Im in the market for a new car and really like the mirage SE. My main concern is if it will handle going up steep grades in high elevations. I am an avid hiker and will be driving at least twice a month to places where i end up parking my car around 7000 ft elevation at the trailhead to begin hikes.
My last car was a 1990 automatic 3 speed corolla and I regularly drained and filled the transmission. The transmission got pretty hot even with an aftermarket cooler in addition to the cooler on th radiator, to the point of spewing fluid out of the vent hole sometimes. The corolla had 102hp and weighed in at 2400lbs.
I got to test drive the mirage and see its acceleration is just about the same as my old corolla. My main concern is will continuous mountain driving kill the mirage cvt transmission? Will it strain the engine too much? I also wouldn't know how to drive a cvt in the mountains. I know to drive uphill on conventional automatics i need to select the appropriate gear to make sure the car is not doing low rpm's because that causes transmission wear and builds excessiveheat. Usually turning off overdrive is best going up steep slopes and choosing a low gear for going downhill to engine brake.
I don't want to buy this car and end up knowing I'm going to kill expensive components like the engine or transmission because i will be frequently driving it in the mountains where the rpm's will stay high. Also, i need guidance as to how to drive a cvt in the mountains in a way that puts less strain on the anemic but VERY fuel efficient and, in my opinion, nice looking car that is the Mirage.
ALL tips and advice is greatly appreciated. Oh and PS, im looking at an automatic, 2017 SE model mirage with a dealer offering it to me for $11,800. How much more will it cost total to drive it off the lot with all fees and taxes approximately to know how big of a loan to apply for. Is that price i gave too high too? Oh boy i got off topic again. Thanks again!