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Any downside to buying a hybrid? - READ ONLY

723 messages,  Last post on Oct 31, 2005 at 11:58 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Prius, Honda Accord, Lexus RX 400h, Honda Insight, Honda Civic, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Hybrid Cars, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Sedan, SUV

Messages Page 20 of 73

#188 of 723 Re: Everyone knows the EPA tests are outdated and wrong [larsb] by midnightcowboy

Sep 12, 2005 (11:00 am)

Replying to: larsb (Sep 12, 2005 10:45 am)
larsb said : "Regardless of the "mostly fictional" EPA ratings, getting low 40s from a very well equipped midsize car that is not polluting like a diesel is unheard of in the USA except for the Prius. "
 
H'mm if that is true why did you buy a Honda Civic Hybrid instead?
 
Yes the Prius is great, but it is not an economy car except in high mpg.
 
"very well equipped" Yes Prius is extremely well equipped except low perfromance, no manual transmission, no sunroof, no rear disc brakes and no upgraded suspension comfort or handling components. Ohterwise it is a very well equipped car: Xexons, NAV, skid control, smart key and for 2006 leather and backup camera.
 
"midsize" - small "midsize" and that is only because in a hatchback the area above the hatch area is included or else it would be compact size.
 
"diesel" Yes, VW has some very high miles per gallon cars and they polute more than conventional ICDEs or the by far the Prius. This will all probably change when low sulpher comes to the US in the next couple of years and Honda, BMW and Mercedes bring their diesels back over here.
 
One has to wonder why in Europe where gas prices are twice as high as the US that diesels are the vehicle or choice and there are very few hybrids.
 
YMMV,
 
MidCow I want a 5-speed Insight w/AC for a commuter car

#189 of 723 Prius is what it is - a technological marvel.... by larsb

Sep 12, 2005 (11:11 am)

quote midcow-"H'mm if that is true why did you buy a Honda Civic Hybrid instead?"-end quote
 
I did not even shop Hybrids, so Prius was not really an issue in my decision. I went in to a Honda dealership to buy a used car, and the Hybrid on the lot had what I needed for a good price, so I bought it. I kind of "stumbled into" my hybrid, and I have loved every second of the experience. ( Well, other than the time I spend on Edmunds defending Hybrids to all the naysayers; I don't love that part.)
 
And regardless of "why" the Prius is a midsize, it IS a midsize, and it does deliver more MPG than any other midsize in the USA, including the VW diesels, and at least as many creature comforts of some cars costing far more money.
 
quote midcow-"One has to wonder why in Europe where gas prices are twice as high as the US that diesels are the vehicle of choice and there are very few hybrids."-end quote
 
Then wonder no more my amigo - here is the answer:
 
Diesel fuel is taxed less over there, so diesel fuel is thus cheaper, so the running fuel costs for diesel cars is cheaper. That's the ONLY reason. Their air is dirty, they have grimy black particulate buildup on some of their buildings, and some towns have even FORBID use of diesel engine cars on certain days.
 
Hybrids are making some minor headway in Europe, but with gas prices higher than diesel, they still have a tough time over there.

#194 of 723 Re: Everyone knows the EPA tests are outdated and wrong [midnightcowboy] by zacharya

Sep 12, 2005 (11:54 am)

Replying to: midnightcowboy (Sep 12, 2005 11:00 am)
The reason why diesels are popular in Europe is ONE main reason. Diesel fuel is quite a bit less than regular gasoline. Another reason is that the high cost of fuel in Europe has made people much more aware of cars that get better mileage. Diesels DO get better mileage. I'd rather drive my Prius because I am not polluting as much as diesel. That will change very soon and I look forward to it.
 
No sunroof- To each his own... hate them.. had it in my previous cars and I never used it
Rear discs- Nice, but not need, regen braking along with front discs really is fine for the Prius. 60-0 in 129 feet.
 
Have a look at Greenhybrid... their Prius average is 48+.

#197 of 723 Back in play by pf_flyer HOST

Sep 13, 2005 (8:03 am)

Let's see if we can avoid the trap of trying to prove stuff to each other here this time around.
 
This topic is here for discussion of possible downsides of buying hybrids. It is not here to be a battleground between hybrid enthusiasts and those who have their doubts.

Messages Page 20 of 73

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