Why are so many clueless regarding hybrids? - Page 4 - GreenHybrid

Sascol · #31 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Droid13

I've finally noticed some easing off around here too. While we are used to paying more for gas here, we recently hit the equivalent of $4.75/gallon ($1.25/L). Last weekend's long drive I stuck to about 5mph over the limits and was generally surprised to end up grouping with other cars, and those passing were generally sticking to 10 over. Normally 10-15mph over would be considered normal for the slower drivers. There are still some that have a love affair with both their pedals though, we'll see if that changes when it hits ~$5 which should be, oh, next month some time...

I'd chalk this experience up to nothing more than coincidence.

Flexus · #32 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 04:34 PM

I'm not noticing people driving slower but I am noticing a lot more SUV's and Pickup trucks for sale on the street.

diver110 · #33 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 02:13 PM

A collegue of mine who drives around 30,000 miles per year and thus could save big bucks with a hybrid, bought a regular Honda civic, telling me buying a hybrid would be like buying color tv in the 1950s. He was obviously unaware of how many miles hybrids have logged and the fact they were in use in Japan before coming to the US.

BigTuna · #34 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diver110

A collegue of mine who drives around 30,000 miles per year and thus could save big bucks with a hybrid, bought a regular Honda civic, telling me buying a hybrid would be like buying color tv in the 1950s. He was obviously unaware of how many miles hybrids have logged and the fact they were in use in Japan before coming to the US.

Clearly hybrids work great but they are not exactly time tested. Your friend would be out of his bumper to bumper warranty in a little over a year, and out of the power train warranty in two. The IMA warranty varies by state but in most states his battery would be out of warranty in under 3 years. IMA battery prices are hard to find but they are not cheap at any rate. Last price quote I saw was around $4,000!! That is a big potential repair bill to have hanging over your head.

Your friend must spend a lot of time on the freeway where hybrids benefits are minimal. A diesel might have been a better choice than a hybrid.

Quote:

Honda Limited Warranty Information

Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty (years/miles) = 3/36,000.
Powertrain Limited Warranty (years/miles) = 5/60,000.
Corrosion Limited Warranty (years/miles) = 5/unlimited.
Accessory Limited Warranty - All Honda accessories are covered up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, depending on time of installation.

Additional Limited Warranty Information
Its IMA battery pack comes with an 8-year/80,000-mile warranty, or a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty in CA,CT, MA, ME, NY or VT.* See your dealer for details.

Replacement Parts Limited Warranty - Genuine Honda parts, when installed by a Honda dealer, are covered for 1 year or 12,000 miles. Parts purchased from, but not installed by a Honda dealer are covered for 1 year.

diver110 · #35 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 02:26 PM

In my experience, the Prius gets much better gas mileage on the freeway than the Honda Civic. Extended warranties are also available. I hear some people put 300,000 miles on the Prius. I would have gone for the Prius over the Civic myself.

spartybrutus · #36 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diver110

In my experience, the Prius gets much better gas mileage on the freeway than the Honda Civic. Extended warranties are also available. I hear some people put 300,000 miles on the Prius. I would have gone for the Prius over the Civic myself.

I am pretty sure that the HCH2 gets similar highway FE to the Prius - perhaps better. City the Prius tends to be better.

Flexus · #37 (**permalink**) 05-20-2008, 07:39 PM

With most people babying the engine while hypermiling I think hybrids will not only be FE but long lasting.

kristian · #38 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartybrutus

I am pretty sure that the HCH2 gets similar highway FE to the Prius - perhaps better. City the Prius tends to be better.

It depends on the highway--the Civic can do a lot better in the hills than the Prius if you drive it right. One of my biking buddies just bought a Prius and is waiting for delivery. I can't wait to do some Pepsi challenges with my HCH, but most of them will include mountain bikes on the top...

SLP24 · #39 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 07:46 PM

New York,

We (my brother and I) have seen people slowing down...finally! I use to be able to drive between 55 and 60 in the right lane on the highway and no one was ever in front of me. I could keep the vehicle nice and steady. The past two months, more and more are in the right hand lane running around 55-60 mph.

Back to the OP. I lent my new hybrid to my Dad. After driving it one day, he fell in love with it. He stated, Why don't they make every car like this.

I come across a number of people who do not know that there are a number of Hybrids out there. Just the Prius and oh, those new Chevy's, they say to me.

Greatest mis understand is when they quote Highway mileage. They can't seem to realize that Hybrids are best for around town everyday driving.

Sascol · #40 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLP24

New York,

We (my brother and I) have seen people slowing down...finally! I use to be able to drive between 55 and 60 in the right lane on the highway and no one was ever in front of me. I could keep the vehicle nice and steady. The past two months, more and more are in the right hand lane running around 55-60 miles per hour.

Back to the OP. I lent my new hybrid to my Dad. After driving it one day, he fell in love with it. He stated, Why don't they make every car like this.

I come across a number of people who do not know that there are a number of Hybrids out there. Just the Prius and oh, those new Chevy's, they say to me.

Greatest mis understand is when they quote Highway mileage. They can't seem to realize that Hybrids are best for around town everyday driving.

Hey Larry, I'm in NC now but I grew up in Wappengers Falls (30 years ago!). Have you lived there long?