Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

[DXZeke]

I'm kind of curious to which if you guys might own a Hybrid Car, Truck, or a SUVmarine.

If yes, what kind, etc...

What are you getting for MPG...


I do own a 2005 Toyota Prius.
I'm averaging 45mpg combined City/Highway.
These cars are still a V4... the accelration isn't like my Camaro or V6 Accord was. Taking risks isn't a smart idea. So being patient and driving SMART while you flip off the people behind you who are pissed you won't throw your car into traffic, pays off... driving responsible should be the key, true?

It can run at 60-80mph with no problems.

I really do like this car. I like it better than the fully loaded accord.

Yes, I did get mine with a Navigation System.

[mgoblue]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

always interests me, and maybe eventually I'll get one. As of now the acceleration on some can be lacking, and the price tag/availability just make it even tougher to get one. Aren't some of the hybrid brands on waiting lists just to get one? Can't imagine what they'll be like in 10 years though, i think they'll improve drastically over time.

[DXZeke]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

always interests me, and maybe eventually I'll get one. As of now the acceleration on some can be lacking, and the price tag/availability just make it even tougher to get one. Aren't some of the hybrid brands on waiting lists just to get one? Can't imagine what they'll be like in 10 years though, i think they'll improve drastically over time.

Currently the Toyota Prius has a 3-8month wait depending on where you live.
Price Ranges from 22k (base model) to 29k (Navigation system and leather)... It has combined 143HP. Real world MPG averages are 45 (from yahoo autos)

The Honda Civic Hybrid is available in most areas. Most people don't even think about the Civic since "PRIUS" is the it word. It retails for 21k.. 23k, with a navigation system... It has a combined 110HP. Real world MPG averages are 40mpg (yahoo autos)

The Toyota Camary Hybrid will be out in June. It has a short waiting list of about a month. It retails for 25k, but comes FULLY LOADED with power everything and a navigation system. It has a combined 200HP. No idea on what the real world average will be....

As for the Trucks and SUVmarines, i don't pay much attention.
I do know that the Ford Escape Hybrid averages about 30mpg.

[aukevin]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

I drive 60 miles round trip to work everyday, but it is all Interstate. I see how Hybrids do well in the city, but how well do they do when the drive is all Interstate at around 75 mph. Do you still get a big enough benefit on gas mileage? I get about 26-28 mpg right now on my track to work. I've always been under the impression that Hybrids are good in the city, but it you drive on the Interstate mainly, you don't get as much usage out of the gas alternative.

[forensicd]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

My wifes 2001 civic would get around 32-33 mpg, so it seems like a civic hybrid should get more than just 40 doesnt it? 7 mpg isnt much, thats only another 100 miles or so on a tank of gas, and i could get that in hers by coasting if i really wanted to.

[Silverstring]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

I'm kind of curious to which if you guys might own a Hybrid Car, Truck, or a SUVmarine.

If yes, what kind, etc...

What are you getting for MPG...

I own a 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid, have since June 2005, so about 10 months now.

I'm getting an average of about 48 miles to the gallon, but my commutes are fairly short, I don't drive much(prefer to ride my bike when I can-only have about 6200 miles on the car right now), and when I do drive, I'm often in a rush to work or school, so I don't drive in a way conducive to max MPG(short commutes+rapid acceleration+high speeds, etc).

I LOVE the car, and I can honestly say I would even if it wasn't a hybrid(although I obviously wouldn't have paid as much). A ton of people come down on the looks of the car, and I can't necessarily blame them. However, I think the design + layout is utilitarian, which is more important to me. Fit and Finish is excellent, everything just seems "in the right place". Interior space is great for a car in this class, and I really like the MID(multi information display). This model, in its 2004 redesign (the Prius has been out since 2001), won Motor Trend's "Car of the Year". There's a ton of good info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Prius (including criticisms). You might also want to look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_vehicle , particularly the sections which list the "Benefits" and "Trade Offs" for owning a hybrid vehicle.

I have what was, in my particular model year, the "Top" package- voice-activated navigation system, Bluetooth Handsfree Cell Phone Interface, JBL Premium Speakers + 6-Disc in-dash CD changer, Self-leveling High Intensity Headlamps, Side Airbags, Stability Control, anti-theft system and auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror with HomeLink®, Smart Key System(I never have to take the "keys" out of my pocket-when I walk up and put my hand on the door handle, the doors open. All I have to do is sit down and push the button, the car starts. The "key" is actually a radio-transmitting FOB, like most cars have just to lock doors or engage alarms.)

For 2006, they added a slightly improved navigation system, leather interior, sunroof, new colors and trim, and other minor modifications(the one that I desire the most is an AUX in to the audio system-would be great for hooking up my iPod).

The other thing I like about the car is not only the aforementioned features and the milage, but the fact that it is certified AT-PZEV(Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PZEV). Some looking at hybrids view it as a purely economic proposition, and critics suggest that the price premium you pay upfront isn't justified by gas savings that could take a number of years to recoup. This approach is flawed because A) it assumes relatively stable gas prices over the life of the time you own your hybrid and B) some buyers aren't interested solely in the economic impact of buying a hybrid.

Hope that helped. Good luck with your decision/thoughts about buying a hybrid.

P.S. The waiting list in my area for a Prius at the time of my purchase was about 6-8 months. The only reason I got mine without having to suffer through that was that someone dropped out on their order because they wanted a lesser package. I had to drive across the state to get mine. IN my area now, the waiting time has dropped to about 4-8 weeks, but I understand it is still high in many areas. In addition, most dealers will NOT sell this car under invoice under any circumstances. In addition, a lot of dealers were selling them for OVER invoice, due to demand. Some used Priuses go for slightly higher prices over new, due to people not wanting to wait. Supply has improved, so most of this has subsided. I fell fortunate that I got mine at $100 under invoice.

