Welcome to “What’s The Right Car?” The Autopian’s advice column that helps people choose the right car for their situation — whether it’s a rental, a lease, a purchase, or just a car you’re borrowing from a friend who has way too many cars to offer. We want to help you choose the right car for whatever circumstance, and today’s circumstance involves Terrell (shown above), an LA-based legend who is looking to buy a reasonably-priced hybrid so California gas prices don’t get him down.
I see Terrell usually once a week at least, as he works at a place that I frequent (I’m not trying to dox anyone, so I’m not telling). He’s without question one of the most pleasant people one could possibly talk with, always hitting you with cool pop culture tidbits you wish you were cool enough to know about, making you Spotify playlists, and just generally being cool and fun.
Terrell Wants To Buy A Used Car
Terrell reached out to me today on Instagram asking for car advice, and I — no fool — decided that, instead of simply offering my (flawed and far too cheap) advice, I’d turn him over to the fine writers of The Autopian, and also to you, dear Autopian readers. Here’s the situation:
“I’m a 39 yr old male living in the city where I’ll spend 75% of my time driving (LA). My parents are 50 miles away, and I drive to see them every 6-8 weeks. I would expect to rack up between 2-300 miles a week on average. I’m looking to get into a used sedan. I would love to get into a hybrid car to save on gas.
I play a lot of music, so a decent sound system with ease of media display and CarPlay connect is ideal. (Not a dealbreaker). Normal amenities for me would be working a/c, power steering and brakes, a sun roof (not a deal breaker), and in general a dependable and generally low maintenance car that will get me through the next five years. This will be my first non-SUV. I drove a cx-5 last and a Ford Edge before that. Price range is between $10–20K, closer to the 10-15 range if possible. Don’t want anything too fancy but something nice to get around town and to work in.”
The first things I asked Terrell: What about an EV? “I don’t have a hook up in my apartment and I don’t wanna deal with having to charge at the locations around town,” he replied. That’s fair enough.
What about a Prius? “I’m noooottttt a Prius guy…There’s stories I have about it… lol…But honestly if I got a ridiculous deal on one I’m not a dummie. But it’s have to be wild deal.” That’s also fair enough. A Prius isn’t for everyone.
Terrell also told me ideally he’d like a car with under 75,000 miles on the clock, and something newer than 2018 would be clutch. 2020 would be even better. So let’s break this down.
The Breakdown Of Needs
- Something reliable
- Something hybrid
- A sedan
- Under 75,000 miles
- Newer than 2018 preferred. Newer than 2020 ideal.
- Between $10,000 and $20,000, ideally between $10,000 and $15,000. Cheaper is better
- Not a Prius unless it’s a smokin’ deal
- Ideally a good sound system
- Ideally a sunroof
- Something with class, but it doesn’t have to be a luxury car
OK, with that out of the way, I’ll start the advice portion of this inaugural edition of What’s The Right Car?
What The Autopian Authors Think Is The Right Car
1979 Honda CVCC. It’s Not A Hybrid, But It’s Close: David Tracy
I know I know, it’s not exactly a “newer car,” per se, but not every recommendation is going to hit the entire “Breakdown of Needs” list, and this 1979 Honda CVCC will definitely hit a lot of them.
For one, it’s extremely efficient, with the EPA rating it at 47 MPG highway, 37 MPG city (yes, this was the old rating system, but still).
The car has a little 1.5-liter four-cylinder making just 53-horsepower, but that’s plenty for a car that weighs well under a ton. There’s a decent amount of room, the five-speed should last forever, and as for Apple Carplay and good audio — you can solve all of that with aftermarket parts. What’s more, because the CVCC uses regular gas (I think it can even take leaded!), you’ll have no issues with charging or any of that; just go to any gas station and fill it up.
