CVT transmissions

[Gito]

Looking for a new car and its probably going to be between a 2019 Toyota Prius Prime Hybrid or a 2019 Honda Insight Hybrid.

Hesitant to purchase a car with a CVT but at this point you really don't have many options with the Hybrid cars.
I'm willing to take my chances just on the MPG that these cars can achieve.

What is the real problem with CVT's? Is it lack of maintenance or poor design?

Do the eCVT's work better compared to CVT's?

Any input is greatly appreciated

 

[SZR48207]

Peoples expectations are the main problem with CVTs. As long as you remember that it will drive differently then it shouldn’t require any more maintenance than a traditional transmission.

 

[PimTac]

There are no problems with CVTs these days. If you have been driving a automatic all along then the lack of shifts will feel odd but you quickly get used to it.

 

[FermeLaPorte]

quick rundown:


yes, they do seem to get greater mpg (also with the help of computers, to be honest)

yes, they are cheaper for car manufacturers

yes, the technology has existed since eons, nothing new, but recently became

yes, the design is inherently faulty-- imagine this, the whole of the car's torque is being transformed to the wheels by a rubber band.

Honestly, if you want the car, just lease it and get a new one every now and then. Hybrids also have an inherent weakness-- the battery packs.

 

[JTK]

In regards to the Toyota Prius, unless they changed something recently, their "CVT" is about as simple and reliable as a geared differential. No belts, chains or conical sheaves.

 

[simple_gifts]

Originally Posted By: JTK
In regards to the Toyota Prius, unless they changed something recently, their "CVT" is about as simple and reliable as a geared differential. No belts, chains or conical sheaves.


Gen II has a chain, so I suspect Gen 1 also does; I haven't researched subsequent gens since I don't own one. The chain isn't responsible for the C part of the eCVT; so there is a difference there.

Toyota has made many refinements and some major mod to the HSD with each generation. It is not a standard CVT as noted that you would find in a subaru etc.

Best to read up on them instead of swallowing the reports in the "quick rundown" above as they don't apply to the Prius

 

[PimTac]

“....yes, the design is inherently faulty-- imagine this, the whole of the car's torque is being transformed to the wheels by a rubber band. ...”



Don’t pay attention to statements like this. The poster has no idea how a cvt operates.

 

[vwmaniaman]

why not get a new Mazda. They told Ford that they were not going to use a CVT and would stick with what they build now. The new CX5 gets great mileage with the Skyactiv motor and is a fun ride.

 

[Danh]

Like any technology, early versions have some issues. But CVTs have been widely used for some time now and seem to be as reliable as any other automatic. For example, roam around the Honda Accord forums where CVTs have been used since 2013: you’ll be hard-pressed to find reports of any mechanical issues.

And, contrary to some posts here, torque is transferred via a really robust-looking, wide steel chain, not a “rubber band”.

I own one and actually prefer it to a traditional automatic. Why? Well for one, there’s no gear-hunting when driving in hilly terrain. Instead of noticeable up and downshifts the revs change rather gradually and with a well-isolated powertrain are hard to detect unless you watch the tach. They’re even good in mountain driving, like I70 through Colorado.

 

[PimTac]

Originally Posted By: vwmaniaman
why not get a new Mazda. They told Ford that they were not going to use a CVT and would stick with what they build now. The new CX5 gets great mileage with the Skyactiv motor and is a fun ride.



Mazda has not been associated with Ford for a number of years now.

 

[robertcope]

I really want Porsche or someone to build a full tilt CVT race car. Ability to hold engine at optimum power all the way around the track? Yes, please!

 

[Brigadier]

Originally Posted By: PimTac
There are no problems with CVTs these days. If you have been driving a automatic all along then the lack of shifts will feel odd but you quickly get used to it.


My mechanic would beg to differ. He is taken aback by their failure rate.

 

[CKN]

Originally Posted By: Brigadier
Originally Posted By: PimTac
There are no problems with CVTs these days. If you have been driving a automatic all along then the lack of shifts will feel odd but you quickly get used to it.


My mechanic would beg to differ. He is taken aback by their failure rate.



That's really bizarre. While there are reported failures on the various Internet forums pertaining to CVTS from each manufacturer, the failures rates reported are not any bigger than say-the GM failure rates for the motors with AFM.

Maybe your mechanics shop is located in the "Twilight Zone" or some other alternate universe..

 

[Gito]

Most of my friends and coworkers that own Honda Accords (2014) will never buy another Honda equipped with a CVT again. I have been warned. I have never owned a car with this type of transmission and that's why I'm asking the forum for their input and experience.

 

[mx5miata]

Originally Posted By: Gito
Looking for a new car and its probably going to be between a 2019 Toyota Prius Prime Hybrid or a 2019 Honda Insight Hybrid.

Hesitant to purchase a car with a CVT but at this point you really don't have many options with the Hybrid cars.
I'm willing to take my chances just on the MPG that these cars can achieve.

What is the real problem with CVT's? Is it lack of maintenance or poor design?

Do the eCVT's work better compared to CVT's?

Any input is greatly appreciated



check out the Hyundai Ioniq

 

[tomcat27]

I would choose the Toyota over the Honda. A leading consumer magazine did a report based on statistical analysis of reader feedback to determine battery life: The Toyota battery packs have a very long life and a very low early failure rate. The Honda packs, historically, are measureably and significantly less reliable.

As far as CVT's, we have two of them. Yes, the MPG is very good. you can get used to the driving experience. as far as reliable, hah! our sentra has been in 3X in 4 years for real CVT problems (a very pronounced shudder; and it squeels). Our Rogue is now starting to squeel under load. Yes, I would purchase another CVT, but I would try to get a standard transmission. and I laugh at anyone that says that CVT issues are imaginary or due to incorrect expectations from consumers. shudder and squeels are not normal. period.

 

[Nick1994]

I think hybrid CVTs are a non issue.

Also consider the Hyundai Ioniq, Hyundai gives lifetime warranties for hybrid batteries.

 

[555]

Originally Posted By: robertcope
I really want Porsche or someone to build a full tilt CVT race car. Ability to hold engine at optimum power all the way around the track? Yes, please!

Chaparral built a race car with a 2 speed automatic and only used one gear. The driver adjusted the slippage of the torque converter as they drove it. Maybe not a CVT, but you mentioned racecar. This happened about 40 years ago.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

So... just a thought here tomcat... maybe don't buy another Nissan?

OP, if you NEED a hybrid because you do a majority of stop-and-go city driving, so be it. But if more than 75% of your driving is highway, you will not see enough of a benefit of the battery packs to offset the higher initial cost, and potential replacement costs down the road, IMO. You can't use better oil, or change it more often, etc to extend the life of the batteries... it's ALWAYS going to be a ticking time clock cost if you buy a hybrid.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: SubieRubyRoo
So... just a thought here tomcat... maybe don't buy another Nissan?

OP, if you NEED a hybrid because you do a majority of stop-and-go city driving, so be it. But if more than 75% of your driving is highway, you will not see enough of a benefit of the battery packs to offset the higher initial cost, and potential replacement costs down the road, IMO. You can't use better oil, or change it more often, etc to extend the life of the batteries... it's ALWAYS going to be a ticking time clock cost if you buy a hybrid.


And with a Prime, the battery pack will be extremely expensive. I just did a pack replacement on a 06 with only 137k. If you are an infrequent driver (like this owner was), the pack will deteriorate very quickly once it gets older:

https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub..._Fa#Post4816053