Should I Get Continuously Variable Automatic
First, there's online research, then you visit the car seller for the test drive, and maybe you hesitate before finally saying 'yes.' It's a process for sure but the car buying process is all worth it when you finally find that great value used car or leave a dealer showroom with new car smell wafting through your nostrils.
With over 60 years of experience selling cars in the USA, we at Nissan have learned a thing or two about the rights and wrongs of car buying and want to help (not blatantly tempt you into buying a TITAN, Sentra, Altima or LEAF, we swear...).
Whichever brand you're interested in however, it's vital to recognize that the right vehicle for you may be wrong for somebody else. This is a decision that shouldn't be rushed, so let us guide you how to find the right car:
The car market can cater to every kind of budget, but it's important to make some simple calculations on how to budget for a car of your own. Here's what we recommend at Nissan.
What Car Can I Afford
Most financially shrewd analysis of car buying states that you should budget about 10-15 percent of your monthly net income (after tax) on car repayments. To some, this may seem like a low estimation. Bear in mind however that this figure doesn't factor in insurance, fuel and maintenance costs.
The stronger your credit rating and larger your down payment, the better the budgeting scenario. This can potentially reduce the length of your repayments as well as the loan interest rate. Setting out a viable financial outlay for your car purchase is an important starting point. Now you can fine tune your search to the vehicles that match your needs and budget.
We've also developed a few tools to make it easier to set your budget, like figuring out how much you can get for your old car with our Trade-In Value Tool, or assessing your financing options using the Nissan Payment Calculator or Estimate Credit Score Tool. Feel like thanking us for our insight? Simply consider our great new vehicle options in the Nissan range. Visit Nissan's Shop@Home to find everything you need from payments estimates to delivery options all in one place.
The stronger your credit rating and larger your down payment, the better the budgeting scenario.
Budget will largely dictate the right avenue to take here, with new cars carrying a premium price because of their factory freshness and potentially stronger warranty protection.
Buying a used vehicle, especially a certified pre-owned vehicle from a dealer, is a great option if you just don't have the budget for a new vehicle, it only means that you aren't the first person to own it. Click 'Learn More' to find out about the pros and cons of buying a new vs used car.
Advantages of buying new cars:
Buying new means the vehicle's only significant journey in its short life has been from the factory to the dealer showroom. The vehicle hasn't had any other owners so you can be confident in its capability as soon as you take it on the road.
The optimum build quality of a new vehicle means that car manufacturers and dealers have great confidence in its capability (That's why Nissan dealers are like proud parents in the showroom discussing their engineering offspring). This usually means that warranty coverage is much more comprehensive for new vehicles. Certified Pre-owned vehicles are a nice middle ground because they often have the balance of the original warranty remaining. And used cars may seem like great value at first but the potential for increased repair costs could quickly offset that initial saving.
Car manufacturers are constantly working to make driving safer and more convenient, so newer vehicles are much more likely to contain the latest safety technology.
Advantages of buying used cars:
When you've done ample research and end up buying a reliable second-hand vehicle, then you're likely to save money in the long run. There are many vehicles out there with relatively little mileage on the clock that have depreciated significantly simply because they're not brand new. Therefore, you can quite easily pick up an almost new vehicle, for great used car prices.
Some car manufacturers, including Nissan, have recognized the growing appetite for reliable used vehicles. That's why they're offering great deals on Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, which have passed rigorous testing to be deemed worthy of such a status. Look out for vehicles that come with an array of post-purchase benefits too, including limited warranty and emergency roadside assistance (Hint: Check out Nissan!).
Disadvantages of buying new cars:
The most obvious downside of buying new is that you're paying for the premium of that increased reliability, updated technology and new car smell. New car prices can often fall outside of a buyer's budget limit, but be aware that the listed price could have some flexibility.
Once you drive that new car off the lot, it is now longer new and over time the price you can sell it, or trade it in before the value begins to go down. The longer you intend to hold onto this vehicle however, the less this will matter.
Disadvantages of buying used cars:
A used vehicle is something which somebody else decided they didn't need in their life anymore. This may have been for simple budgetary reasons, but many others are putting their car on the market because they are fed up of dealing with its problems. No matter how much research you put into the vehicle history, it's difficult to be 100% confident about its health.
The age of a used vehicle, allied with a weaker warranty package, often means that you'll be spending more time as well as more money at the mechanic. This may end up costing you more than a new vehicle in the long run.