By the way, the revolutionary CVCC has a fascinating history, which you can read about here. Here’s a little snippet:
October 11, 1972, was a landmark day in the history of Honda. On that day at Tokyo’s Akasaka Prince Hotel, the CVCC engine was introduced in its entirety to journalists from throughout Japan and the world. The hall was decked out in blue panels representing a brilliant blue sky, bespeaking the achievement of this new, low-emission product.
The event was attended by all company directors, including President Soichiro Honda, and by the research engineers responsible for developing the new power plant. They introduced the engine, profiled its history of development, and described its features and combustion principle.
Several achievements were introduced, including the following:
1. The engine could be made using existing reciprocating engines, which meant that existing production facilities could be used. In addition, because the only change required was the replacement of a portion of the cylinder head, the CVCC system could be applied to other types of units, resulting in the proliferation of low emission engines.
2. Because clean, complete combustion took place internally in the engine, additional devices such as catalytic converters were not necessary. Secondary pollution was no longer then a concern.
It was clear with this auspicious announcement that Honda had championed a new technology for the world. Moreover, it was just what Mr. Honda had in mind from the very beginning. And by that time some 230 patent applications were already pending with regard to comprehensive inventions covering the CVCC engine principle and associated technologies.
“Some of our competitors conducted good research, as well,” said Yagi, obviously stressing Mr. Honda’s philosophy on the origination of technology. “They didn’t have the means to make it all happen, though. We at Honda did everything on our own, from the creation of a concept through to research and the establishment of a workable method.”
Not only the press and industry observers were impressed.
This CVCC for sale in El Monte, California is going for only $3,800 or best offer. Think about how much money you’re saving over, say, a $15,000 Ford Fusion hybrid. You could use just half of those savings to get that CVCC in excellent condition, and then you could pocket the rest. As a cheap bastard, that’s what I’d do.
Of course, if you must have a newer car, I’d go with a Honda CR-Z, because a stickshift hybrid is a great thing any way you slice it. You can get one for under $10 grand all day, and it should easily get you 35 MPG combined. Plus, it’s known to be reasonably reliable.
One Of GM’s Greatest Cars Is Deeply Underrated: Mercedes Streeter
General Motors is fascinating for its ability to produce some of the greatest cars ever built while simultaneously putting out some of the worst vehicles ever built.
The Volt is one of those cars that lands squarely in the former category. It seems like everyone ignored the Volt when it first hit the market and that’s a shame because from what I hear, these are great cars, no matter the generation chosen. Volt owners have told me their batteries last just long enough for a work commute on battery power alone, but having the gas engine is great for road trips. I’ve even been told that some Volt owners go a thousand miles of mostly EV driving before they finally need to refill their fuel tanks. In that regard, the Volt sounds like the best of both worlds. It’s an EV for those short trips and a regular hybrid when it’s time to put down a bunch of miles quickly.
Your budget allows you entry into a decent second-generation example. The EPA said these things were good for 53 miles of battery-only range (should you have the ability to plug in) when they were new or 42 mpg when the engine fired up. I found one for sale at CarMax that’s toward the upper end of your budget, but I think it’s worth it.
You’re looking at 149 HP and 294 lb-ft of total system power here, which won’t be fast, but won’t leave you dusted by a school bus on a green light.
I’m not sure about the sound system, but it does have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus just 55,000 miles! Allegedly, this car is also eligible for the used EV tax credit, so the $18,998 price will go down a little easier.
There Are Other Hondas To Consider: Jason Torchinsky
I’ll admit, I find David’s choice extremely appealing because I’ve always loved those clever little early Civics. And while I would happily drive that little 53-horse go-kart, my guess is that Terrell, based on his other criteria, is looking for something a little, um, more refined. I do think Honda provides the answer here, though, in the form of the Insight.
I like the first-gen Insights the best – they’re one of the few hybrids you can get with a manual transmission, after all – but I think for Terrell, who has specified “a sedan,” I think that means he wants four seats and matching doors, so the second-generation one is a better fit.
