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Hey all,we have had some pretty good discussions on cars on here in the past and would like to hear some of you that keep up on newer cars.
I am thinking of possibly buying a new or slightly used hybrid. Most likely a Prius. I commute about 75 miles a day back and forth from work(mostly freeway and high speed state routes,not much city driving,but a little bit is). So basically I am buying this car as a commuter car first and foremost. I realize the Prius is not the most manly looking car but that is really not my concern,trust me, I would rather be driving a F250 turbo diesel but the fuel costs would make me homeless.
Ok the thing I am realy thinking about is maintenance and reliability. How do these hybrids hold up,what mileage are they good for? If something does break are they expensive to fix,even for normal things like brakes and fluids?
Would love to hear peoples opinions and experiences.
KING
You may be in the drivers seat but God is holding the map. #GMSTRONG
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Dawg Talker
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I can't offer much other than it's my understanding the battery replacement is costly. Then again I don't know how long the batteries last. There are a number of non-hybrid models that get 35+ city and 40+ highway. Most are not the manly type, but I tend to think most do and will look much the same since the wind tunnel is a deciding factor of design. The Civic and Cooper among a few others are exceptions. I drove a Civic Hatchback for 10 years. Fantastic gas mileage at the expense of leg room and testosterone.  This link might help (at least with charting the better MPG)
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Dawg Talker
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Dawg Talker
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I saw one of these the other day.... awesome looking little car... http://www.teslamotors.com/roadster
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As much as I hate to admit it, the Prius is the most practical hybrid because of the hatchback.
The Fusion hybrid, for comparison's sake, has a significantly reduced trunk size and you can't fold down the rear seats either.
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OP
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Quote:
As much as I hate to admit it, the Prius is the most practical hybrid because of the hatchback.
The Fusion hybrid, for comparison's sake, has a significantly reduced trunk size and you can't fold down the rear seats either.
Is the Fusion Hybrid the plug in hybrid I have heard about? Or is that not out yet? I heard the plug in gives you 40 miles all electric before the regular hybrid mode comes on, my ride to work one way is 36 miles, I would be able to plug in at work, so basically I would burn no gas.
King
You may be in the drivers seat but God is holding the map. #GMSTRONG
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You won't get much of the benefit of a hybrid if you're doing mostly highway mileage. The electronic motor only kicks in under a certain speed (I think 25) and at stops.
Have you thought about a diesel at all? I have a couple friends with VW TDIs and they both love their cars and get great mileage
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Quote:
Quote:
As much as I hate to admit it, the Prius is the most practical hybrid because of the hatchback.
The Fusion hybrid, for comparison's sake, has a significantly reduced trunk size and you can't fold down the rear seats either.
Is the Fusion Hybrid the plug in hybrid I have heard about? Or is that not out yet? I heard the plug in gives you 40 miles all electric before the regular hybrid mode comes on, my ride to work one way is 36 miles, I would be able to plug in at work, so basically I would burn no gas.
King
No the Fusion Hybrid is your standard hybrid.
The car you're interested in would be the Chevy Volt. Awesome technology there. 10 years from its release it should be an optional powertrain in all vehicles, hopefully.
Problem is the production for the first 2 years is going to be limited. But this kind of technology should be what we'll be using moving forward. Electric but with gasoline as a range extender for those who aren't able to plug in and need to re-fill their tank quickly.
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OP
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Quote:
You won't get much of the benefit of a hybrid if you're doing mostly highway mileage. The electronic motor only kicks in under a certain speed (I think 25) and at stops.
Have you thought about a diesel at all? I have a couple friends with VW TDIs and they both love their cars and get great mileage
I did not know that about the hybrids, I thought they cruised on mostly electric. Maybe I should save the extra money for the hybrid and just get the Accord. In the Accord I can get more car for my money.
King
You may be in the drivers seat but God is holding the map. #GMSTRONG
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Dawg Talker
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
As much as I hate to admit it, the Prius is the most practical hybrid because of the hatchback.
The Fusion hybrid, for comparison's sake, has a significantly reduced trunk size and you can't fold down the rear seats either.
Is the Fusion Hybrid the plug in hybrid I have heard about? Or is that not out yet? I heard the plug in gives you 40 miles all electric before the regular hybrid mode comes on, my ride to work one way is 36 miles, I would be able to plug in at work, so basically I would burn no gas.
King
No the Fusion Hybrid is your standard hybrid.
The car you're interested in would be the Chevy Volt. Awesome technology there. 10 years from its release it should be an optional powertrain in all vehicles, hopefully.
Problem is the production for the first 2 years is going to be limited. But this kind of technology should be what we'll be using moving forward. Electric but with gasoline as a range extender for those who aren't able to plug in and need to re-fill their tank quickly.
Agreed. Volt is awesome technology. It will definitely serve the gap between gas and full on electric vehicles. Full-on electric isn't quite practical yet.
#gmstrong
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Legend
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Quote:
You won't get much of the benefit of a hybrid if you're doing mostly highway mileage. The electronic motor only kicks in under a certain speed (I think 25) and at stops.
Have you thought about a diesel at all? I have a couple friends with VW TDIs and they both love their cars and get great mileage
Exactly. VW makes very good diesel engines. Around here diesel is a little more expensive so I would due a cost comparison to see if it is worth the money. I would also look to see if there is any substantial difference in repair costs.
#gmstrong
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For highway driving the VW TDI (diesel) is your best option.
Most hybrids shine in city/short commuting service. The TDI gets something like 47 mpg on the road.
Welcome back, Joe, we missed you!
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