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Originally Posted by diver110
I have been thinking about hybrids, and one thing I have been told is that if the batteries ever go, it can cost $10,000 to replace them (meaning throw the car away). 1. Is that good info, and 2. Does anyone have a sense of the longevity of the batteries, or is it just too early to tell?
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I was walking across the parking lot in September weighing the $27k cost of a new Prius versus $27k for a new Ford Escape. Then I realized that the only people who told me about the 'horrible battery expense' had been wrong about
:
- hydrogen cars
- Iraq
- GW Bush
- Taxes
- Race
- Religion
Considering the source, they had to be wrong about hybrid batteries.
Within two weeks, I found and bought a 2003 Prius with 49,300 miles on Ebay for $1,000 below Blue Book value. Later, I learned that the Prius battery is kept between 50% and 80% of charge which means it is going to out last the warrantee by a whole bunch.
So let me suggest you check out the thread "Fleet performance data" under the "Model Comparisons" and see what happens to high mileage vehicles. The Dept. of Energy sold two Prius with over 160 k miles and they were still getting excellent MPG. The batteries had lost some capacity but it didn't impact the mpg. The Honda Civic batteries had even higher battery capacity remaining. At least then you'll have some facts and data.
Now let me tell you the discouraging news: achieving high mileage in a hybrid requires a different approach to driving (at least today.) Depending upon the hybrid you choose, you will need to figure out how to get the maximum MPG. It all depends upon which type of hybrid you choose.
The good news is GreenHybrid.com is the place to find folks who have figured this out. Take a look at the mileage database, "Compare" tab and you'll see some drivers are getting great performance. Some of them 'hang out' here and are willing to share their expertise.
So whatever you choose to do, GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson