Advice on purchasing a G1 Automatic

[salisbbm]

Sold my 2000 G1 5 speed and now am looking to buy an automatic. I know that I will not get the average 72 MPG that the 5 Speed got, what do the automatics get? Can I install a calpod switch??? I really liked that feature on my 5 speed and it was an easy install.

What are the issues with the automatic? I'm going to look at a G1 with only about 110K miles on it, any advice on how to check out the transmission when I go for a test drive?

The original owner said that the IMA battery pack light is ON as well as the Power Steering instrument panel LIGHT. If we make a deal I will have to drive the car about 300 miles home, any issues if I do so with these flaws until I get it home.

Thanks guys!!!

[Willie Williford]

Please, it is a CVT, not an automatic. Two different animals.
Do a forced RECAL and see if the IMA light stays off.
Monitor the 12V battery on the trip home. You can get a 12V monitor that plugs into the acc. connector at most automotive parts houses or Walmart.
As what to look for on the CVT transmission issue, I don't know.

HTH
Willie

[MrChuckles]

Originally Posted by salisbbm

What are the issues with the automatic? I'm going to look at a G1 with only about 110K miles on it, any advice on how to check out the transmission when I go for a test drive?

Don't know of any major issues with the CVT transmissions, but the CVT fluid should be changed on a regular basis (I think about every 30K miles) with the correct CVT fluid. Other than that, to test the CVT I'd probably say to pay attention to how the car accelerates from a complete stop. There should be no jitter and it should pull smoothly, but if the fluid hasn't been changed in a long time, it's possible that any jitter could simply be caused by old CVT fluid.

Also, if you've never driven a vehicle with a CVT transmission, when accelerating it almost feels like driving a manual shift transmission where the clutch has a bit of a slip to it. It's almost like the car needs a bit of time to wind up but that seems totally normal. Just remember, this is not a hot rod so the Bonnyville Salt Flats are probably out of the question in the stock G1.

Good luck.

[02insight]

CVT's have their problems. I would not get one because I dont think they are reliable. My friend's CVT insight with less than 60k miles is starting to have some minor issues (even after the Honda fix). I have seen some threads here about dead CVT's and people looking for junkyard replacements, and there is currently even a Insight with a bad CVT in the for sale section right now.

[Mario]

On the other hand, I have a friend who has 230k miles on a CVT and it's still running fine. I guess it depends on how well it's been treated.

[2Slow4u]

I have a CVT and can speak on a few items.

Listen for "growling" and feel if its kind of jerky, those are traits of a not so good CVT. It should have a vary faint high pitched space ship whine if working properly.

The original CVT went out at 205k miles, I put in a junk yard one with 120k miles and it runs great.

My car has a little stumble off the line, but I think the motor mounts are just worn out.

As for MPG I usually get low 60's in the summer (best TANK of 70mpg some sections up around 80mpg). Now that its cold out, winter gas, and idle stop doesnt happen as much I get high 50's city driving.

One advantage to the CVTs is the battery packs last longer since they arnt used as aggressive compared to the MT.

[02insight]

one benefit of a CVT is the Catalytic converters usually dont go bad so early like they do in the Manual Cars. I dont think I have seen a CVT owner complain about the P0420 or P1420 codes. Because the leanburn in the manual cars kills them faster I think...