A Weird Comparison....CPO MKZ Hybrid versus a New 2016 Honda Civic Touring

[daschtick]

Trust me, I know these cars couldn't seem more different, but my wife and I are looking for a replacement for her aging '05 TSX, and it has come down to a new Civic Touring or a loaded CPO Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

We like both cars, obviously for different reasons, yet they do share many similarities. They both cost about the same to purchase, have a nearly identical feature list (LED lighting, navigation, adaptive cruise, lane keeping assist, keyless go, remote start, rain sensing wipers, heated front and rear seats), return about the same MPG and burn regular gas. The Lincoln has much more presence, is more luxurious, and has the best ride quality, but the Civic Touring is just more fun to drive, and is probably a bit more practical. Having driven sport compacts my entire life, the Civic feels more 'natural' to me. However, I am fascinated by the technology and silent propulsion provided by the Lincoln. Fully loaded CPO MKZ Hybrids are a great buy with the original warranty, and a CPO warranty makes them even more attractive.

The biggest complaints on both cars seem to center around the electronics interface, neither of which I am very concerned about. I think my biggest concern is the reliability of the Lincoln Hybrid in comparison to the Civic. My gut tells me that the Civic would probably end up being more reliable, as the last thing I want is for my wife to be stranded by a car. That said, I would be interested in any thoughts on this admittedly unusual comparison.

 

 

[lolder]

The Civic does not appear to be a hybrid. Big difference. Hybrids get better mileage in the city and at slower speeds. They would get better mileage in almost all situations. Comparing the Civic's highway mileage is not appropriate.

[2014FordFusionSE]

If you ask in a Hybrid forum, you'll get a biased answer :)

 

After buying a Hybrid, I don't think I can ever buy a pure gas vehicle again.

Also, to me, a luxurious, spacious ride is much better than a compact (though the Civic seems to have been eating its vegetables lately and has become an adult)

[Cobra348]

I'm with 2014FusionSE - biased as all getout. I've had a blast in the FFH for 37K miles and will soon have a newer one to abuse. <chuckle> No more gas-only cars for me if I can avoid it.

 

However, comparing an all-gas Civic to a hybrid is apples and oranges to me as far as mileage. They don't even compete in the same market niche. If I were the buyer I'd go with the CPO Lincoln - after all the "C" is for Certified, is it not? But you did not mention how old the MKZ is - 1 year? 2? 3 or more? Go with your gut on this one. I really am biased - both toward hybrids and toward Ford.

[daschtick]

Thanks for the replies! The part I am struggling with is whether or not it is worth the added complexity of the hybrid powertrain to achieve slightly better fuel economy than a new Civic. I am also very concerned about reliability, as this car will be for my wife, and having spent some time on this forum, it seems that if the powertrain acts up, it can leave you sitting. This is not to say that you couldn't get stranded in a Civic also, but past performance seems to indicate that this does not occur frequently.

 

Again, I really like the way the car drives, and I am a huge proponent of the technology, but I cannot deny that I am somewhat apprehensive, especially as this will be a car for my wife. I also think that the general public feels this way also, hence the great prices on used MKZ Hybrids.

[Automate]

I think sizewise, the Fusion/MKZ are in the class of the Accord not the Civic.

[2014FordFusionSE]

Again, I really like the way the car drives, and I am a huge proponent of the technology, but I cannot deny that I am somewhat apprehensive, especially as this will be a car for my wife. I also think that the general public feels this way also, hence the great prices on used MKZ Hybrids.

 

I had AAA for many years due to this concern but over the years, I realized that I used AAA for everyone's cars but my own :)

Since then, I cancelled my AAA membership and consider myself to be AAA.

 

If you maintain your cars well personally (including tire pressure, top-up fluids, etc), I think you'll be fine.

If bad luck strikes, I don't think it will be car dependent.

 

Cobra348, go with your gut is what I believe in too.

[daschtick]

A quick follow up - I made up my mind....

 

 

So what is it like? FANTASTIC! Honestly, between the hybrid tech and feature list, this is probably one of the most technologically advanced cars available, and I am completely amazed that lt can be had for so little money, and yet include a warranty that extends much further than when originally purchased new! My favorite features include the hybrid system (obviously), as I am really impressed how such a big car can easily manage 40+ mpg overall during my recent drives, and run completely silent in many situations. The nerd in me also really enjoys watching the hybrid system graphics to understand what the system is up to at all times. Also, I really dig the adaptive cruise, as this is now a must have feature on any car I buy from this point forward. Simply set it once, and let traffic dictate your speed for the remainder of the trip. It makes standard cruise control seem as advanced as a brick on the gas pedal. I also love the styling, which coupled with low sales numbers, gives it a bit of exclusivity. It is rare to see another MKZ on the road, not to mention, a Hybrid MKZ. One more factor that I really appreciate is that it allows for hybrid motoring on the down low, as the ONLY identifying feature on the exterior of the hybrid model is a small 'H' in place of the 'T' on the '2.0' emblem on the trunk lid. Everything else appears as identical, even down to the dual exhaust openings. I think it is really cool that I don't have to advertise that I am driving a hybrid, yet get to fully experience it.

That is all I have to say for for now, so here are a few more photos of my new toy!

[lolder]

Congrats! Why don't you want to advertise it's a hybrid?

[Texasota]

 

One more factor that I really appreciate is that it allows for hybrid motoring on the down low, as the ONLY identifying feature on the exterior of the hybrid model is a small 'H' in place of the 'T' on the '2.0' emblem on the trunk lid. Everything else appears as identical, even down to the dual exhaust openings. I think it is really cool that I don't have to advertise that I am driving a hybrid, yet get to fully experience it.

 

Agree 100%. I removed the hybrid emblems from my FFH as I have no interest in being a rolling billboard for hybrids. It is a personal choice and whatever your preference it should not cause offense.

[daschtick]

Congrats! Why don't you want to advertise it's a hybrid?

Because I would rather be the one to control who knows and who does not because in this weird world we live in, some people get bent out of shape about the subject, and I don't feel like wasting my time getting pulled into an argument with narrow minded individuals.