[Silverstring]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

Ah, wrote my novel long reply based on your original post, which didn't mention that you already HAD a hybrid, and a Prius at that. I thought you were THINKING of one.

Oh well, hopefully the information is of use to someone else.

[fishepa]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

I like the hybrids, I just wish they made them look better.

[blazersin2k3]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

my dad just bought a 06 civic hybrid to use as a commuter car. i actually thought he was kind of stupid for gettin it because he already has a lexus ls430 but they are actually really nice. its kind of wierd to drive though cuz like when you brake it like changes power or something(maybe someone with more knowledge on hybrids could explain better). the sticker says like 50mpg and he gets like 42mpg. one of the big reasons why he got it though was the tax credit which i think is offered on all hybrids.

[DXZeke]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

forensicd,

If you could eek out 7mpg more with the standard Civic, then imagine the 7 more you could eek out of the Civic Hybrid.... from the reports from users on Yahoo Autos... a lot of people are getting mid 40s for highway mileage on their Civics.

******************
aukevin,

I've done LONG TRIPS... like 8-12hr trips... I was getting and average of 48mpg on all my trips. I'd be anywhere from 65-85 on that psycho I-95.

Hybrids don't have as much acceleration due to less horsepower, BUT they hold their own on the highway and slow driving. No questions.

************************
Silverstring...

you got a package 6 like me!
I've got leather interior, which is fine. it's a light tan color.
My car is black.

The only 2 things I'm sort of envious of with the 2006 is that bumper cam for backing up. We could have one put it, but for $2,000.
And they can put in a Aux port for us.

None of the dealers in my area will put a moon/sun roof in.
Some dealers are in other states. Oh well.


*****************************
Highway vs City


The Prius was more aimed at commuters have have short trips... and more city driving... 35mpg and under. The sticker has 60 for city and 50 for highway... which honestly, is quite off... BUT it's not Toyota's fault, that's what the EPA gives as a number. Real world numbers put it at around 45-50 for Combined highway and city.

The Civic Hybrid is aimed at more highway driving... that's why the numbers say better highway than city on the Civic H. The Civic Hybrid numbers are 49 City and 50 Highway. Real world numbers are putting it around 40-43mpg.

Yes you do get a tax credit.
Currently the Civic Hybrid gets you a $2400 tax credit.
The Prius gets you a $2200 tax credit.
As more become available the tax credit will decrease each year.

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

Well I'm now a proud member of the OS Hybrid Family. My wife and I finally pulled the trigger on a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4x4 and took it home today.

It cost more than we wanted to spend, and thus are "stuck" with the navigation system, but I am very satisfied. I love the ride, the reviews were great, and it's our first brand new car EVAR! We are truly psyched for this purchase (the last of our "upgrade everything we couldn't at the start of our marriage" phase). My two and a half year old son even loves the car...though not the paperwork part.

Can't wait to see the mileage, and the federal tax credit will ensure another, likely final, tax refund. Oh well, at least I can find every Chinese food joint in the area!

[HungryBologna]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4x4

Congrats on the new vehicle. But I don't know much about hybrids and what not but I'm kinda curious. Why a 4x4 hyrbid? It just doesn't make much sense to me.

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

Congrats on the new vehicle. But I don't know much about hybrids and what not but I'm kinda curious. Why a 4x4 hyrbid? It just doesn't make much sense to me.

We wanted more space. I'm a big guy (6'3" 220) and while the Dodge Intrepid we also own was a VERY large sedan, I wanted an SUV where I didn't have to hear my achy joints crack getting in and out (high school football was killer). We are also discussing having another child, so looking at a sedan wasn't desirable with two car seats...not to mention the constant head bashing of bending over loading a kid into said car seat.

As for the four wheel drive, we lived in Colorado for over a decade each, and saw the benefits of 4WD in snow and ice. While it's not a problem in Boise, we are likely headed back to Colorado or to Salt Lake City (similar climates) in the next few months, which made the decision easy. The Highlander also is six cylinder versus four for the Ford Escape, which made the hybrid SUV choice a no-brainer. The mileage from various owner sites of the vehicle is around 30 mpg, which is significant enough for me. I'll likely have that, if not slightly higher since I'm a stay-at-home dad currently, so most of my driving is at lower speeds for random errands and play dates (which add far too many miles annually), the best type of driving for hybrid fuel economy.

*By comparison, EPA mileage for the regular Highlander is about a third or so less, while actual estimates place the deficit at nearly half.*

[RubenDouglas]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

i miss my old geo metro. it got 50 mpg in the city. id fill up once a month, costing around 26 bucks.

now im stuck with a ford focus getting 30mpg with minimal freeway.

why is there a wait? if demand is really high why not charge alittle more and produce all kinds?

[ESPNdeportes]

Re: Which of you Fellow OSers own a Hybrid Vehicle?

I've got a 2004 Civic Hybrid. I get around 43-45 mpg in the warm months, and 38-40 mpg in the cold months, with a combo of city and highway driving.

I love it, especially after driving a jeep as my first car for 7 years, and even more especially with the current gas prices. I'm living mainly on student loans, and the thought of filling up a 24 gallon tank with $3 gas is one I'm glad I no longer have.

And for those who are worried about how a hybrid looks, the Prius is the only funny looking one now anymore (the honda insight is pretty much dead). There are now Camry, Accord, Escape, Lexus SUV, etc. hybrids that all look great, just like regular cars. My Civic has the exact same body as the EX/LX models, but with a little modified spoiler on the back.

Another great thing about my Civic is that I've got 30,000 miles and have not had a single problem at all. My Jeep was in the shop all the time.....