Poor Girl's Car

[redpoint5]

Car is with me until Sunday when the friend comes down to pick it up. It's already titled (reconstructed) and licensed in Oregon. About $230 in DMV fees.

Seems absolutely pristine, and a heck of a deal at $7,000. The Russian guy even went to the DMV to help with the title process and then bought the friend a coffee afterwards (probably doesn't hurt that she's pretty).

If you want to know anything about a Ford C-Max hybrid SEL, I've got until Sunday to figure it out. Probably won't drive it much though; certainly not a full tank of fuel.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Car is with me until Sunday when the friend comes down to pick it up. It's already titled (reconstructed) and licensed in Oregon. About $230 in DMV fees.

Seems absolutely pristine, and a heck of a deal at $7,000. The Russian guy even went to the DMV to help with the title process and then bought the friend a coffee afterwards (probably doesn't hurt that she's pretty).

If you want to know anything about a Ford C-Max hybrid SEL, I've got until Sunday to figure it out. Probably won't drive it much though; certainly not a full tank of fuel.

Glad it worked out for her. If she can destroy the planetary gearset in the CMax she has a special gift for destruction.

It is funny you mentioned she bought it from a Russian guy. I was talking to the owner of an airport shuttle service and he claimed that Russians have a lock on supplying taxies in the greater Portland Metro. Apparently they go up and down the west coast buying low mileage wrecked Prius from insurance auctions, fix them, and sell them with reconstructed titles to the taxi companies.

[redpoint5]

I just know Russians have the lock on all cars I'm interested in with salvage/reconstructed titles. Every single salvage title Prius, C-max, and Leaf I've looked at was owned by a Russian. This one was my favorite though because he offered more information than requested despite the extreme difficulty in speaking with a very bad stutter along with Russian accent.

... anybody know how to tell if the active grill shutter is functioning properly? I'm assuming it should close during initial startup/warmup?

[slowmover]

Stolen or salvaged cars are moved all over the USA. Title is washed thru several states. Transport adds up, but the margin is worthwhile. You can bet your Rooskie made a bundle.

[MetroMPG]

I just read a review of the new (2019) Honda Insight and thought of your friend.



Honda's 2-motor hybrids have an even simpler transmission than the Toyota/Ford hybrids. E-motor for low speed, clutched single speed direct drive to the gas engine for medium/high speed (if I understood things correctly).


Out of her price range at the moment, but by the time she ruins the Ford, maybe??

[redpoint5]

The problem is automatic transmissions. They aren't built to be constantly decel/accel.

The car has automatic headlights, but she left them on manual override and the battery was dead last night. Got to "jump" the car already. Still can't believe how many bells and whistles this thing has. Very nice car. Very smooth and quiet. Better than a Prius.

[Daschicken]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Do any of these have timing belts instead of timing chain? I'd like to avoid that maintenance item too.

C-max

A little late, but it appears your C-max has a timing belt. It apparently drives one of the camshafts with a belt, and then the other is linked with a chain?? I like the S2000's method of driving the camshafts with a gear that is driven by a chain. But I like straight up gear driven camshafts even more, they make nice noises.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Daschicken

A little late, but it appears your C-max has a timing belt. It apparently drives one of the camshafts with a belt, and then the other is linked with a chain?? I like the S2000's method of driving the camshafts with a gear that is driven by a chain. But I like straight up gear driven camshafts even more, they make nice noises.

I think there is some confusion. The C-Max hit the US in 2013, and I quickly researched this by reading the thread below. They say it has a chain.

I think Europe calls the US Focus, the C-Max. The gasoline version has a chain, and the diesel version has a belt according to one forum.

Timing Belt Or Chain ? - General Discussion - Ford C-MAX Hybrid Forum

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_C-Max

[Xist]

I did not realize this thread was five years old until you said she needed another car. Her last one lasted five years? None of my cars have really done that! I have had my Civic for over five years, but she has been sitting since May when I blew the head gasket!

This thread seems to be about people refusing to learn from poor decisions.

[Daschicken]

Originally Posted by Xist

I did not realize this thread was five years old until you said she needed another car. Her last one lasted five years? None of my cars have really done that! I have had my Civic for over five years, but she has been sitting since May when I blew the head gasket!

This thread seems to be about people refusing to learn from poor decisions.

It isn't too hard to change a head gasket, and they are cheap too.

https://www.am-autoparts.com/2000/Ho...yABEgK0b_D_BwE

Get off yo booty and do it!

The most painful part is probably disconnecting/loosening the timing belt.