The second-gen Insight was essentially Honda’s Prius: it was Prius-shaped, because aerodynamics works the same for everyone, and was a decent-sized four-door hatchback. These got about 43 mpg without trying too hard, which is pretty damn good, and while these weren’t especially powerful, they were decent, making about 120-ish hp between the combustion and electric motors and should be able to keep up with LA-area traffic just fine.
As far as the audio system goes, I’m pretty sure whatever is in there is at least decent, and I’m also sure better and more modern aftermarket systems can be fitted without trouble, and there should be plenty of cash available to so so given Terrell’s budget, because you can find these for under $10,000 pretty easily. Like this 2010 one, out near me, going for only $7,500, or this 2013 one for $9,741 in, um, New Jersey, or this LA-area 2010 one for $7,499.
These look pretty modern and sleek, get great mileage, have Honda-grade reliability and quality, and won’t embarrass Terrell at all, even though they’re actually pretty damn cheap. You want a decent, four-door hybrid for a good price? This has to be it.
Why Does Everyone Have To Make This So Hard?: Matt Hardigree
A 2nd gen Insight? A CVCC? A freakin’ Volt?
My coworkers live strange lives and should be trusted with basically no real decisions. Did anyone even read what Terrell wanted? Can you imagine how bad the CarPlay integration is in a 50-year-old Honda hatch?
I give you the Ford Fusion Hybrid. It’s not the first car you think of when you think of a hybrid. Hell, it’s not even the, like, 8th car you think of when you think of a hybrid. You probably forgot this car even existed. That’s why it’s such a good deal.
This is an attractive, cool, understated sedan that offers great fuel economy (43 mpg /41 mpg city/hwy) without a great cost. This one is even for sale at a little dealership you might know called Galpin Ford for under $15,000.
Let’s just review the list again:
- Something reliable – According to Reddit, check.
- Something hybrid – Check
- A sedan – Check
- Under 75,000 miles – Eh, 99,000, but that’s pretty close
- Newer than 2018 preferred. Newer than 2020 ideal. – Check
- Between $10,000 and $20,000, ideally between $10,000 and $15,000. Cheaper is better – Check
- Not a Prius unless it’s a smokin’ deal – Not a Prius
- Ideally a good sound system – Yeah, it’s fine, there’s a USB dock and Sync and probably CarPlay
- Ideally a sunroof – Well, it’s a slicktop, sorry.
- Something with class, but doesn’t have to be a luxury car – James Bond kinda drove one in Casino Royale! According to the photo I just quickly copied, it also has lane-keeping assist. Fancy!
You’re welcome.
It’s Technically Not A Prius: The Bishop
Like a prosecutor trying to clear a suspect, I’m trying desperately to see why a Prius isn’t the answer here, especially if Terrell isn’t necessarily a “car person,” per se. I know he’s looking for a “sedan” but a Prius is technically a “hatchback sedan” and not an SUV, even the Prius V version which has the extra room he’s looking for.
To fit his budget he might need to go to a model year before Carplay was available, but an aftermarket add-on can fix that. Beyond that, it’s a Toyota so age and miles means relatively little; I’d trust a ten-year-old, 120,000 mile example over many, many new cars.
I actually like this CT200h — everyone forgets about the sportier/fancier Prius. Sure, it’s $13 grand for a 100,000 mile car, but that’s nothing on a Lexus. Of course, I’m biased since we daily a 2009 Lexus with 152,000 miles
Who Chose The Right(est) Car?
We know you want a poll, so we’re going to give you one. Which of these above suggestions would make the best car for Terrell?
We now know that the practical people of the group are Matt and Mercedes. Bishop has a good sideways slant on the Prius.
I had a 2nd Gen Insight as a commuter car for the notorious NoVa corridor. It was reliable, efficient as you would expect a Honda to be. But, dangerously slow and the worst seats of any car I owned. I’m not a big guy but would have terrible back pain if driving any more than 30 minutes at a time. I couldn’t wait to get rid of it
A 2nd gen insight is literally not dangerously slow
I was fortunate enough to work at a utility company with a fleet of efficient vehicles we could check out for when we had to venture out for field work.
