Jeff 05 freestyle??
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
I know they're new to us, but CVTs have been around for years. There was a small Dutch company that used nothing but these in their cars (can't remember their name, but they were bought up by Volvo a number of years ago). Subaru used it in the Justy, and the Freestyle's is a ZF design, similar to what Audi has used in their Quattros. The best part about ours is that we're using metal linked belts instead of rubber, which should prove to be durable. The only thing I don't like about it is that you REALLY have to stomp on it to get any acceleration out of the thing, which means you're WAAAAY up in the RPMs. To most, it sounds like you're just killing the engine, but you're not; the 24-valve Duratec can take a heck of a thrashing, and high RPMs are no big deal. It's just getting used to the CVT that will be its biggest problem.
If you're still worried about the "new technology" part, you can always get an extended powertrain warranty for a very reasonable price. In fact, there's this guy in Western New York that will sell you either one (the Freestyle or the warranty) real cheap.................
If you're still worried about the "new technology" part, you can always get an extended powertrain warranty for a very reasonable price. In fact, there's this guy in Western New York that will sell you either one (the Freestyle or the warranty) real cheap.................
