Due to a too "close encounter" with a deer the DS is having to get a different vehicle. He is looking at a Ford C-Max. I have absolutely no experience with hybrids so an looking for tales of the "good, bad and ugly" on hybrids in general and the C-Max specifically. Tell me what you know please.
Cars Hybrid vehicle info
- Thread starter WiWatcher
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Betty_Rose
Veteran Member
My sister-in-law has one. I am not impressed. Try looking up, “Ford C max” and “electrical problems.”
They’re plagued with electrical gremlins.
They’re plagued with electrical gremlins.
Betty_Rose
Veteran Member
I’ve been driving hybrids for 10 years now, and the problem with the excessively high cost of replacing the traction battery has pretty well been solved by the aftermarket.
New traction batteries (for Toyotas) are now under $1500, and the Toyota batteries are lasting up to 200,000 miles.
Crusty Echo 7
Veteran Member
The best hybrid are the ol’ multifuel duce and a half trucks. Finding one in good condition is the hard part.
Heliobas Disciple
TB Fanatic
I had a Ford hybrid. Battery died and it was too expensive to replace. Some batteries (like Toyota) are easier to find aftermarket because they are made of cells and they replace the bad cell, and sell it as refurbished. The Ford battery for my car was not one of those and you had to buy the battery again new. So if you are getting a Ford, check to see now what it would cost to replace the battery.
The real problem I had with a hybrid was that no local garage would work on it - they said I had to take it to the dealership for any issue other than oil change, tires or brakes. That gets really expensive. And inconvenient as the dealership was not close by.
I get better mileage now with my Nissan than I did with my Ford hybrid, but my Ford was a very early generation, they probably do get better mileage now.
The real problem I had with a hybrid was that no local garage would work on it - they said I had to take it to the dealership for any issue other than oil change, tires or brakes. That gets really expensive. And inconvenient as the dealership was not close by.
I get better mileage now with my Nissan than I did with my Ford hybrid, but my Ford was a very early generation, they probably do get better mileage now.
WriterMom
Veteran Member
I know your question is regarding the Ford C-Max, which I know nothing about, but I drive another hybrid, a Hyundai Ioniq (2019). I believe the battery costs about $3k to replace, and according to different online forums, they last anywhere from 100k-200k miles. I have about 55k miles on the car with no problems at all. I get between 50-65 mpg, which is awesome (especially since I use it to drive for Lyft). The car is a bit small for my tastes, but for now I'm loving the gas mileage.
Stick with only gasoline cars, the hybrids, I have been told shut down at a stop light and start up when you hit the gas ??
I have informed him on the cost of replacing the traction battery ($5k). Yes they shut down (go from gas to battery mode) at stop signs, that is how they work, does not mean they will not move. He is still doing research on it so nothing definite yet. Thank you all for the information.
tech
Veteran Member
Not true at all. More newer gasoline-only cars (and trucks) do that than hybrids...If a hybrid's batterry is low, the engine will run, at a stop or not.
You can get a replacement lithium battery for 400 from a upull.