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#7 of 10 Re: It's a hybrid right? [k4thrynnn] by pat

Jun 11, 2007 (5:58 am)

Replying to: k4thrynnn (Jun 09, 2007 6:48 pm)

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#8 of 10 Re: It's a hybrid right? [k4thrynnn] by avljmax

Jun 16, 2007 (7:44 pm)

Replying to: k4thrynnn (Jun 09, 2007 6:48 pm)

Good for you for doing your part to protect the environment! It's wonderful to see that young people like you are conscious enough and educated enough to take these things into consideration before "voting" with your dollars. Good luck in your car search! May you have lots of years of fun, safe miles ahead!!!

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#9 of 10 thanks again by k4thrynnn

Jun 16, 2007 (7:50 pm)

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#10 of 10 Re: It's a hybrid right? [k4thrynnn] by hiwayman

Jul 29, 2007 (9:56 am)

Replying to: k4thrynnn (Jun 09, 2007 6:48 pm)

OK. To answer your question about CVT. It is an automatic transmission (no shifting by the driver). The difference between a CVT and a "normal" automatic is that there are no "gears". What this means is that you will never feel the car searching for the right gear as you attempt to pass that big truck or are headed up a long hill. There are no tricks or special training needed to drive a CVT. CVT's are the wave of the future. Within a few years all automatic transmissions will probably be CVT.
 
To answer your question about returning the car, the short answer is "no". You didn't say what state you live in, but most states have a law called the "no cool off" law. What this means is that you cannot, unless you have a written, signed contract with the dealer that allows you to do so, return the car because it doesn't meet your expectations. SOME dealerships will allow you to bring a car back and get another one (you never get your money back, that's for sure) within a few days, but you'll have to check with the dealership.
 
Since you are not of legal age to sign for a loan (if you're going to get one) you'll need a loan co-signer (a parent or guardian). Obviously you won't be able to test drive the car if you don't have a license (dealers require you to be licensed to take one of their cars out).
 
My advice? Be patient. You have a long and eventful life in front of you. Hybrid technology is in its infancy. In the next 5 to 10 years, cars will be coming out that will make the hybrids we all love so much seem pretty basic, and low-mileage. By the time you have your license, and can afford a 25K car, there will be wonderous machinery available! Keep in mind that anything more than a fender bender can be hideously expensive to repair on a new car, and especially a hybrid. I know you're going to be a careful driver, but one thing to think about is the cost of ownership and repair on the car you'll be driving. In the mean time, get a small, perhaps used (but in good condition) car to learn to drive in. After a year or two (yes, it DOES take some time to become a good driver), trade up to a hybrid (or whatever you're in love with at that time).
 
Sorry to sound so much like dad....