH ordered exactly what he wanted. Color, interior, options, etc. And we got a fabulous price.

[simpsongal]

Just chiming in to say we bought a 2013 Ford Fusion this weekend

We didn't spring for the hybrid because we don't drive enough to make it worth it. But you're right, it's getting a lot of great press from the auto community. I love the way the Fusion looks - the grill looks like it was ripped off an Aston Martin. We also tried the Ford Escape, thinking we might beed a larger car. The Fusion is actually roomier for passengers. DH's coworker has the hybrid Fusion and he loves it - no complaints on the gas mileage either.

It doesn't sound like this matters to you, but I see a million Camrys, Civics, Accords, Corollas, etc. on the road. It's nice to drive something a little unique. True story - DH and I went grocery shopping after we bought the car. A guy walked by the car as we were loading our groceries and he was turning his head to stare at the car

Good luck!

ETA: DH has always had Fords and great experience with the brand.

[Deleted]

Jan 21, 2013 15:51:23 GMT -5 @redbellpeppers said:

I have strongly positive associations with Toyota in general, not so much with Ford. I think I need to get over this mental barrier.

As do I, though I've owned both so that sort of has lent itself to it.

What about the Prius isn't comfortable to your DH? I realize he's not going to change his mind and buy it, but having taken numerous 12+ hour road trips in my Prius, I've never thought it uncomfortable nor has my DH.