Topic: The New Car Saga (and general auto chat) (Read 158885 times)

ocswing · « **Reply #20 on:** May 06, 2012, 11:27:25 PM »

Quote from: MuppetFace on May 06, 2012, 09:21:03 AM

Quote from: purrin on May 05, 2012, 06:05:53 PM
I'll take this small car.

Nice choice. I've been eyeing that one myself since back when it was a prototype. Isn't there a Subaru version too?

Yup, word is that the markup is $5k at dealers though. Not worth it at $30k.

Lurkumspect · « **Reply #21 on:** May 09, 2012, 05:01:43 PM »

I've been wanting to test drive (and perhaps purchase) that Rio 5-door, but last I checked my nearest Kia dealer did not have any. Might be worth a trip out further to see what's what.

I've been looking at the Fit and the Prius-C, to give an idea of the form factor I'm interested in. What I found very interesting about the Rio is that it has considerably more power than the Fit, and (nominally anyway) better gas mileage; in fact, from the numbers I've been gathering (into a spreadsheet, like a nerd) from manufacturers' websites, so far it's the best gas mileage of the small cars I've looked at outside the TDIs and hybrids. And I think Kia's got a better warranty than most too, probably due to its position in the market (i.e. people tend to buy other makes).

Wife's telling me I can have a Subaru. I've wanted one since I was 16; that's more than half my life. Not gonna go nuts with turbo or anything though, just the little hatchback with whatever it comes with, unless someone actually wants to up and pay me market value for what I do. And even then... I'd enjoy having a fancy car about as much as I'd enjoy pissing gold flakes. So basically <$20K for wheels and some airbags and I'll pick the best among them. Subjectively of course.

Maxvla · « **Reply #22 on:** May 10, 2012, 01:19:11 AM »

I've been looking at basically the same type of car, Lurk.

The Prius-C was one I hadn't heard of. The problem with TDI cars is that while their mileage is better than the gas versions, the diesel fuel is more expensive also, and by about the same ratio as mileage is better by, so it's a wash, except that the diesel cars are usually a few thousand more expensive to start with.

Talked to my friend who is a Honda master tech specializing in electronics at a dealership here and he says the CR-Z is a good car. There aren't many around here but he said he's never seen one that was needing anything but routine maintenance. I'd never seen one in person until today on my way home from work I caught a glimpse of one for a split second. Looked pretty nice, but it was fast so not sure. I'll have to check it out in person.

Also still trying to figure out if I can afford new or settle for used. A good amount of that depends on my trade in value. I also need to stop buying headphone stuff..... tempted to cancel my Bryston BHA-1 before it ships and just wait for the ODA/ODAC and settle for those.

Using the Kia site's trade in estimator it says my trade in is about $8400, which is higher than I expected. Interesting.

Anaxilus. · « **Reply #23 on:** May 10, 2012, 02:44:30 AM »

There's a plug-in Scion IQ coming. A real 'Smart' car.

This is a slightly different version

:

Maxvla · « **Reply #24 on:** May 10, 2012, 03:27:36 AM »

Slightly...

Looked up the Prius C. Looks pretty nice. 53mpg city, starting at 18,900 with pretty good list of standard features. Mileage is only slightly better than the CR-Z when driven in eco mode and driven properly for gas mileage. Currently tied for lead with the CR-Z. Kia Rio 5 door right behind them and better price, so really still in the mix.

Anaxilus. · « **Reply #25 on:** May 10, 2012, 03:44:48 AM »

Just so you know, Honda hybrids tend to get much lower numbers than Toyota Hybrids and others. Honda's system is not actually a hybrid, it's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist). It can't run on electric alone and has no capability to shut off the engine at stop. There's been lengthy back and forth litigation about 2003-2009 Honda Civic Hybrids for those who did not take the settlement.

I'm not a fan of Kia QC. Their parts are quite cheap and they skimp on wiring/electrical. They've been known in the tech side of the industry to have complete harness failures. You don't want to end replacing your wiring harness. I think Kia tends to score consistently low in the indexes along w/ Suzuki and various domestic like Chrysler/Dodge, etc.

Maxvla · « **Reply #26 on:** May 10, 2012, 04:17:21 AM »

Been reading up on a CR-Z forum and mileage from most users tends to be between 42 and 47mpg combined, instead of the 31/37 reported by the EPA (which btw is in Sport mode, it's lowest economy mode). I know it's IMA, not true hybrid, but the mileage is close enough to be considered comparable. It looks a hell of a lot better than most of these cars and can fit your mood at the press of a button. That's really attractive cause most of the time I'm fine puttering around, but I'll get an occasional urge to get more aggressive.

As far as running on electric alone, I'd say the Prius can't do that much either. The Prius C is only able to go about 1 mile on EV only power, and at only 25mph, according to the videos I've watched. It sounds like it's IMA taken to the next level.

Thanks for the bit on the Kias. I'll keep it in mind. The mileage isn't amazing and the price is lower, but not that much considering I'm going to want the SX (top model), which is around $17k.

Maxvla · « **Reply #27 on:** May 10, 2012, 04:45:11 AM »

So the Prius C would need the Three trim level to be acceptable to me, but it takes the price to over 22k. Not sure about that one.

Anaxilus. · « **Reply #28 on:** May 10, 2012, 10:44:14 AM »

The Plug-in hybrid does 15 mi. I'd personally wait about another year or so for the next gen stuff. I have a feeling the mileage numbers are going to see a significant 15-20% spike on the new stuff. New CAFE standards, battery tech and everyone is shrinking cars and cutting weight.

Users getting higher mileage than EPA ratings is not impossible but not typical either tbh. You'll find people claiming 70mpg on the Prius forums from 'Hypermiling'. Drafting behind bigger vehicles, using phone apps that monitor traffic and reroute w/o hitting stoplights, etc. It becomes a game.

Maxvla · « **Reply #29 on:** May 10, 2012, 10:55:00 AM »

Well even all the videos on youtube from individuals to press quality show a real world mileage in the 40s. The EPA reading is it's worst mileage, in Sport mode, and I have to believe someone driving with a lead foot. I haven't seen a single time where the mileage was remotely close to 31 city as rated by the EPA. Surely not everyone is drafting/rerouting/etc.

Just some random person I clicked on their signature link on the crz forums: http://www.fuelly.com/driver/Varmint/crz

There are many more just like it.

Oh and btw, the CR-Z does have the motor shut off when stopped feature.

Author Topic: The New Car Saga (and general auto chat) (Read 158885 times)

ocswing

Re: Thinking about a new car, need some help.

Lurkumspect

Re: Thinking about a new car, need some help.

Maxvla

Re: Thinking about a new car, need some help.

Anaxilus.

Re: Thinking about a new car, need some help.

Maxvla

Re: Thinking about a new car, need some help.

Anaxilus.

Re: Thinking about a new car, need some help.

Maxvla

Re: Thinking about a new car, need some help.

Maxvla

Re: Thinking about a new car, need some help.

Anaxilus.

Re: Thinking about a new car, need some help.

Maxvla

Re: Thinking about a new car, need some help.

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Author Topic: The New Car Saga (and general auto chat) (Read 158885 times)

Lurkumspect