hybrid cars

[iwishiwasthere]

Anyone drive a hybrid car? If so, what you the pros and cons? I have read published information, but would like a personal perspective.

 

[Mermaid]

I don't drive one but I saw one yesterday in the parking lot at Trader Joe's. The bumper sticker on it said "Jesus hates your SUV." Whew! How's that for attitude? :funn:

I wouldn't mind having one since all I do is city driving, and I absolutely hate having to fill my tank at the gas station. I wouldn't mind cutting that chore to the bone.

 

[iwishiwasthere]

Ouch! Guess that person hasn't been at the beach long enough :funn:
A friend purchased one and was raving about mileage and how quiet it is. Still not sure about one long term.

 

[BeachDreamer]

Gas mileage is awesome. Battery replacements are in the thousands. But most batteries have a 100,000 mile warranty.

 

[bsmart]

I recommend reading the November edition of "Cargo" Magazine, it is very detailed in its review of nearly all of the hybird models available in the U.S. See cargomag.com

 

[ktmeadows]

Ouch! Guess that person hasn't been at the beach long enough :funn:
A friend purchased one and was raving about mileage and how quiet it is. Still not sure about one long term.

We have a few hybrid company cars, and I've driven the Honda Civic Hybrid. It is quiet....in fact, I had to learn to control my urge to restart the car, because there is absolutely no sound when you start it. The one thing I find annoying about it is that when you drive at slow speed with the window open, or even if you're just driving along quietly with the radio off, the sound of the battery can easily be confused with the sound of a distant ambulance/police vehicle, etc. Gas mileage is awesome. We have another company vehicle that's an SUV. I've never driven it, but I've heard several say that they love driving it.

Not sure I'm ready to purchase one on my own yet, though. I'm just not convinced that they save all that much money in the long run. But it is great to drive on long trips; much fewer gas stops!

 

[bsmart]

Not sure I'm ready to purchase one on my own yet, though. I'm just not convinced that they save all that much money in the long run. But it is great to drive on long trips; much fewer gas stops!

Right. The article that I reference above actually says that you are not saving money in the long run...just being an environmental steward basically.

 

[katie blue]

I read the same assessment, that the cost savings of hybrids is balanced by the higher sticker price, and the savings balance out in the long run. BUT...maybe those stats were done before gas prices doubled over the last year. maybe the savings are more significant now?

Either way, i definitely will be looking at hybrids for the replacement when my current Civic dies. (ugh, yes, mopar girl drives a civic ) In a few years, i'm sure the competition and better tech will lower the price some, and there'll be a lot more choices available. Like bsmart said, it's about being conscious. If I can spend roughly the same money AND do the right thing...is there really a choice? Can't wait to get a hybrid someday--even if it costs a bit more. (Just not one of those silly looking Prius's.)

 

[OhioBeachBum]

Lady I know swears by her Prius (near 'couple years old now). That said, even though the economics are better in lower end 2nd generation equipment (like the Civic), they still don't tilt toward a hybrid - until you factor in the "good citizen" aspect. Don't expect that (hybrid) to really be a slam-dunk choice until (when/if) gov't finally gets act together with a full carrot/stick approach (tax incentives on one side mated with tax disincentives on the other) - or gas goes to $5/gal or so.

Hybrids are much more complex - more things to go wrong. And under the hood is definitely more "hands off" to casual fiddling. 750 volts DC - same as 3rd rail in subway...

 

[iwishiwasthere]

Whoa that is powerful! Thanks for all the input. Lots of knowledgeable folks on this board.