You might have your heart set on a vehicle that simply doesn't exist on the used car market. Even if you find the model you desire, it may not have the transmission, engine or even color that you want.
New
Advantages of buying new cars:
Buying new means the vehicle's only significant journey in its short life has been from the factory to the dealer showroom. The vehicle hasn't had any other owners so you can be confident in its capability as soon as you take it on the road.
The optimum build quality of a new vehicle means that car manufacturers and dealers have great confidence in its capability (That's why Nissan dealers are like proud parents in the showroom discussing their engineering offspring). This usually means that warranty coverage is much more comprehensive for new vehicles. Certified Pre-owned vehicles are a nice middle ground because they often have the balance of the original warranty remaining. And used cars may seem like great value at first but the potential for increased repair costs could quickly offset that initial saving.
Car manufacturers are constantly working to make driving safer and more convenient, so newer vehicles are much more likely to contain the latest safety technology.
Disadvantages of buying new cars:
The most obvious downside of buying new is that you're paying for the premium of that increased reliability, updated technology and new car smell. New car prices can often fall outside of a buyer's budget limit, but be aware that the listed price could have some flexibility.
Once you drive that new car off the lot, it is now longer new and over time the price you can sell it, or trade it in before the value begins to go down. The longer you intend to hold onto this vehicle however, the less this will matter.
New
Advantages of buying used cars:
When you've done ample research and end up buying a reliable second-hand vehicle, then you're likely to save money in the long run. There are many vehicles out there with relatively little mileage on the clock that have depreciated significantly simply because they're not brand new. Therefore, you can quite easily pick up an almost new vehicle, for great used car prices.
Some car manufacturers, including Nissan, have recognized the growing appetite for reliable used vehicles. That's why they're offering great deals on Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, which have passed rigorous testing to be deemed worthy of such a status. Look out for vehicles that come with an array of post-purchase benefits too, including limited warranty and emergency roadside assistance (Hint: Check out Nissan!).
Disadvantages of buying used cars:
A used vehicle is something which somebody else decided they didn't need in their life anymore. This may have been for simple budgetary reasons, but many others are putting their car on the market because they are fed up of dealing with its problems. No matter how much research you put into the vehicle history, it's difficult to be 100% confident about its health.
The age of a used vehicle, allied with a weaker warranty package, often means that you'll be spending more time as well as more money at the mechanic. This may end up costing you more than a new vehicle in the long run.
You might have your heart set on a vehicle that simply doesn't exist on the used car market. Even if you find the model you desire, it may not have the transmission, engine or even color that you want.
Learn More
Early in the car buying process, take a step back and ask yourself a question, 'what kind of car should I get?' Basic though it may seem, it's a complex web of considerations.
How many passengers?
If you're looking for a family vehicle, then car specs such as passenger volume and trunk volume become much more important.
Highway or city driving?
A smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle may be perfect for you if it's simply being used for the daily work commute to a downtown office.
Work or play?
A sleek sports car will get the pulses racing but will it suit your work and social commitments, like simply having the trunk space to load your sports gear?
In love with the great outdoors?
If you like to take the road less travelled, look out for off-road capability, including vehicle towing and payload capacity, to make sure you can haul your equipment with ease.
As part of the car buying process, you're likely to hear a lot about drivetrains. This vital engineering component isn't visible to the naked eye, but it's crucial to consider which type of drivetrain you need to complement your driving habits.
Go for a Two-Wheel Drive system for the most cost-effective option, but beware of its downfalls. All-Wheel Drive is a far better option for snow, rain, icy conditions, and Four-Wheel Drive is what's needed for off-roading adventures.
| All-Wheel Drive | Four-Wheel Drive | Two-Wheel Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | |||
| Snow/Ice driving | |||
| Off-roading | |||
| Towing | |||
| Handling | |||
| Gas mileage |
Pros of AWD:
let the technology dictate when power needs to be sent to all four wheels.
you'll often find AWD technology in crossovers, which offer everyday comfort and some off-road capability.
Cons of AWD:
You should expect to pay a little more for vehicles with AWD technology, compared to those with a Two-Wheel Drive system.
AWD technology is usually the preserve of mid-size vehicles such as crossovers. If you want optimum off-roading capability, then trucks with Four-Wheel Drive technology, like the TITAN and TITAN XD, are better options.
Pros of AWD:
let the technology dictate when power needs to be sent to all four wheels.
you'll often find AWD technology in crossovers, which offer everyday comfort and some off-road capability.
