Advice needed

[lolshorts]

Hi everyone, new to the forum.

 

I am really into the fusion hybrid, it is by far the best car in the segment and after reading hundreds of articles and reviews I am really excited to own one. Need some advice though as to the usability of the hybrid drivetrain under my specific circumstances.

 

By way of background, I live in New York city and take the subway to work and generally take cabs around in the evenings to dinners, events in the city, etc. I generally only use the car for weekend trips to the beach, the odd road trip to Boston or D.C., etc. Over the past 3 or 4 years I averaged about 3,000 miles a year on my old car. I'm concerned that, with so little usage, I won't be able to utilize the EV much because the car isn't driven enough to keep the battery charged. If thats the case, I wouldn't need a hybrid, and if thats the case, I would probably get an Audi or another BMW.

 

Other concerns are, under limited driving (may go a month or more without using the car in the winter), are there any maintenance concerns with the vehicle?

 

Thank you for the advice, lolshorts.

[jerrieric]

Hi everyone, new to the forum.

 

I am really into the fusion hybrid, it is by far the best car in the segment and after reading hundreds of articles and reviews I am really excited to own one. Need some advice though as to the usability of the hybrid drivetrain under my specific circumstances.

 

By way of background, I live in New York city and take the subway to work and generally take cabs around in the evenings to dinners, events in the city, etc. I generally only use the car for weekend trips to the beach, the odd road trip to Boston or D.C., etc. Over the past 3 or 4 years I averaged about 3,000 miles a year on my old car. I'm concerned that, with so little usage, I won't be able to utilize the EV much because the car isn't driven enough to keep the battery charged. If thats the case, I wouldn't need a hybrid, and if thats the case, I would probably get an Audi or another BMW.

 

Other concerns are, under limited driving (may go a month or more without using the car in the winter), are there any maintenance concerns with the vehicle?

 

Thank you for the advice, lolshorts.

[jerrieric]

I have to be honest here. if only drive 3000 miles a year, don't waist your money on a hybrid. You can get the same non hybrid model for 10K less. I bought realizing I would never recoup the extra I paid for the FFH model. Just get a fully loaded non hybrid. Now I say 10k more but I am guessing. My FFH is fully loaded and it listed for 33,012. I believe the non hybrid model still gets MPG's in the 30's.

[dogo88]

I have to be honest here. if only drive 3000 miles a year, don't waist your money on a hybrid. You can get the same non hybrid model for 10K less. I bought realizing I would never recoup the extra I paid for the FFH model. Just get a fully loaded non hybrid. Now I say 10k more but I am guessing. My FFH is fully loaded and it listed for 33,012. I believe the non hybrid model still gets MPG's in the 30's.

 

I agree. You don't drive enough to benefit from paying the extra for a hybrid.

 

Dan

[MarcD]

Other concerns are, under limited driving (may go a month or more without using the car in the winter), are there any maintenance concerns with the vehicle?

 

I read somewhere that you have to at least start the car (and maybe drive it) at least once every 30 days to keep the battery life going. It might have been in the manual or on this Forum...not sure.

[lolshorts]

Thanks MarcD, that was a helpful response. I'll review the owners manual to see if there are any practical reasons why it might be troublesome.

[Waldo]

Sounds like your use of the car is mainly highway driving, which is not where the advantage of the hybrid is. Based on your driving it makes absolutely no sense to buy a hybrid. If you want to make a "green" statement, just don't buy a car at all and rent when you need it. The resources saved by not producing the car will far outweigh the miniscule amount of fuel you'll save with a hybrid in your circumstance.

[lolshorts]

Sounds like your use of the car is mainly highway driving, which is not where the advantage of the hybrid is. Based on your driving it makes absolutely no sense to buy a hybrid. If you want to make a "green" statement, just don't buy a car at all and rent when you need it. The resources saved by not producing the car will far outweigh the miniscule amount of fuel you'll save with a hybrid in your circumstance.

 

Figured you guys were right and now have a brand new BMW 335i - 300 hp, twin turbocharged inline six, nice. Thanks for the advice.

[cchaos]

The maintenance on the FFH is really no different from a standard ICE vehicle; it's just that the warm-up period when first starting the vehicle affects the efficiency dynamic. The FFH is still more efficient than the standard FF for short trips, but the advantage isn't as great as it is for longer trips. Highway driving can be really efficient if you have the wind at your back or follow a good slipstream, but again, city/suburban driving is where hybrid efficiency really excels.

 

Figured you guys were right and now have a brand new BMW 335i - 300 hp, twin turbocharged inline six, nice. Thanks for the advice.

 

The BMW's 17/26 mpg city is pretty bad, but with your usage it probably won't be much of a problem. I would have bought used for that kind of driving, but enjoy and good luck.

[Fuze-ion]

Sorry you didn't get a Fusion, but I understand the Hybrid wouldn't have been that great of an advantage, with your type driving. You could have gotten a Fusion SEL, which contain most common options, just not as sporty (powerful) for about $ 22,000. Good Luck with the BMW. I'm sure it is a good car!.