Which is the Best Used Plugin Hybrid? Volt, Prius or C-Max

Greg - Your Car Angel looks at the three most popular used plugins that can be bought for under $10k. The first generation Chevy Volt, Ford Cmax and the Prius plugin hybrids are all presented comparing each plugin model with each other and highlighting the problems both as well as the good and bad. The battery packs in each one of these cars is configured differently and they all get different range on the electric charge.
Different topics are covered with the coolant pump problems with the Volt, the timing chain cover leaks on the Prius and the overall quality of the Cmax.
The first gen Chevrolet Volt ran between the years 2011-2015, the first gen Toyota Prius Plugin ran between 2012-2015 and the Ford C-max ran between 2011-2017.

[lukespack]

It is good to hear someone talk about used cars that doesn't sound like he is on speed.

[ghosthunter]

Traded in my 2001 Corvette for a 2015 Volt. Best move ever. The amount I’m saving in gas alone pays for the car. It’s also built like a tank.

[brdavis]

I test drove all three of these in 2013 and the C-Max was just the best to drive, had the best interior and was easily the most spacious for passengers. It was also the best highway cruiser with the most comfortable ride and it had the quickest passing speed above 70 so kicking up to the 90-100 left lane Florida speeds for passing center lane hogs is a peice of cake. This makes sense because the C-Max is actually from Euro Ford not just a lifted American focus like the guy in the video thinks. They were in Germany on the autobahn far before they came to the US shores so this car was built to see much higher speed cruising speeds than the others. I was really impressed with its handling despite it being a tall car.

We bought it new in 2013 and my wife still daily drives it 50+ miles every day. The paint still looks new and the interior has held up really well. Even the seats look almost new with little care. The battery being ten years old has lost a bit of range but that's to be expected of any battery.

The only real issue we've had is excessive wear of the rear inside tires (no camber adjustment for the rear). But I put a pair of moog adjustable rear control arms on it for about 80 bucks and the problem is solved. It even gets an extra one or two MPG now over the factory alignment.

[russellobarski]

Have owned 3 volts, leased them all. Currently the 19 volt when the lease is up plan on buying it just loved them all. Too bad it went away otherwise I would have leases a 2021 at the end of my 19 lease

[laurensutton]

I love my 2014 Cmax Energi. Just got 80, 000 miles on it. Super comfortable and even passengers enjoy sitting in the back.

[gllhouk]

I own a 2013 regular C-Max hybrid. Have had no major problems and really love the way it handles in traffic and the gas mileage. Very good acceleration and all controls are easy to operate. Currently over 140, 000 miles and had the first rear brake job. Fronts are still original. Also, the first new set of plugs. Have had many new cars and this is the best by far. Getting over 40 mpg in summer. Ten years old and just replaced the 12-volt battery.!

[EricK-vywt]

I’m glad someone is still recording to vhs

[leppard]

I had a 2011 Volt for 5 years before giving it to my son. Then I bought a 2018 Volt for me. Two of the best cars I have ever owned and Im' 57 years old. I've been through a lot of cars.

[coreywurzner]

Have had two 2014 Volts. Leased the first 1, bought the 2nd. Put performance tires on my current model (cost me 1 mile of electric range) and it sticks like glue. In over 90k miles between the 2 I replaced 1 set of tires, 2 sets of wipers and had 2 oil changes. Nothing else required and not a rattle or squeak in all that time. Most importantly I've not seen any degradation in electric range. Haven't put gas in it in 3 months.

[jedmerrill]

I’ve got a black 2017 Chevy Volt. It’s a great car, and should hold me over until I get a Tesla, or a SpaceX Starship.

[FrugalPandaTravels]

I drove a 2014 Volt on a 3-week solo road-trip from Denver to explore Oregon and Washington State. This car was a rock star and when I would hit cities I would plug-in, pullout my folding Ebike to explore the city. I would come back it was fully charged to do more exploring. I have slept/camped in the back in 10 degree weather, left car on all night and burned about .50 cents of gas and gained about 5 miles of electric range and was cozy with heater on low. 6 foot tall and was able to sleep straight in the back and enough room for my dog too. Well built car, I use barely any fuel and 40mpg traveling from Denver to Portland and Seattle area.

[utah]

We have two 2013 Volts. Very good and reliable! Good for 30-40 miles daily with no gas, but I drove mine cross-country and got 38 mpg. I've always liked hatchbacks. You get used to it's alleged shortcomings! Backup cam?? Who cares. I drove for 40 years without one.

[jktrader]

I have a 2013 C Max Hybrid, it's a great little car, and yes with very little storage. I love the way it handles and am relieved to know that people are getting many, many miles from these cars ! Thanks for the excellent video and everyone else for your comments !

[wade_says]

I own 2 Ford C-Max’s. One is the plug in Energi. I used to have a 2010 Prius. I like the C-Max way more. I feel like it’s built better, it’s more comfortable and it’s been very reliable. One of them has 182, 000 miles on it. I bought one for $9k and one for $6k

[PtakLight]

The volt back up camera can be adjusted while the screen is on. Just turn the "Tune" knob. Also the reverse bulb sucks OEM but a quick change to LED changes the game completely.
Also charge door unlock is only on 2012-2013 models, others are just a push open door.

[hasanchoudhurymd]

I have been driving a Ford CMax-e 2015 very happy and thankful for all the excellent features.
Comfortable quiet with reliability and without range anxiety.
Lower center of gravity because of the batteries, makes it very stable for driving.
Charges up in the garage easily.
12 gallons fill up about one or two times a month.
Excellent daily driver.
Cargo or grocery area in the back has not been a problem for us.
Rear view backup camera very helpful.

[darkhorsereign]

Thorough and well done. I own the 2015 CMAX Energi. Fantastic value when it was new, excellent reliability, and phenomenal fuel mileage at a lifetime of low 50's. I've been using it for Uber/Lyft and it's been a dream to drive, and passengers LOVE the interior. 87k in 5 years ain't bad.

[newagincourt]

Excellent review. We have a 2015 CMax Energi and love it. Reduced trunk space has never been a problem. Would buy another if it was available. Lovely to drive. Suits our lifestyle really well.

[reverseyoutube]

Pretty tough on the Volt, but I have to say it's all true. I've had my 2014 for over two years and absolutely LOVE it. I never use the dashboard controls. Instead I use the steering wheel controls and the touch screen. I'm able to use it ~98% electric, so I only spend $20/year on gas

[SHOREHILLEYEWEAR]

I will say my vote goes for the Volt due to Looks, Battery/thermal management system, EV range, power, and overall the luxury solid drive on all electric - The Gen II Chevy Volt is affordable and a super choice