Quote:
Originally Posted by Doubtful Owner
Well, I got sucked into buying a TCH. The dealer offered me $1000 off list because it has sat on his lot for a few weeks, and Toyota supposedly penalizes dealers who let TCH's sit around. So, I thought I was getting a great deal, and saving the environment, etc. And I've heard about how these cars hold their resale value. This is a fully loaded model Magnetic Grey Exterior with Bisque interior. Has all the options including remote start, spoiler, and body side moldings.
I was planning on getting a loaded SE V6 Aloe Green metallic with charcoal leather interior (SHARP), but now wonder if I should have bought the SE V4 version and saved $6K. With gas around here only at $2.20/gallon, I'm afraid the gas savings will be nominal, and the potential cost of repairs with all this high tech wizardry (once out of warranty) could be a real problem. I'm afraid to have any service/repairs done I will have to go to a Toyota dealer instead of an independent repair shop, and so the cost of maintenance will be much higher than a regular non-hybrid vehicle.
Are there any TCH owners out there who regret their purchase?
|
First you will still save gas. I drive 17k miles a year and at current gas prices woudl have been saving $800 a year. the TCH will accelerate better than the base I4 and feel smoother. The V6 woudl be peppier, but you woudl be getting in the low 20's for MPG where the TCH you shoudl be well into the 30's. The Hybrid components are covered for 8 years 100K so you don't have to worry about them for some time. I got rid of my TCH after 5 months for other reasons, (see my posts) but the hybrid was not one of the reasons, the interior quality sucked and I missed my sports Sedan ride.