2013 C-Max energi for new car?

[Daox]

If it's not too apparent, I've been keeping my eye out for a newer car. The 2004 Prius hasn't given us any real trouble, but it is 15 years old and there are lots of neat newer EVs and hybrids to choose from. Today's find is a reasonably priced 2013 Ford C-Max Energi.





https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto...997870001.html

Any info you guys know what to look for on this car when buying used? Seems like a nice step from the 04 Prius.

[redpoint5]

Little high miles for that new of a car, but the price looks great. Can you find out what percent of those miles were EV?

I'm a big fan of the C-max, and it has the same design as the Prius as far as implementation of the ICE and motors goes. It's a bit more peppy than the Prius, and has a longer EV range than the original plug-in Prius.

Not sure if the PIDs are known to get battery voltages and resistance like they are in the Prius, but you could potentially examine bank voltages and resistance using Torque Pro and an ELM237 device. Test that the included EVSE works and the car accepts a charge.

Other than that, the normal car inspection things apply. Leaks, uneven/abnormal wear, test all functions, take it for a test drive.

I'd be tempted to snatch that one up.

...oh, I think it has an active grill shutter too. Not sure how to test that, but I assume it's normally open. My guess is upon a cold start, the shutters would close if working properly.

[MetroMPG]

Do eet!


It's well used, but this car seems to tick all your checkboxes.



I notice from the pics that the right front fender paint doesn't quite match.

[redpoint5]

All 4 fenders are rusting, so probably need to treat them to halt the deterioration.

I take for granted the lack of rust here where they don't salt the roads.

Another thing I think I prefer is the 12v battery is located in the rear inside the cabin, under the floor. This makes experimenting with alternative batteries more feasible since theoretically the temperatures are better controlled. Probably not possible to keep it from freezing in WI winters though.

[Ecky]

Rust like that scares me. Were it not for the visible rust, I'd give it two thumbs up, but Vermont state inspections are pretty strict and once you start getting holes in the car, you need them repaired or it's taken off the road, and that can quickly get expensive. Plus I can only imagine how fun it will be to work on stuff like suspension components.

[mattrod]

If available, check the service history.

[Daox]

The car is no longer listed for sale. I never had time to go look at it.

[MetroMPG]

I forget - is that the first PHEV that's popped up in your area and price range?



Knowing your fleet and how you use it, seems like a PHEV would be a good fit for you. Replace the Prius with a PHEV and you have both EV for local errands, and you also have a comfortable highway car.

[Daox]

I think so. I have seen many Volts for sale, but they have a higher price tag and IMO don't have the utility of the Cmax. I load up the Prius packed to the gills usually 2x per week for my business. I would rather not downsize to the Volt at the moment.

[MetroMPG]

Volt + utility trailer!


Think outside of the more-aerodynamic-than-a-Cmax-box:

Thread: How much can a nissan leaf tow? Feats of towing might!