My folks are getting me a first new car, and they're buying me a Lexus CT 200h F-Sport.
How are these cars as daily drivers? Will I be bored out of my mind, or will I thank my parents later for buying an easy-to-maintain upscale Prius in the future? We've looked at everything from Civics to this, and they're really pushing me to get it. I just have to give the final word.
>How are these cars as daily drivers?
Pretty meh unless you get them with a loaded interior.
>Will I be bored out of my mind
Probably. Prius drivetrain.
>or will I thank my parents later for buying an easy-to-maintain upscale Prius in the future?
You might hate them when the batteries go south in a few years.
Where do you live?
>How are these cars as daily drivers?
It's a luxury model that is currently trying too hard to be an econobox with a sporty feel. It doesn't know what it wants to be.
I mean, look at that design. That's not a fucking Lexus.
Austin, TX.
The model we're looking at is the highest trim.
GF's dad has one of those as well. Pretty decent car, probably saved gf's life when a drunk driver crashed into the rear of it on the Autobahn at about 140kph (with the other driver probably going a lot quicker). Both walked away - amazing crash structure.
Pretty decent MPG's, complete lack of driver engagement, bad visibility, pretty damn small if you're a tall guy (I'm 6' 2''). Battery stories are already showing up, which is pretty much the only thing keeping my gf from buying daddies new CT200h (which he got after said accident totaled the entire car). She loves it.
Have you considered something like an A3, Merc CLA, BMW 1 series? I'd suggest a Volvo V40, but you can't get those in the USA apparently.
We have, but to be honest since I'm not paying for it, I don't want to subjugate my parents in buying anything more expensive than this.
They won't buy anything that isn't a hybrid or has good gas mileage (at LEAST 30 mpg, and that's pushing it with them). Cost of ownership and maintenance is going to be a big thing since they're throwing me out into the world in a few months. I wouldn't be able to afford parts and services for something as simple as an A3 or CLA, but I could afford parts and service for this.
Also, what is the battery issue people are talking about? My dad's GS 450h hasn't needed a battery replacement so far, and he has nearly 250k miles on it.
You could also consider the A3's platform-mates from VW, Seat and Skoda - but I'd be wary about buying a VAG product in the USA.
>budget 30K
>30MPG minimum
>maintenance and insurance is important
If you're not dead set on an automatic, go for a Fiesta ST. Fun, cheap, and nothing to say it won't last at least 10 years.
Batterries in the CT200h need replacing after about 400.000KM (250K miles) or about 10 years. It's about a 200 euro job here, but it might make a hybrid more expensive than a regular gas vehicle if you're paying for maintenance.
I tried to get them to look at the Fiests ST and they said "it was too dangerous and fast". Same with the Toyobaru.
Pretty decent crash rating iirc, and they're not that fast. It's just that CT200h's are quite slow.
You have to consider I'm dealing with turbo liberal helicopter parents.
They wouldn't let me play any sort of video game until I was 14, and would confiscate and shred any automotive or firearm magazine I bought with lawn mowing/chore money.