Cons of AWD:
You should expect to pay a little more for vehicles with AWD technology, compared to those with a Two-Wheel Drive system.
AWD technology is usually the preserve of mid-size vehicles such as crossovers. If you want optimum off-roading capability, then trucks with Four-Wheel Drive technology, like the TITAN and TITAN XD, are better options.
Pros of Four-Wheel Drive:
4x4 technology is used in trucks, such as the Nissan TITAN or TITAN XD, to give motorists supreme ability to cover the roughest ground, whether it's snow, gravel or everything in between.
Enjoy the efficiency of 4X2, with the potential for full 4x4 capability when you need it.
Cons of Four-Wheel Drive:
4x4 technology is most beneficial when allied with greater ground clearance, chunkier tires etc. Therefore, Four-Wheel Drive will usually only be found on trucks and other larger vehicles.
Like AWD, Four-Wheel Drive vehicles carry a premium price on the car market and can also hurt you at the fuel pumps with a slight reduction in fuel efficiency compared to Two-Wheel Drive vehicles.
Pros of Four-Wheel Drive:
4x4 technology is used in trucks, such as the Nissan TITAN or TITAN XD, to give motorists supreme ability to cover the roughest ground, whether it's snow, gravel or everything in between.
Enjoy the efficiency of 4X2, with the potential for full 4x4 capability when you need it.
Cons of Four-Wheel Drive:
4x4 technology is most beneficial when allied with greater ground clearance, chunkier tires etc. Therefore, Four-Wheel Drive will usually only be found on trucks and other larger vehicles.
Like AWD, Four-Wheel Drive vehicles carry a premium price on the car market and can also hurt you at the fuel pumps with a slight reduction in fuel efficiency compared to Two-Wheel Drive vehicles.
Pros of Two-Wheel Drive:
It's the easiest system to manufacture, and the most common on the market. If you do most of your driving on flat, dry roads, then 4x2 is the best way forward.
Front-Wheel Drive vehicles are actually excellent at climbing paved hills because of the engine's forward weight distribution.
Cons of Two-Wheel Drive:
Because the power is only transferred to two wheels, you could easily become frustrated on uneven ground or icy roads.
These vehicles put the responsibility for steering and power output on the same two wheels. This amount of pressure can strain the handling of high-performance vehicles.
Pros of Two-Wheel Drive:
It's the easiest system to manufacture, and the most common on the market. If you do most of your driving on flat, dry roads, then 4x2 is the best way forward.
Front-Wheel Drive vehicles are actually excellent at climbing paved hills because of the engine's forward weight distribution.
Cons of Two-Wheel Drive:
Because the power is only transferred to two wheels, you could easily become frustrated on uneven ground or icy roads.
These vehicles put the responsibility for steering and power output on the same two wheels. This amount of pressure can strain the handling of high-performance vehicles.
Learn More
FWD
RWD
If you're not prone to off-roading, and don't deal with ice or snow during journeys, then a Two-Wheel Drive system will do the job you're looking for. Beware of two further sub-categories however – Front-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive.
The differences between these 4x2 systems are notable, so let's take a closer look at both.
Pros of Front-Wheel Drive:
Vehicles with a FWD drivetrain are the most common on the market, and they are suited to most types of day-to-day driving.
FWD vehicles are excellent at climbing paved hills because of the engine's forward weight distribution.
While FWD cars aren't very good performers in cold weather, they fare better at getting out of snowy/icy spots than RWD vehicles.
Cons of Front-Wheel Drive:
Vehicles with a FWD system should be avoided if you're looking for a vehicle with off-roading capabilities, or live in a consistently cold and icy climate.
The increased weight on the front tires can cause them to wear more quickly, meaning replacements can become more frequent.
Pros of Front-Wheel Drive:
Vehicles with a FWD drivetrain are the most common on the market, and they are suited to most types of day-to-day driving.
FWD vehicles are excellent at climbing paved hills because of the engine's forward weight distribution.
While FWD cars aren't very good performers in cold weather, they fare better at getting out of snowy/icy spots than RWD vehicles.
Cons of Front-Wheel Drive:
Vehicles with a FWD system should be avoided if you're looking for a vehicle with off-roading capabilities, or live in a consistently cold and icy climate.
The increased weight on the front tires can cause them to wear more quickly, meaning replacements can become more frequent.
Pros of Rear-Wheel Drive:
With more balanced weight distribution and front wheels solely responsible for steering, you can enjoy sharper handling in a RWD car.
