Originally Posted by blueglide88
A Titanium Hybrid goes for approx. $17500 on the Hertz website. Maybe I should rent one. Currently looking for an Avalon, but if the Ford is truly dependable, .....
Titanium is the top trim, so I'd expect them to be a little pricey. ... They are nice though, with bigger wheels & tires. ...... Avalon Hybrids are going to cost an arm & a leg. Avalons have more room in them, are probably more reliable to some degree, yet cost a lot.
I think I'd recommend anything 2015 or newer in a Fusion or C-Max. It just seems there were so many problems in 2013 & still some in 2014 models, maybe avoid those. Of course, if any recall repairs or quality issues were repaired properly, then even a 2013 or 2014 wouldn't be bad.
I was surprised Ford had issues in their Hybrid powertrains in 2013. They had been running basically a similar planetary gearset (Prius-like) hybrid powertrain since 2004 in Ford Escape Hybrids, legendary for durability in New York City taxi service. I think they changed suppliers around that time (2012-ish), and the design changed-evolved a bit then too.
Anyway, bottom line is Ford has been putting out good hybrids for 15 years now, with a couple of hiccups 5 years ago, but they are experienced. Ford techs at dealerships have had plenty of experience too.