Honest feedback about E85 conversion kits (vehicle, fuel, best, mileage)

[censusdata]

I am still 6 months or more from buying a new car. I have already decided that it must be able to run on E85 - I know some people have strong opinions about ethanol (mostly negative) but my mind is made up since it is the best way for me to reduce my petroleum consumption.

I have two choice: either buy a car that comes from the factory as a flex fuel vehicle OR purchase one of those $300 E85 conversion kits. Basically they effect how the fuel injectors work, and given how complex cars are today with fuel/ emission sensors that sounds a little scary to me.

[AlfredB1979]

You pretty much summed up what I would think about a conversion kit.

Do what you must. Get you an E85 capable vehicle. You will obviously get lower MPGs as compromising a gasoline engine to run on another fuel on the fly does have its...compromises.

Anyway, get your E85 fix in the form of a vehicle with a factory warranty attached.

$300 miracles in a box don't cut the mustard for me and the google reviews say the same.

I would also imagine that since this kit alters factory emissions in some way, you aren't going to have that vehicle as much more than a lawn ornament if you have visual emissions inspections in your locale.

[censusdata]

There are only 2 reasons I hestitate to buy a flex fuel vehicle

1. The cheapest FF vehicle (Chevy HHR) starts at $18,700. A base model Mazda 3 (what I would normally buy) starts at $15,800. $3000 buys a lot of waffle fries at Chick-fil-a

2. The only FF vehicles are produced by Chevy, Ford, or Chrysler and based on American cars reputations and my experience with them (used and high mileage) I'd rather not buy one.

Also, I didn't mention the warranty issue but that is also on my mind. Like ^ said you put any fuel above E10 in an non FF and your warranty is voided.

[rbohm]

my advice, since you are going to be buying a new car, is to leave the conversion kits to people who want to convert an older EFI car to E85. get yourself a flex fuel car to start with, you will be dollars ahead in the long run.

[texdav]

Yep get one that is covered under the manufacturers warranty if that is the way you want to go.Just looking at consumer report on felx fuelk car testign ;its goig to cost yopu alot more over the lifetime of the vehilce anway i fuel cost.