Towing a trailer puts a lot of weight pressure on the rear of the vehicle, which is beneficial when the power output is through the rear wheels.
The more balanced weight distribution of RWD vehicles allows for larger, more powerful engines to be placed under the hood.
Cons of Rear-Wheel Drive:
RWD vehicles tend to have poorer traction in wet or snowy conditions, making them more difficult to control than FWD varieties.
RWD technology must direct power to the rear of the vehicle through a driveshaft which can create a hump in the middle of the vehicle, limiting interior space.
Vehicles with a RWD drivetrain won't be as common on the car market as FWD, so you're likely going to have to pay a premium if your heart is set on one.
Pros of Rear-Wheel Drive:
With more balanced weight distribution and front wheels solely responsible for steering, you can enjoy sharper handling in a RWD car.
Towing a trailer puts a lot of weight pressure on the rear of the vehicle, which is beneficial when the power output is through the rear wheels.
The more balanced weight distribution of RWD vehicles allows for larger, more powerful engines to be placed under the hood.
Cons of Rear-Wheel Drive:
RWD vehicles tend to have poorer traction in wet or snowy conditions, making them more difficult to control than FWD varieties.
RWD technology must direct power to the rear of the vehicle through a driveshaft which can create a hump in the middle of the vehicle, limiting interior space.
Vehicles with a RWD drivetrain won't be as common on the car market as FWD, so you're likely going to have to pay a premium if your heart is set on one.
Learn More
The cost of a new or used vehicle is the most significant financial expense, but it's vital to consider the ongoing running costs attached too. The most primary of those is, of course, the means of powering the vehicle. Gas vehicles have dominated this market since the invention of the motor vehicle, but the growing appetite for fuel efficiency and electric vehicles is increasing.
The market is still dominated by gas powered vehicles, but there is an ever-growing number of electric and hybrid options available. So, how do these engines work and which is the right one to complement your driving habits and environment?
Let's take a closer look.
Pros of Gas:
The high prevalence of gas cars on the market makes them great value to buy and should also reduce maintenance costs because of the mechanical industry's familiarity with this type of engine.
Right now there are more gas stations than there are public charging stations. You find one and fill up the tank again. But that is rapidly changing and coupled with faster charging times means it may not be a pro for much longer.
Cons of Gas:
Up-front costs for a gas-powered vehicle may trump an electric equivalent, but this could quickly be offset by the increased cost of fueling up a gas vehicle on a daily basis.
Gasoline is a non-renewable energy source.
Pros of Gas:
The high prevalence of gas cars on the market makes them great value to buy and should also reduce maintenance costs because of the mechanical industry's familiarity with this type of engine.
Right now there are more gas stations than there are public charging stations. You find one and fill up the tank again. But that is rapidly changing and coupled with faster charging times means it may not be a pro for much longer.
Cons of Gas:
Up-front costs for a gas-powered vehicle may trump an electric equivalent, but this could quickly be offset by the increased cost of fueling up a gas vehicle on a daily basis.
Gasoline is a non-renewable energy source.
Pros of Electric Vehicles:
By plugging in your electric vehicle at home, rather than paying for gas on a weekly basis, you're likely to make significant savings on running costs.
Electric vehicles can receive their battery power direct from renewable energy sources if your household is powered by solar or wind energy.
Cons of Electric Vehicles:
Electric vehicles still only make up a relatively small portion of the car market, so you could end up paying extra for this exclusivity on the new or used market.
Planning ahead is much more important when you have an electric vehicle. Most electric vehicles will run out of charge more quickly than a gas powered equivalent, and you may not find a charging station as easily as you would a gas station.
Pros of Electric Vehicles:
By plugging in your electric vehicle at home, rather than paying for gas on a weekly basis, you're likely to make significant savings on running costs.
Electric vehicles can receive their battery power direct from renewable energy sources if your household is powered by solar or wind energy.
Cons of Electric Vehicles:
Electric vehicles still only make up a relatively small portion of the car market, so you could end up paying extra for this exclusivity on the new or used market.
Planning ahead is much more important when you have an electric vehicle. Most electric vehicles will run out of charge more quickly than a gas powered equivalent, and you may not find a charging station as easily as you would a gas station.
Pros of Hybrid Vehicles:
The HEV is well suited to stop-go driving in cities, providing better fuel efficiency than gas powered competitors.
HEVs are powered using gas at the fuel pump, so you can enjoy driving longer distances and topping up the tank at a nearby gas station.
