psikys Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 Hey folks. The wife and I are thinking about buying our first hybrid. We drive between 70-100 miles a day, have kids and want something somewhat fancy. We don't want a Prius or something small, and so far the MKZ-Heets all those needs and gets 2x our current mpg on paper. I've test drove one, and honestly it was a pretty nice drive. It was a 2015, MKZ-hybrid, 29k miles, leather, heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel, states it has the technology package, but I'm not 100% sure what that entails, and no sunroof (sadness). Silver with larger wheels. What are the major problems I'm going to run into, is 17k a good price (from my searching it seems pretty solid) and are there any red flags I should look for? I'm ok with cars, but hybrids have an entire system I know nothing about, and I'm hoping I can gain some experience from you all before signing on the line. We're going to look at another '15 with 29k miles on it tomorrow, but I don't like the color (red) and it seems to have smaller wheels (not sure), but it's 2k cheaper. Any input is appreciated. Thanks all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1984Poke Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 I’m on my second MKZ Hybrid (with an MKC in between). I had a new 2013 MKZ-h for 3 years (lease), then a new 2016 MKC (lease), and, 33 days ago, I went back to the MKZ-h, buying (not leasing) a new 2019 MKZ-h just three days before Christmas. I liked the MKC (the higher driving position, in particular) but I was ready to get back to the Z-hybrid. I had gotten spoiled by the mileage available with the ‘13 Z hybrid I’d had. I just filled up the ‘19 Z-h two days ago, very nearly 4 weeks since my last fill up, and only had to put 10.7 gallons of 87 octane in it. While my driving patterns are likely different from yours, I remember that, with my 2013 Z-h, I could easily go 4 weeks between fillups, and only need 10.5 to maybe 11 gallons to fill up—this for a nice car. That was during moderate weather season (spring and fall), not the heat of summer (requiring lots of A/C here in OK) or the real cold of mid-winter (requiring heater and defroster). During moderate temperature seasons, I often got in the high 30s mpg, and in the really hot or cold of summer and winter, I got more like mid 30s mpg without trying especially hard to get good mileage, I just drove sensibly (in my view). Things to consider: leg and head room in the back seat (it’s not great for tall people) and luggage room in the trunk (the hybrid batteries take up some of the trunk space). The MKZ is a nice car. If the Z you’re considering is in good condition and you’re satisfied with the price (and your family “fits” in the available interior space), I’d definitely say go for it. If you’re a lead-footed driver who likes jack-rabbit sprints away from red lights, you may not get the mileage I did, but if you’re sensible about your driving habits, you may be surprised and pleased with how long you can go between fillups. Good luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psikys Posted January 24, 2019 Author Share Posted January 24, 2019 Thanks Poke. Appreciate the feedback. Gonna go check out the red one tonight, then make a decision. We're definitely getting one of them, barring anything crazy happening. 1984Poke 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimflutes Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 I had a 13 Zh and now a 16 Zh , the 16 has the 19in. wheels and I like them a lot , much better looking then the smaller wheel. If it has the heated steering wheel then it would have the upgraded sound system a big plus and heated back seats . I am on my second Zh , I do not think many cars can beat it for mpg and luxury . When you drive it just check to feel that the transition from electric to gas engine is smooth , on both my cars I could not feel the switch . I did not miss the sun roof because the car has great air/heat conditioning , ask them to check the cabin air filter . I have had no major problems with either car ( 13 had rear shocks replaced ) , I am driving cars/trucks now for over 50 years and this is the best all around car . You will not go wrong with either but I lean toward the silver one . Good luck . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris109 Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 57 minutes ago, jimflutes said: I had a 13 Zh and now a 16 Zh , the 16 has the 19in. wheels and I like them a lot , much better looking then the smaller wheel. If it has the heated steering wheel then it would have the upgraded sound system a big plus and heated back seats . I am on my second Zh , I do not think many cars can beat it for mpg and luxury . When you drive it just check to feel that the transition from electric to gas engine is smooth , on both my cars I could not feel the switch . I did not miss the sun roof because the car has great air/heat conditioning , ask them to check the cabin air filter . I have had no major problems with either car ( 13 had rear shocks replaced ) , I am driving cars/trucks now for over 50 years and this is the best all around car . You will not go wrong with either but I lean toward the silver one . Good luck . How did your 19" work in the 24" we had of global warming we just had? I work out of my house so if there is 1 snowflake, I don't leave the house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimflutes Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 We only got about 8 inches here in Mass., I do have good a/s tires so up to 3 - 4 inches I can go with caution because of the front wheel drive , but the Lincoln is not the best snow car , maybe the all wheel , but in a big storm I stay put . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm98 Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 I have MKZh for almost two years and 40K miles I put on it. I say the biggest one you will need to look out is tires as there is no spare on this car. You plan to drive 100 miles a day so I think tires would be top priority. Maybe consider keeping a full 18"/19" spare in your garage just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm98 Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 (edited) About the price and Certified Preowned MKZh is a steal. I would pay $17K (+$1K for certified label) for 15 with following parameters: - panoramic roof package - 50K miles or less - Factory recalls addressed by dealer - Car has been serviced by dealer from new - Lease return Edited January 26, 2019 by jm98 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimflutes Posted January 27, 2019 Share Posted January 27, 2019 I took out the insert that held the can/spare tire filler , then had enough room to put in a good spare tire , purchased a scissor jack and feel a lot better on long trips . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm98 Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 On 1/27/2019 at 3:20 PM, jimflutes said: I took out the insert that held the can/spare tire filler , then had enough room to put in a good spare tire , purchased a scissor jack and feel a lot better on long trips . I will have to look in to that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfstv Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 Make sure to have a PPI conducted, check for timing chain cover leaks and oil pan leaks. My 2014 MKZh had those issues. Also check for extensive wear on the lower control arm bushings and shocks. With less than 50K miles you shouldn't have any issues, however I purchased mine with 41,000 miles two years ago, now running at 96,900 miles. Mine handles like a gem in snow, it's all about the tires! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm98 Posted February 16, 2019 Share Posted February 16, 2019 On 2/12/2019 at 11:13 AM, dfstv said: Make sure to have a PPI conducted, check for timing chain cover leaks and oil pan leaks. My 2014 MKZh had those issues. Also check for extensive wear on the lower control arm bushings and shocks. With less than 50K miles you shouldn't have any issues, however I purchased mine with 41,000 miles two years ago, now running at 96,900 miles. Mine handles like a gem in snow, it's all about the tires! What kind of Tires you have? I had to replace two good Micheline with Yokohama at Discount Tires.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfstv Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 (edited) On 2/16/2019 at 11:18 AM, jm98 said: What kind of Tires you have? I had to replace two good Micheline with Yokohama at Discount Tires.. Believe it or not, I've got the Zenna Argus-UHP 245/40ZR-19. Purchased from SimpleTire.com at $82.98 per tire. They do howl going down the road, however the traction and performance that I get from them is unmatched. They are fantastic in the rain and snow. For my summer set of wheels, I have Duraturn Mozzo Sport 245/35R-20, which were $68.97 per tire. They have a 50,000 mile warranty on them. I have driven with them on for about a week before northern Illinois became the new Alaska. Throughout that week I was impressed in the handling. I didn't push them too hard, as the temperatures were around 30-40 degrees, but overall I was impressed. Edited February 19, 2019 by dfstv Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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