Honda Accord Hybrid - worth the extra $$$? - READ ONLY

223 messages, Last post on Feb 07, 2006 at 6:12 PM

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#112 of 223 Is there such a thing? by pf_flyer HOST Mar 07, 2005 (4:48 am)
Just speaking for myself, I can't imagine finding myself in "gotta have it" mode SO bad that I'd pay more than MSRP for ANY vehicle. Replies to this message: backy (Mar 07, 2005 6:51 am) gagrice (Mar 07, 2005 7:26 am)
#113 of 223 Re: Is there such a thing? [pf_flyer] by backy Mar 07, 2005 (6:51 am)
Replying to: pf_flyer (Mar 07, 2005 4:48 am) The "premium" I was referring to was the amount paid for the hybrid technology over and above the most comparable non-hybrid model, NOT a premium over MSRP. Does that help? Replies to this message: gagrice (Mar 07, 2005 7:26 am)
#114 of 223 HAH price difference [backy] by gagrice Mar 07, 2005 (7:26 am)
Replying to: backy (Mar 07, 2005 6:51 am) The TMV in San Diego on an EX with NAV is $27,243 I would think that $30k for the HAH with NAV would be plenty to pay. The El Cajon dealer was asking $33k WO NAV. I can't imagine buying a Honda WO the NAV. That is the coolest thing they have going for them.
#115 of 223 If only it were that simple ... by midnightcowboy Mar 07, 2005 (7:30 am)
It's not just the Hybrid engine but also ... Advantages: Better mileage Faster acceleration especially low end torque. Upgraded interior trim and special guage display FCD and IMA chrg asst display VCM ANC ACM Idle-Stop larger tires and special alloy 16" rims Disadvantages: Iffy resale value since new are being discounted $2,000 to $3,000 of MSRP. Especially down the road if the car is close to the tracvtion battery limt of 8 year/80,00 miles or for CA 10 year/ 150,000 miles. No spare Smaller trunk. Rear seats don't fold down. No long term cost analysis or relaiblity anaylsis and unknown replacement/repair cost of traction battery. Limited colors. No manual transmission. Not available in Coupe. So the decision is more like comparing apples to oranges.. Anyway, I recently went with a Honda. A 2005 Black Honda Accord Coupe 6-speed w/NAV. Added Borla cat back exhaust, Sylvania super-star healights, K & N high flow air filter and zainoed the black to a deep shiney wet look. Good Luck, MidCow
#116 of 223 My misunderstanding by pf_flyer HOST Mar 07, 2005 (12:57 pm)
OK... premium for a hybrid version vs ICE... It would have to make dollars and sense. Not that the hybrid version should have to pay back the premium in a year, but my cost to own/operate over the time I plan to keep the vehicle has to be in the same ballpark for me to consider one version over another. I guess that translates to I'm not going to pay a very high premium. Replies to this message: gagrice (Mar 07, 2005 1:05 pm) backy (Mar 07, 2005 5:24 pm)
#117 of 223 Re: My misunderstanding [pf_flyer] by gagrice Mar 07, 2005 (1:05 pm)
Replying to: pf_flyer (Mar 07, 2005 12:57 pm) I guess that translates to I'm not going to pay a very high premium. I think that is mainstream car buyer perspective. I don't believe hybrids will reach the average car buyer until there is less than $1000 difference for comparable vehicles. The Prius is just different than anything out there and is looking green to America. The Honda Hybrids are not selling as well as projected. Honda has a couple good sellers and they are both in their truck division.
#118 of 223 press request by kirstie_h HOST Mar 07, 2005 (4:21 pm)
A reporter with a major national magazine is looking for a few car shoppers who are in the process of searching for a car and are deliberating between a hybrid and conventional vehicle. He would be interested to talk to people considering the upcoming hybrid Toyota Highlander and/or RX400h. We are also looking members who went through similar deliberations but have already made a purchase, including the Ford Escape, Honda Civic, Honda Accord or the Toyota Prius. Please send a brief description of your experience along with your contact information to Kirsten Holguin at kholguinedmunds.com by Thursday, March 10th.
#119 of 223 Re: [explorerx4]COUNTER POINT CULLIGANMAN [railroadjames] by explorerx4 Mar 07, 2005 (5:21 pm)
Replying to: railroadjames (Mar 05, 2005 8:50 pm) my sister has a gen2 prius, which i have driven several times. it's a nice car. i like it, i just can't justify the money for it. it's car i would drive about 10k miles per year. i have a focus that gets about 75% of the gas mileage, but cost about 10k less. that what i meant about the economic benefit. as far as the hah goes, i'd rather give up the 15hp and have a moonroof. maybe i'm just showing my age. Replies to this message: railroadjames (Mar 07, 2005 6:11 pm) xcel (Mar 08, 2005 7:27 am) gagrice (Mar 08, 2005 7:55 am) tempusvn (Mar 08, 2005 7:59 am) railroadjames (Mar 08, 2005 5:01 pm) and 8 more...
#120 of 223 Re: My misunderstanding [pf_flyer] by backy Mar 07, 2005 (5:24 pm)
Replying to: pf_flyer (Mar 07, 2005 12:57 pm) Not that the hybrid version should have to pay back the premium in a year, but my cost to own/operate over the time I plan to keep the vehicle has to be in the same ballpark for me to consider one version over another. I expect this is not an uncommon opinion, but it is intriguing to me. When I see cars on the dealer showfloor with special alloy wheels priced at $4000, or even a V6 or V8 model of a car priced a few thousand over a car with a smaller (more fuel efficient) engine, I wonder if the buyers think about recouping the price difference over time. Or is this just a hybrid phenomenon--that people expect to recoup the price premium over the life of ownership, even though the hybrid provides benefits that are hard to put a pricetag on, e.g. better acceleration (HAH), uniqueness(for the Prius in particular), exclusivity, or "greeness."
#121 of 223 COUNTER POINT CULLIGANMAN [railroadjames] [explorerx4] by railroadjames Mar 07, 2005 (6:11 pm)
Replying to: explorerx4 (Mar 07, 2005 5:21 pm) A Ford Focus is a decent car but it just isn't in a league with the Prius. If you doubt me compare interior space, equipment, premium extras and even the warrantees. Also take into consideration the reputation of the two. Resale is a factor and C.R.'s stats tell another story as to which car stands the tallest. If you drove the Prius as I have driven the Focus then we both know which car wins hands down. Cost difference being addressed now. Yes you pay more for the Prius but you get so much more. Even the sound system is an up grade over the Focus. Luggage space is a win with the Prius and a surprise to boot with the hidden compartment below the rear storage. It holds alot of extras. The Prius can go around 500 miles on a tank. Try that with a Focus. How many critics have given the Focus the accolades that the Prius has acquired these last several months? With all due respect to the Focus, it's a bit generic in comparison. You get what you pay for. That's why I didn't mind parting with the extra $$$$ for the Prius. It really wasn't that bad too. About $645.00 more than a Nissan Altima that I almost bought. Stying has to count for something. The Prius is just sharp! Culliganman(Oil estimaters say gas will go up 20 cents by the end of March) Replies to this message: xcel (Mar 08, 2005 7:27 am) gagrice (Mar 08, 2005 7:55 am) tempusvn (Mar 08, 2005 7:59 am) railroadjames (Mar 08, 2005 5:01 pm) midnightcowboy (Mar 09, 2005 6:46 am) and 7 more...