Hi Janet,
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Originally Posted by Janet
I also wonder if it makes sense to buy used when, with a tax credit, the price of a new vehicle could be nearly the same. I've also had a hard time comparing the cars based on cost because the Prius is offered in packages. It's confusing!
Should I go with used or new?
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This is ultimately an individual decision, but if it were me and the tax credit made it a push, I like new. You get more time on the warranty, and you know where it's been, so to speak. Also, finding one or two year old hybrids may be a tough thing to do and might limit your choices. Plus you get that priceless new car smell with new.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet
Has anyone ever replaced the battery or known of someone who had to do this and if so, was it costly?
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While I have not, I'm only aware of one forum member that had to and it was under warranty. Keep in mind that the Honda carries an 8 yr warranty on the batteries (more if you live in CA I think). I don't have to worry until 2011. Now in 03 when I bought mine, the sales person claimed that by the time the 8 years was up, they'd probably be $5-600. Take that for what it's worth.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet
I heard a news report from intellichoice.com last night that said the hybrids are more economical when you consider maintenance and not just gas mileage.
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This has been the subject of endless debates here and elsewhere. I'll try to be helpful and summaize (just my opinion).
- The media in general does a very poor and inaccurate job charactizing the "return" on investment, or total cost of ownership calculations. You wonder if some of them are just making stuff up over drinks at the local Red Lobister. It's that bad. So always view reports with some amount of skepticism.
- The best comparison on whether it's economical is comparing to other cars you'd actually consider. If an Echo/Yaris is actually a possibility for you, you'll find the hybrid never recovers that gap. Civic EX vs. Civic Hybrid, breaks even eventually but takes many years (7-9). Compared to your current car, it may be a matter of 3-4 years. My former car got 25 MPG - I recoverd my hybrid "preimum" in 3 years (over buying a Civic EX) based on about 15,000 miles per year. If it's Civic Hybrid vs. Prius, you win either way.
- My 2 cents - hybrids are economical all by themselves on gas alone. Maintenance wise, the only thing I really save on is brakes - they've lasted 90K miles on some. At 60K for my car, the brakes both have more than 50% left. Everything else is maintained like a Civic.
Final thought: I've believed for a long time that if you do more city stop and go driving, the Prius would get better mileage. On the highway, I think the Civic does better.
I do love my Civic however - no regrets.
Tim