Continuously Variable Transmission in Japanese Used Cars for Sale

Posted by Kyoko Nitori
4
Dec 13, 2012
774 Views
Image Continuously variable transmission or CVT for cars has been gaining popularity over conventional transmission such as manual and automatic. The CVT technology in Japanese used cars for sale gives the cars maximum efficiency and allows it to use less fuel. CVT allows an engine to function at its optimal speed, and if you’re looking for a smoother and more economical driving experience, a car with CVT would be the best for you.

CVT Performance

There is no need to shift with Japanese used cars for sale that are equipped with continuously variable transmission. This is because CVTs have no gears; instead, a set of pulleys does the trick of steadily increasing or decreasing the ratio of engine shaft to driveshaft speed.

CVT, however, makes more noise which has been likened to a slipping clutch, or the sound a vacuum cleaner makes. This is because CVT makes the engine rev higher and faster continuously, unlike a conventional transmission in which there are “breaks” between shifting gears. CVT uses an engine’s best torque band at the maximum level but with the least friction—made possible because the CVT has less working parts. It is also more economical than other transmission options because of its infinite gear ratios. This reason alone can make you forget the entire racket under the hood.

Uphill driving is no problem with CVT. Where the automatic car struggles on its way up, the CVT car will just continue to cruise along, supplying power without having to shift gears. It’s also better than manual—good news especially for the beginners who break into a sweat when faced with an impossibly steep hill. Driving a CVT is smooth, with no sudden jerks from changing gears. Also, there is no need to shift gears when accelerating. CVT acceleration is constant; the car picks up speed continually until the electronically-set maximum speed is reached. Driving a car with CVT, however, takes some getting used to—especially for drivers who are used to the feel of shifting gears and the sound of the engine revving up.

Many Japanese used cars for sale are equipped with CVT technology. The choices range from small compacts like the Honda Fit and Toyota’s Vitz to the bigger Nissan Cube and Toyota Opa crossover. The affordability and fuel economy of used cars with CVT make them a top choice among used-car buyers.

Fuel Economy with CVT

Between a car with CVT and one with automatic transmission, the one with CVT will drive farther using the same amount of fuel than the one without. Put in another way, a car using CVT will need less gas to reach the same distance. A CVT car that can go up to 185,000 miles, with the fuel price set at almost three and a half U.S. dollars can save up to $1,800 in its lifetime. Average fuel economy is at 21 MPG with a potential efficiency improvement of six percent. It’s a good start; consumers will find that the plus points will increase in favor of CVT as the technology is improved. Buying a car with CVT among the many Japanese used cars for sale is truly a wise and economical choice.

Comments
avatar
Please sign in to add comment.