Cons of Hybrid Vehicles:
Typically, the battery in a HEV can only supplement the power needs of the vehicle and can rarely be driven using electric power alone.
HEVs are generally more complex to build than a gas-powered vehicle, increasing their cost in the market as well as ongoing maintenance expenses.
Pros of Hybrid Vehicles:
The HEV is well suited to stop-go driving in cities, providing better fuel efficiency than gas powered competitors.
HEVs are powered using gas at the fuel pump, so you can enjoy driving longer distances and topping up the tank at a nearby gas station.
Cons of Hybrid Vehicles:
Typically, the battery in a HEV can only supplement the power needs of the vehicle and can rarely be driven using electric power alone.
HEVs are generally more complex to build than a gas-powered vehicle, increasing their cost in the market as well as ongoing maintenance expenses.
Pros of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles:
Drive short distances using the battery power alone.
There's no need to worry about finding a public charging station when driving outside of the city. Simply refuel and continue driving with the hybrid power generated by the gas engine.
Cons of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles:
Plug-in hybrid cars tend to cost more than a conventional hybrid due to the added complexity of the power system.
Full electric vehicles have a greater range than a plug-in hybrid running solely on battery power.
Pros of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles:
Drive short distances using the battery power alone.
There's no need to worry about finding a public charging station when driving outside of the city. Simply refuel and continue driving with the hybrid power generated by the gas engine.
Cons of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles:
Plug-in hybrid cars tend to cost more than a conventional hybrid due to the added complexity of the power system.
Full electric vehicles have a greater range than a plug-in hybrid running solely on battery power.
Learn More
Gas-powered vehicles are most common on the market, but diesel options are well worth considering if you're looking for a truck with plenty of pulling power. Let's take a closer look at how gas and diesel engines differ under a variety of performance headings.
| Gas | Diesel | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle price | ||
| Fuel price | ||
| Maintenance costs | ||
| Mileage | ||
| Life expectancy | ||
| Towing capacity |
Learn More
The engine can't just direct power to the wheels on its own. A regulator is needed to dictate that the right amount of power is distributed depending on the road conditions. This is the job of the transmission, and in many ways it mirrors the engineering when shifting gears on a bicycle.
Automatic transmissions are most popular in the US, and you've guessed it, this is when the car automatically decides the right gear to initiate during a journey. Driving can be a much easier experience with an automatic transmission, but this comes at the expense of occasionally clunky gear changes and reduced fuel efficiency. Modern advances in automatic transmission technology have seen the development of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Manual transmissions require you to do the work of changing up and down gears, using a 'stick shift' and clutch. This can be a frustrating experience, requiring more driving skill to get the car moving, but it provides a more satisfying sense of control particularly in high performance sports cars.
Both types of transmission provide a very different driving experience so it's important to assess the pros and cons before deciding which one to opt for. Scroll down for further transmission information to help find the best car for you.
Automatic transmissions take a lot of the hassle out of driving by shifting through gears instinctively. Manual transmissions require use of a clutch, adding some additional work but usually with a correlating positive impact on fuel efficiency.
Pros of Manual Transmission:
The primary benefit of a manual transmission is that you're using your own judgment to decide when to shift up or down a gear. An automatic transmission will make this decision based on a variety of different driving factors, but it can get it wrong sometimes, like shifting up a gear when driving up a hill. Manual gear shifts also tend to be slightly quicker and smoother.
The engineering technology in an automatic can be quite a bit more complex, making it a more expensive trip to the mechanic if things go wrong. In theory, manual transmissions should be an easier, less expensive fix, but this won't be the case if you have a driving style which includes rough gear changes and a tendency to ride the clutch a little too much.
Pros of Manual Transmission:
The primary benefit of a manual transmission is that you're using your own judgment to decide when to shift up or down a gear. An automatic transmission will make this decision based on a variety of different driving factors, but it can get it wrong sometimes, like shifting up a gear when driving up a hill. Manual gear shifts also tend to be slightly quicker and smoother.
The engineering technology in an automatic can be quite a bit more complex, making it a more expensive trip to the mechanic if things go wrong. In theory, manual transmissions should be an easier, less expensive fix, but this won't be the case if you have a driving style which includes rough gear changes and a tendency to ride the clutch a little too much.
Pros of Automatic Transmission:
It's much easier to go from driving a 'manual' to an 'automatic', than the other way around. You don't need to worry about stalling the vehicle when taking off from a stationary position, and the monotony of repetitive gear changes and clutch compressions is avoided. This is particularly helpful when driving in built-up areas where stop-start traffic is most common.