I always tried to get one of the two first-gen Volts if I could. They drove really well and had what I thought to be more refined interiors than the other hybrids at the time. Super underrated cars imo.
After a Volt, I’d look for a Prius. They were all second gen models, and were fine.
Last place was the second-gen Honda Insight. With apologies to Jason, I think there’s a reason you see tons of Priuses around and comparatively fewer of these. They were louder, coarser, and felt both cheaper and slower than the equivalent Prius. And the transmission had the worst rubber-band effect I’ve ever experienced, literally giving a bouncing back-and-forth feeling under acceleration from a stop. They were miserable. But they were efficient and I’m sure reliable.
Anyway, I voted Fusion Hybrid, because it’s actually a sedan as requested, and closest to the Corolla Hybrid I was picturing in my head.
The right Fusion Hybrid or its cousin the Lincoln MKZ if one can be found is the right answer if if has to be a sedan. The Lincoln can be found with a fully opening panoramic roof, which is one of the main reasons that I went with it over a Fusion a small hole in the roof is also available. It also comes with a better sound system than the base Fusion. Now if it doesn’t absolutely need to be a real sedan and you are looking for a lower price then the C-Max is a great choice. Same powertrain as the Fusion and MKZ in a hatchback body. The biggest downside is that its available panoramic roof doesn’t open, not even a little bit. In the everyday driving it is easy to get over 40 mpg, all day everyday. In the family we’ve got a standard hybrid C-max and PHEV C-max and a MKZ Hybrid. The range in mileage from 180k to 110k and only thing I’ve had to replace on any of them besides the 12v batteries, tires, oil, filters and light bulbs is one front wheel bearing on the one with over 180k.
Reminds me of ‘which car should I buy’ articles I’ve seen on some other website. Huh.
Fusion Hybrid
Years ago there was a stat about the ct200h and Jaguar. One year, Lexus sold more ct200h’s than Jaguar sold vehicles, and the ct was the lowest volume Lexus sold that year.
I voted for the Lexus.
We have a ct200h. Works great! Around the 40mpg mark (when I drive it, because I focus on it). Stereo system is alright, but that can be upgraded. Best of all: the monitor can be folded down!
But, a plug-in hybrid would be a lot better for Terrell, assuming he can plug in at home.
He said he can’t.
The Volt and the Fusion jumped to mind, as did the related C-max. The fords even have the option of making it a PHEV if you don’t mind losing some luggage space. My parents got a used C-max at my recommendation a few years back and seem to really like it, and it’s been trouble-free for them.
Wonder what the issues are with the Prius? Well, there is a dork factor. (I do drive one.) The 2024 Prius solved that. CT200h Is an option as well as any other Lexus hybrid.
I guess not everyone has the self-confidence to drive a Prius. I don’t get taunted in parking lots. Never even been rolled coal on.
I guess I have been rudely cut off by people in pickup trucks a few times, but I don’t know if that is “Prius rage” or just people around here driving like jerks.
I have a Fusion hybrid, so I put my money where my mouth is.
10-15 year old car, $10-15k, nicer sedan, good gas mileage.
The answer is not a hybrid. The answer is a VW Jetta TDI or perhaps a Chevy Malibu Diesel.
Malibus were never offered here with a diesel. Perhaps you meant the Cruze.
I’d be wary of pointing someone looking for a low maintenance vehicle in these parameters to a VW DSG (and I doubt he’s going for a manual in LA).
David not suggesting an i3 Rex, preferably in grey? What is happening?!
I’m with The Bishop in this vote. I’ve been thinking about a CT200h as my next car. Yes, it’s just a fancy Prius, but I like the looks. It looks more like a sporty hatchback than any Prius.
CarPlay is just an interface for the phone. It has no bearing on how good a system would be. eg the aural experience between Lucid Air and Ford Escape, is night and day.
