OK, there are about 7 threads about the new car going right now, but let's get some real discussion going. What do you want to see Honda do with the new car? What would make you trade in your HCH for the next gen? What would be a deal breaker for you that would make you stop?

For me, the new body style is the biggest reason to contemplate a trade. I really miss the functionality of having a hatch back (wagon) and the abilty to put the seats down. However, if the new car didn't have fold flat(ish) seats, it wouldn't be very interesting to me.

The biggest thing I can think of that would be a deal killer to me would be if it lacks the HCH gauges. I LOVE having the speedometer, and the iFCD right in my line of sight. It looks like the Insight will have a similar spedo, but the iFCD there is key too. I also like the chrg and asst bars--much more functional than the Prius where you can't tell from the graph HOW MUCH juice you are using.

What do you think?

Commuter car, grocery getter, and summer road tripper--average 10k miles per year.


Winter road trips and ski trips, bad weather commuter and my wife's "daily" driver--expected average 4k miles per year.

The new car will intrigue me, but I'm happy with what I already have. Sedans are my preferred style of vehicle, with their handling and comfort. I can see the draw for hatchbacks, they're just not my first choice.

The dealer would have to give me what I paid for my HCH, and the federal gov't would have to give me a fat tax credit for buying the new hybrid.

It would have to be much improved for me to trade the HCH2! H

How about availability?



At this point, I am worried I may be forced into a minivan. With a second child on the way and an elderly mother moving here within a year, I'd love a diesel hybrid Odyssey (or Stream).

So, I guess I have to vote for more space....

nf

http://greenhybrid.com/compare/mileage/car/3686.html

http://greenhybrid.com/compare/mileage/car/4955.html

I'm with you, 1stpik. I've had my HCH for only a few months; my last car--a '93 Accord lasted 15 years--and there'd have to be a heck of a monetary incentive to make me want to buy another car!

The Insight suffered from both lack of space and excessive emissions (too high to qualify for the federal tax deductions or credits). Both of those flaws would have to be resolved for me to consider a new one.

In addition, with a plug-in Prius on the way soon, a revamped Insight should have that feature as well.

80 mpg with AC running. That's my threshold. My 'bad' FE in winter needs to be no less than 65 mpg. Probably will need to be a plug-in... I voted FE.

Though not in your survey, how about NOT look like a Prius & have plug in....at least MY next car will be plug in so I can drive it during the week 2 & from work and the gas guzzling hybrid on the weekend.

For GREAT FE, I'd certainly consider it.
I really want to see the coming new plug-ins , though, so I'll probably wait until then to consider a replacement for the HCH2.

Steve

STOP terrorism - Drive a HYBRID

Vehicles:
350 miles a week ------------ 2006 HCH II, Magnetic Pearl, w/NAVI (born on May 25, 2006)
350 miles a month ---------- 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6
350 miles a year (for now) - 1986 Mercedes 560SL