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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 72 of 73

#707 of 723 Re: Where did you get that data? [michael_mattox] by snakeweasel

Oct 29, 2005 (1:09 pm)

Replying to: michael_mattox (Oct 29, 2005 10:05 am)
Hybrids are a simple technology.
 
Lets see you take two different energy systems mated to an engine and make it so that depending of the situation and fuel/power considerations either one will cut out to make the vehicle more efficient is simple? I believe I read one place that a Prius's drive train has something like 40% more parts than the drive train of a non hybrid car and thats simple?
 
If you believe its simple please contact me as I have a wonderful deal for you.

#708 of 723 Folks by pf_flyer HOST

Oct 30, 2005 (6:14 am)

You HAVE to pay attention to the topics.
 
The subject in this discussion has nothing to do with the length of bathroom breaks, jetliners, or how German and American carmakers compare to Toyota.
 
These off topic posts are simply going to be removed.
 
Please remember to think about what discussions you are in BEFORE you go off on a tangent and we have to step in and try and herd the conversation back on track.

#709 of 723 No Downsides for me by falconone

Oct 31, 2005 (8:20 am)

We are on the cusp of some very interesting technology being introduced in the auto industry. One of them being hybrid technology. But there are other systems being introduced that people are embracing without even thinking twice.
 
  • Lane Departure Warning
     
  • Laser speed control
     
  • CVT Tranny
     
    These are just the tip of the iceberg!
     
    I myself would have no problem buying a vehicle with new technology. The Mercedes laser speed control (latest version) will actually brake for you in stop and go traffic!!! Can you imagine... no throttle inut is needed other than your ability to steer. I'd have NO problem buying a car with that technology. This leads me to my conclusion. I am buying a hybrid because in my mind there is NO downside. I am convinced that this is reliable and safe technology. Anyone that wishes to wait on the sidelines is welcome to do so. Anyone that is speculating as to the longevity is just making assumptions. I'm willing to take that risk. Some aren't and that's fine.

    #710 of 723 Re: No Downsides for me [falconone] by shipo

    Oct 31, 2005 (8:40 am)

    Replying to: falconone (Oct 31, 2005 8:20 am)
    "I am buying a hybrid because in my mind there is NO downside."
     
    Hmmm, I suppose that "NO downside" is a relative term. For me at least, I very much like a performance oriented car that can accelerate, brake and maneuver better than 90% of the cars on the road. Considering that the slowest of my last six cars was still able reach 60 in the high six to low seven second range, and even our two minivans can do it in the mid nine second range, I'd say that to me at least, there is a significant downside to a Hybrid that has acceleration numbers in the ten plus range. That and the skinny high mileage oriented tires that negatively impact handling and braking and you have the makings of a car that is, in my mind, highly likely to be incapable of attaining my minimum acceptable level of performance.
     
    All of that being said, the potential for the high mileage is intriguing enough that I want to drive one and see for myself how well something like the Prius can perform. The only problem is that of the half dozen or so dealers that I called last week, none of them have any unsold Prius(es) in stock, and will not have any for quite some time. Hmmm, I'm thinking that the A3 is looking better all of the time.
     
    Best Regards,
    Shipo

    #711 of 723 Re: No Downsides for me [shipo] by falconone

    Oct 31, 2005 (9:04 am)

    Replying to: shipo (Oct 31, 2005 8:40 am)
    The A3 was a contender for me too. I've owned two Audis (A4 and the Allroad). Nice cars. The A4 has a cramped driver's seat as the center console intrudes too much. The Prius I have driven (my sister's) has upgraded rubber and a BT stiffening plate. Makes the car a pleasure to drive. I took it on a 600 mile trip this weekend. Average speed on the highway was 80 and at some point I was going 85-90. Amazing how fast they drive in MA!!!! At the end of the trip I average 46.3 MPG and wasn't fatigued at all. The NAV worked perfect and I never felt the car needed more power. I got twice the mileage I would have achieved in my Audi. The A3 is nice but the options really bring it up too high. I've owned performance cars in the past. No need for 300 + HP gas guzzlers. I love the Prius.
     
    9 weeks for my OWN.

    #712 of 723 Re: No Downsides for me [falconone] by dewey

    Oct 31, 2005 (9:12 am)

    Replying to: falconone (Oct 31, 2005 8:20 am)
    Lane Departure Warning
    Laser speed control
    CVT Tranny
     
    The above description is my worst nightmare for any car! Passive insulated driving is as nightmarish as being in a zombie-like state!
     
    For me such technologies would require a snooze mode button that will wake me up when the car reaches my destination in a accident-free manner.
     
    My definiton of a "Gem of a Car"
     
    A manual tranny
    A gem of a potent engine with a light weight hybrid system that will not weigh down the car's handling dynamics (unfortunately all hybrid systems need to go on a weight watchers' diet)
     
    The weight problem of hybrids are an issue for me! That is why I am considering a "agile and light" future turbodiesel!(BMW or Audi). With turbodiesels there is little performance/handling sacrifice in the name of fuel economy!
     

    #713 of 723 Re: No Downsides for me [dewey] by falconone

    Oct 31, 2005 (9:29 am)

    Replying to: dewey (Oct 31, 2005 9:12 am)
    That was NOT the point of the post. Pretty soon you won't be able to find a manual tranny in US cars. Very little demand. OOoops... you're from Canada.. sorry.

    Messages Page 72 of 73

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