The Lexus ES hybrid. Hands down. It’s a slightly better Camry and most likely owned by a little old lady. It’s lived a good life and it’s ready to treat you to fuel sipping serenity. They can be found in the price and mileage range. If you want a hybrid you want a Toyota.
This is truth.
It misses on two points: it isn’t a sedan, and may not have the “class” that Terrell wants. But I bet you could find a Maverick or two that hit the rest of the marks. Like this one:
https://tinyurl.com/ycywerf5
I’m a little befuddled about what the Chevy Volt is doing with almost 300 torques. Pulling trailers?
Chirping the low-rolling-resistance tires at the slightest hint of moisture on the road, mostly. It’s genuinely quick in a narrow around-town range of 10mph (when it gets traction) to 40mph (when it starts to run out of steam and drops back to adequately quick instead of surprisingly)
But to do all that, the Volt needs a plug in. Terrell said he doesn’t have a plug-in available at his apartment. The Fusion or Toyota would be better for him.
The Volt may have too many compromises for someone not planning to ever plug it in. I also found the driver’s seat thigh support lacking for long drives.
Worth cross shopping with the Fusion HEV is the 2016-19 Chevy Malibu Hybrid. Same tech as the Gen2 Volt but a bigger car, useable backseat, and IMO more comfortable (but you do lose a good chunk of trunk). There aren’t many out there, but could be had in the price range.
Make mine the Ford Fusion- no, the C-Max, since I drive hatchbacks. Both use the same engine and drivetrain. Mine has been flawless and repair-free for seven years, chocking up 65 mpg in the process. My previous car was a GTI, and this feels much the same as a GTI driven at 7/10. The Sony stereo in the titanium version is quite good, giving powerful by detailed sound, with good imaging. A little-known fact for the owners’ forum- these Fairs are virtually immune to the cat thieves who harvest Prius converters by the trunkload. Ford placed the catalyst near the exhaust manifold, so they’d warm up quicker. That makes them inaccessible from the bottom of the car.
According to the wife- If he maybe wants to go a little sportier, the CRZ is cool. But I loved the fusion hybrid I rented once.
From me- The fusion or the Volt are the right answers here. They check most boxes (Cant have it all!), are reliable, and newer for sure. Maybe not what I would go with(Davids choices are clutch), but they are great ones.
You can’t go wrong with the Camry Hybrid. My 2014 still returns 40+ mpg on a regular basis with mid size sedan space and comfort.
I agree with the others saying MKZ Hybrid, should have a better sound system than the Fusion, looks a little sleeker, probably more comfy, used ones in budget with less than 75k on it.
The Volt is a great suggestion but no plug at home negates the benefits of a plug-in.
That Ford Fusion has ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. I can’t imagine how awful driving in stop and go LA traffic without it. Once you have it, you can’t go back. If it was closer, I would buy it for my daughter.
I rented a Honda with this. Horrible. It slowed down just when I’m about to pass a slow car. I want to be able to drive my car MY way, not some engineers’ way.
My buddy has an Accord with adaptive cruise and he doesn’t like its bad manners, while the systems in our various Fords. He has actually commented in how much better the system is in my car vs his.
You can also look at a Hyundai Ioniq hybrid, Hyundais aren’t necessarily cars to keep for a very long time, but, the steeper depreciation makes them a cheap option for used buys.
I average 60mpg out of mine on sustained highway cruising with judicious air conditioning use, not the greatest car for driving dynamics or comfort, but the economy is genuinely impressive
I am really surprised that Ioniq hybrids (and PHEV) are often more expensive than their pure EV counterparts. FUD effects are really strange.
There’s been more FUD-dy-duddying aimed at hybrids than EVs. Repeat after me, “EVs are the future,” and Hybrids have all the trouble of a gas car and and an electric car…”
The correct answer is Ford Fusion Hybrid. The other correct answer is Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.