Supply of vehicles with automatic transmission is excellent in the US, whether you're looking in the new or used car markets. While automatic vehicles tend to be slightly more expensive, the variety of models will be much broader so you're more likely to find the vehicle that you desire.
Pros of Automatic Transmission:
It's much easier to go from driving a 'manual' to an 'automatic', than the other way around. You don't need to worry about stalling the vehicle when taking off from a stationary position, and the monotony of repetitive gear changes and clutch compressions is avoided. This is particularly helpful when driving in built-up areas where stop-start traffic is most common.
Supply of vehicles with automatic transmission is excellent in the US, whether you're looking in the new or used car markets. While automatic vehicles tend to be slightly more expensive, the variety of models will be much broader so you're more likely to find the vehicle that you desire.
Learn More
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is an adaptation of the traditional 'automatic'. Its engineering is focused on generating much smoother acceleration and fuel efficiency, but it can often be a slightly more expensive option.
Pros of CVT vs Automatic Transmission:
The more gears available in the transmission, the more capable the vehicle is of finding the right one to suit the speed of the vehicle. And in effect, CVT has an unlimited amount of gears. This makes CVT much smoother than a traditional 'automatic', allowing it to accelerate at a more consistent rate. By comparison, acceleration is briefly curtailed during every gear change in an 'automatic'. All these small margins make a difference to fuel efficiency, and CVT produces more impressive figures as a result.
One of the most common criticisms about a traditional 'automatic' is its tendency to choose the wrong gear when driving up hills, often choosing to shift up when a lower gear is required. CVTs are better able to capture the middle ground between these gears so the vehicle can accelerate on tricky terrain with ease.
Cons of CVT vs Automatic Transmission:
One of the thrilling aspects of driving a high-performance vehicle is when you hear the vehicle shifting through the gears. The shudder as it moves from 2nd to 3rd can get the pulses racing, something a traditional CVT simply can't match. Advances in CVT technology has seen these 'shift points' incorporated in some versions however, thereby mimicking the gear shifting sound of a traditional 'automatic'.
As specified above, CVT is a very different type of transmission from a conventional 'automatic'. It's also a relatively niche offering, so mechanics are less likely to possess the expertise to mend it if things go wrong. CVT requires special oil and parts, so it could end up costing a bit more to get it repaired too.
Pros of CVT vs Automatic Transmission:
The more gears available in the transmission, the more capable the vehicle is of finding the right one to suit the speed of the vehicle. And in effect, CVT has an unlimited amount of gears. This makes CVT much smoother than a traditional 'automatic', allowing it to accelerate at a more consistent rate. By comparison, acceleration is briefly curtailed during every gear change in an 'automatic'. All these small margins make a difference to fuel efficiency, and CVT produces more impressive figures as a result.
One of the most common criticisms about a traditional 'automatic' is its tendency to choose the wrong gear when driving up hills, often choosing to shift up when a lower gear is required. CVTs are better able to capture the middle ground between these gears so the vehicle can accelerate on tricky terrain with ease.
Cons of CVT vs Automatic Transmission:
One of the thrilling aspects of driving a high-performance vehicle is when you hear the vehicle shifting through the gears. The shudder as it moves from 2nd to 3rd can get the pulses racing, something a traditional CVT simply can't match. Advances in CVT technology has seen these 'shift points' incorporated in some versions however, thereby mimicking the gear shifting sound of a traditional 'automatic'.
As specified above, CVT is a very different type of transmission from a conventional 'automatic'. It's also a relatively niche offering, so mechanics are less likely to possess the expertise to mend it if things go wrong. CVT requires special oil and parts, so it could end up costing a bit more to get it repaired too.
Learn More
Once you've got a better idea in your head about what you need from your new car, whether it's the preferred transmission, engine or interior features, you can then begin a deeper search into the type of vehicle that suits you best.
Hatchbacks and sedans differ greatly from trucks and SUVs, but each of these vehicle types have a distinct set of characteristics that should match your own wants and needs. Visit our Types of Cars page to get a better understanding of some key car buying lingo.
Maybe you already have a car in mind but need some help in assessing whether it's up to scratch or if you can finance it within your means? Visit the Car Buying Tips page for help considering whether Leasing or Buying is the right route to take, or check out our Test Driving Tips to find out how to ensure you're making the right vehicle choice.
Source: https://www.whatcarshouldibuy.com/cvt-continuously-variable-transmission-pros-and-cons
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