Zul'jin
Well-Known Member
Anybody? Tell me all about it.
I like the idea of hybrids but I cannot get on board with the Prius and similar designed hybrids. So ugly. I understand the design is aerodynamic and improves fuel economy. I would happily purchase an accord or camry hybrid. I've driven both full gas versions and been very happy with each.
There really is not reason you should ever buy a hybrid. At least not yet, they will get better eventually.
If you are doing it for the environment well that went out the window. The ore for the battery is mined in canada, shipped to Europe for refining then shipped to Japan for installation. Huge carbon footprint.
If youre doing it for the gas savings, the battery goes out and that is a huge expense. Like 6k + out of warranty.
If you want to get good gas mileage, get a Jetta TDI. Friend has a Jetta TDI wagon and gets 40+ on the highway. Nonwagon gets around 45+ highway.
I have doubts that the footprint of a single item being transported once across the globe is more than the footprint of the gas burned in a similar non-hybrid vehicle and the footprint involved in the transport and processing of gasoline.
I've seen those batteries online for around $3k. I'm not sure what you're seeing there. Also, I believe the warranty period is 8-15 years, depending on the state where you purchase the vehicle.
I do agree that hybrids are not the cost-cutting options people think them to be. I've seen several analysis that even with the tax credit for purchase the offset in gas requires over a decade of ownership to break even. It's probably an accurate analysis although I wonder how much the electric motor reduces wear on the gas engine and the costs of repairs on that side.
I agree, there are a lot of competitively prices vehicles that get comparable gas mileage and there's a lot of room for improved fuel economy in full gas vehicles. I think you get less value out of a hybrid civic than a hybrid SUV.
Just focus on driving and not that goddam "how much gas am I saving" screen. Us motorcyclists thank you.
How many people have you ran off the road while staring at your computer screen?
Zul'jin said:many, many people are reporting battery life of over 100,000 miles.
The battery is pretty expensive when it comes time to replace. Probably cancelling out the gas savings to that point
Ummm, no, it's in the 2-3k range. Cheaper than the 3 transmissions you have to go through on a typical Chrysler to get to 140k miles. From a 2008 article on the topic (note costs in 2008... the replacement cost today is cheaper)If youre doing it for the gas savings, the battery goes out and that is a huge expense. Like 6k + out of warranty.
The good news, though, is that the chances of needing to replace the battery in your hybrid is low, even after the warranty coverage is up. Honda says that less than 200 of its hybrid batteries have failed post-warranty, despite over 100,000 vehicles on the road. How about Toyota? Its post-warranty battery replacement rate sits at just 0.003 percent.
If you want to get good gas mileage, get a Jetta TDI. Friend has a Jetta TDI wagon and gets 40+ on the highway. Nonwagon gets around 45+ highway.
We see them all the tine over 100k without issue. Had a lady in the shop today with 196k on her Prius. The only thing it needed was tires.
With regards to octane in your fuel, most vehicles are not able to advance the timing enough for the engine to make use of the extra knock resistance. If the vehicle is not designed for premium, it usually doesn't help.Zul'jin said:Tires. Do I have to keep low resistance tires on it to keep good (upper end) mpg? I've read the stock Goodyear tires are fair to midland, as we say in Texas. On the bike, I have found tires do matter, a lot. How does it work on the Prius?
How about octane? We've used mainly 87 in everything. Cars, trucks and my bike to. Does just as well as higher octanes. Is the Prius made to make better use of high octane or will 87 do just as well?
Since we have a dealer guy, thepartsmancometh, what is the most common repair you see needed on Prius? How much does it cost if not warrantied?
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