dropdeded 0 #1 December 5, 2006 The fiance is asking about them, I have no idea. Doesnt seem to be any recent threads but I remember a few of you have em. Wanna share any thoughts on them?? Thanks dropdeded------------------------------------------ The Dude Abides. - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeForsythe 0 #2 December 5, 2006 The Toyota Prius totally rocks. It is a true hybrid and gets a consistent 54MPG. Mine has about 22,000 miles on it now. The seats could be more comfortable and the radio is just okay but I like everything else about the car. I would also buy another one. Hope this helps, stay safe, MikeTime and pressure will always show you who a person really is! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katzeye 0 #3 December 5, 2006 Any of them, there, hybrids capable of towing, say a horse trailer? Is a chicken omelette redundant? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #4 December 5, 2006 QuoteAny of them, there, hybrids capable of towing, say a horse trailer? No.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 256 #5 December 5, 2006 This one probably can http://www.lexus.com/models/RXh/Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #6 December 5, 2006 Quote The fiance is asking about them, I have no idea. Doesnt seem to be any recent threads but I remember a few of you have em. Wanna share any thoughts on them?? I don't own one, though everyone I know that does own one is quite happy with theirs. The Toyota Prius (quite handy), Camry and Highlander hybrids are well executed (their Lexus cousins are the same system). The Honda Civic and Accord hybrids are better designs in my opinion (the Civic gets slightly better mileage IIRC). I've read good things about the Ford Escape hybrid. If you buy one new, you're entitled to a tax write-off every year (the amount varies by model). The actual savings in gas (offset by the substantially higher purchase price of the car) takes several years though, up to seven years depending on whose math you believe. Some alternative non-hybrid fuel sippers to consider: Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Scion xA, Ford Focus, Chevy Aveo (a rebadged Daihatsu), almost the entire Hyundai line-up. There have been several threads in Speakers Corner about them...if you choose to venture in there... So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #7 December 5, 2006 QuoteThis one probably can http://www.lexus.com/models/RXh/ With a combined horsepower rating of 268bhp, its max tow rating is only 3500lbs. Hybrids aren't really designed to tow.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #8 December 5, 2006 I've been in the Lexus hybrid a few times. It is nice! You can't even tell when the car has been turned on or if it is still on at stop lights, it's so quiet. It was really weird to experience that the first time I had a ride.She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 24 #9 December 5, 2006 Quoteit's so quiet. Thats strange... You'd figure a car with its engine stopped would be more noisy. Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dropdeded 0 #10 December 5, 2006 Yes, lots of help thanks guys. One thing, MPG?, I thought Hybrid cars were them electric cars Guess I better research a bit eh?? She drives a LOT for work (infant developement specialist for the county). dropdeded------------------------------------------ The Dude Abides. - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #11 December 5, 2006 Quote Yes, lots of help thanks guys. One thing, MPG?, I thought Hybrid cars were them electric cars Guess I better research a bit eh?? She drives a LOT for work (infant developement specialist for the county). dropdeded Here: A list of hybrids in the US. Disregard the GM/Chevy large truck "hybrids", they aren't hybrids in the powertrain sense, rather, it provides power to outlets in the rear of the truck, and it shuts down the engine at stops.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dropdeded 0 #12 December 5, 2006 So ya plug em in while they sit in the driveway at night?? Areb there "charging stations"? Yeah, Im a little behind here sorry guys dropdeded------------------------------------------ The Dude Abides. - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howardwhite 4 #13 December 5, 2006 I have had a Ford Escape Hybrid for about a year and love it. All tricked out with good sound system, GPS, etc. The greatest MPG savings are around town, when you're going relatively slow and making lots of starts and stops. That means you're using the electric motor more of the time and also charging it more by breaking and idling. On the highway, MPG savings are minimal, as you're running only on internal combusion engine most of the time. I've done two ~1,000 mile round trips; average was about 29 mpg, and that's at 70 mph or so most of the time. HW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyD 0 #14 December 5, 2006 Quote If you buy one new, you're entitled to a tax write-off every year (the amount varies by model). Only the year that you first buy it and it has to be new and on the approved list (check irs.gov) FWIW - Bill von has a couple. I'm sure he'll be chiming in here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grips 0 #15 December 5, 2006 I have yet to see a Hybrid Car in West Oz. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 15 #16 December 5, 2006 The trucks are designed to be able to have enough batery power in them that you can drive up to a construction site and plug a power tool right into the truck and run it. The gas engine then runs to recharge the batteries to keep your saw/drill/etc running. They were extremely well recieved in the hurricane areas since you did'nt need a generator to run lights or anything. Most hybrids operate the same as a regular car. The only difference is you won't be doing any of the work on them yourself anymore, they are loaded to the gills with all sorts of sensors and stuff that is pricey and not easy to work on. Physically they all use gas and you drive them the same as any other car. The difference is at low speeds (city driving) they use battery power to move the car around and then once the speed picks up it switches to a gas engine. At sub 20 mph its really common to see fuel consumption of 65-75 mph, but once you get above those speeds you go back down to a regular gas engine and its milage. That said the Civic and Prius are still getting 40+ miles to a gallon at highway speeds.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #17 December 5, 2006 This is my hybrid...part leg muscle, part machine. The leg muscle comes into play when you kick start it. 60 MPG all the time, on road, off road, highway. And, with a purchase price of $700, (used) its a great deal. I use it to shop, check on work projects, have fun, and run to the corner store. Furthermore, with a manual in hand, you can do an engine rebuild in your kitchen sink, you can change your own tires...and the headlights dont cost a fortune to replace. And finally, parking is a breeze! ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeForsythe 0 #18 December 5, 2006 QuoteAt sub 20 mph its really common to see fuel consumption of 65-75 mph, but once you get above those speeds you go back down to a regular gas engine and its milage. That said the Civic and Prius are still getting 40+ miles to a gallon at highway speeds.Where did this information come from? I OWN a Prius and have about 21K on it. I can go up to 38mph on batteries and the fuel consumptions reads 99.9 because it is not using any fuel. As far as highway driving it runs at about 65-70MPG at 55 and 50MPG at 70.Time and pressure will always show you who a person really is! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dropdeded 0 #19 December 5, 2006 How about power on the hill climb? She does 2 uphill runs a week, one being up the grapevine on I-5, lots a big ass trucks to run her over Her mind is pretty much set, she's gettin one, just gotta find sumpin safe and dependable. Again thanks guys dropdeded------------------------------------------ The Dude Abides. - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeForsythe 0 #20 December 5, 2006 Has really good pickup because if you floor it both the electric and the gas engage. I have never had a problem pulling away when I need to. I did get the extended warranty though because as Eric said the days of you fixing your car are over. It has three computers a high voltage battery bank and a synergy drive transmission.Time and pressure will always show you who a person really is! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #21 December 5, 2006 Quote the days of you fixing your car are over. It has three computers a high voltage battery bank and a synergy drive transmission. exactly why i will never own one. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC07 0 #22 December 5, 2006 Not completely relevant to this post... but still a little interesting.. http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicle/ When my Ranger finally craps out, I'm gonna purchase a hybrid as well... I've heard a lot of good things about the Ford Escape Hybrid. Let us know how she likes her purchase. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dropdeded 0 #23 December 5, 2006 In Reply To -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- the days of you fixing your car are over. It has three computers a high voltage battery bank and a synergy drive transmission. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- exactly why i will never own one. ------------------------------------------------------------ Ahh, and maybe the kicker here, I HATE wrenchin dropdeded------------------------------------------ The Dude Abides. - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 15 #24 December 5, 2006 I had been looking at some of the older Civic info , I'm not sure if it applies to the Prius since they use different technology. The Civic I've been hearing cuts over at about 36 mph.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #25 December 5, 2006 QuoteI had been looking at some of the older Civic info , I'm not sure if it applies to the Prius since they use different technology. The Civic I've been hearing cuts over at about 36 mph. Used to have a 74 Honda CvCC (Civic). Great car. 5 spd, carried 5 if willing to do 3 in the back seat, but in college it worked great, I got 35 MPG while doing 95 MPH travelling home on weekends. This car was unstoppable, I used to skim over muddy fields where 4X4s would get stuck, did runs to the mountains to fish with roommates, and high speed runs to the parents house for the weekend. When the engine did finally went, I bought a used motor from an importer for $500, and paid $250 to have them install it. Now my big problem with todays cars is WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO THE FUEL MILAGE?!?! I know that oxgenating gasoline seem to cause a drop in MPG, but I was able to get 35 MPG back then, now its a big deal to get to 30 MPG. go figure. edit to add...Oh, a deer finally took me out one night, made me roll three times. But hell, the car did a great job of holding its shape in the accident, and we all walk away without a scratch! ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
