| Author |
 Topic  |
|
bgjohn
Senior Member
USA
2198 Posts |
 Posted - 05/25/2008 : 08:52:14 AM
|
I got to ride in one yesterday. Fantastic car! Pretty smart those Japanese! Hybrids are the way to go until they come up with something better. They cost too much but the price should come down as they make more of them.
JM |
Edited by - bgjohn on 05/25/2008 09:51:43 AM |
|
|
select-fire
Advanced Member
27589 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 09:31:08 AM
|
| Drove a Honda Civic hybrid yesterday. Unbelievable mileage. Japs clearly have the edge . |
 |
|
|
bgjohn
Senior Member
USA
2198 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 09:49:02 AM
|
I agree!
JM |
|
|
|
git_r_done
Advanced Member
USA
15313 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 10:14:23 AM
|
| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL7J4Vcy8SE |
SC State Coordinator 2nd Amendment March
www.secondamendmentmarch.com
The Constitution = I Read It For The Articles
2nd A.C.R. Operation Desert Shield/Storm 1990-1991
U.S. Army Truck Drivers:
We may not be the Army's pride, but without us Truckers the pride don't ride!
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don’t know the answer.
|
|
|
|
Sperry
Advanced Member
2801 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 10:59:13 AM
|
I'm partial to the Camry Hybrid. 34mpg is a completely
loaded to the gills sedan.
However, we're gonna wait for the second generation Ford plug-in hybrid.
The 1stGen should be out in '10 or '11, when gas hits $6.75
The 2ndGen will be out in '15, when gas tops $9.00 |
|
|
|
nord
Advanced Member
USA
3035 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 11:06:09 AM
|
An edge? Maybe. Maybe not.
The battery... Not exactly "green" to build. (Consider the smelting process.) Certainly not green to dispose of. And certainly WILL have to be disposed of and replaced. Anyone want to take a stab at the cost?
The engine... Gasoline and rather small. Great for around town when the battery remains charged. Maybe not so good for a high speed trip of any distance.
May I remind you (or inform you) about our little fleet of VW TDI's? Engines and drive train lasts far beyond gas engines. The little diesels return about 50 mpg overall. My older son just took mine to Biloxi, MS. 1279 miles on 24 gallons of diesel. You do the math.
Our vehicles will happily burn bio diesel and they have few of the negative traits of the hybrids. Yup! Diesel now costs about a dollar more per gallon, but we're still ahead of the game. Factor in that hybrid battery and I suspect there won't be a contest. |
Nord |
|
|
|
Wolf.
Senior Member
USA
1300 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 11:09:15 AM
|
====
HORSE CRAP. Hybrids are a joke. The things are still in beta testing and they're actually selling them to unsuspecting greenie, guilt-ridden tree-huggers. On second thought, it's not really a bad idea, actually. When you break their pocketbooks they'll spend more time worrying about real issues instead of airhead bs.
We already have a solution for around-town vehicles. It's called the electric golf cart. Remember the Ford electric car of a few years ago? Weird little in-town runabout. These things can be upgraded to go further than a golf cart between recharges. Airlines use mondo versions of them to putt around the airplanes at the terminals. Battery technology has advanced to being a LOT better than we are seeing right now. What if you had a small, weather-proof car about the size of a small honda or mini-cooper that would go for 20-30 miles or so without recharging? Those are certainly WELL within the scope of today's industrial capabilities. Why aren't they available out there?
EDIT:
Oh yeah, I'm partial to my 1986 Honda CRXsi with a gasoline engine, which we bought new. It gets 33mpg in town and 40-44mpg on the road. Always has. 200,000 miles on the odometer and counting. What's wrong with that picture? I'll tell you what's wrong with it in three letters: epa. |
Wolf.
What if the Hokey Pokey really IS what it's all about? |
Edited by - Wolf. on 05/25/2008 11:13:03 AM |
|
|
|
dano
Advanced Member
Barbados
15361 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 11:10:42 AM
|
I have a 2001 Ford Focus SE four-door sedan. Bought it used with 87K on the clock. It now has almost 124K miles, and not one bit of trouble.
Thing runs like a champ, doesn't use or leak a drop of oil, and it gets about 32 mpg or so on the highway.
Even as big as I am, it fits me pretty good.  |
The "ONLY" bad thing about owning "A GUN" is........not owning two or more!
|
|
|
|
trc313
Senior Member
1477 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 11:25:42 AM
|
Do any study and you will relize hybrids are not a value. People seem to forget that they still need gas. The additional sticker price on average will not be recouped in gasoline savings until somewhere around 6-8 years. If the hybrid lasts that long and that is not factoring in any maintenance and upkeep.
One to think about Lexus has a model( not sure which one) sticker is around $68,000 mpg is 18. BUT, you could buy the hybrid version for $116,000 and get 20 mpg. It would take you approximately 67 years to recoup the extra cost. |
 |
|
|
|
select-fire
Advanced Member
27589 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 11:26:55 AM
|
| Some of y'all better look at the cars . They don't plug in anymore. On board charging system. Batteries have a 8 year 80K mile warranty. Our Malibu V6 is doing 30mgp average and 34-35 on the highway But nothing near the 50 mpg on the hybrids. They will save around $700 to 1k dollars a yr. vs the malibu on driving 15k annual. Not much to some but enough to others. |
Edited by - select-fire on 05/25/2008 11:27:54 AM |
|
|
|
bgjohn
Senior Member
USA
2198 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 1:15:59 PM
|
The Prius was getting 50 mpg around town.
JM |
|
|
|
jon o
Senior Member
USA
1893 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 1:19:51 PM
|
| For your safety, Don't crash your Prius into my 68 Skylark. |
|
|
|
Cubslover G16
Advanced Member
USA
12776 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 1:21:05 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by nord
An edge? Maybe. Maybe not.
The battery... Not exactly "green" to build. (Consider the smelting process.) Certainly not green to dispose of. And certainly WILL have to be disposed of and replaced. Anyone want to take a stab at the cost?
The engine... Gasoline and rather small. Great for around town when the battery remains charged. Maybe not so good for a high speed trip of any distance.
May I remind you (or inform you) about our little fleet of VW TDI's? Engines and drive train lasts far beyond gas engines. The little diesels return about 50 mpg overall. My older son just took mine to Biloxi, MS. 1279 miles on 24 gallons of diesel. You do the math.
Our vehicles will happily burn bio diesel and they have few of the negative traits of the hybrids. Yup! Diesel now costs about a dollar more per gallon, but we're still ahead of the game. Factor in that hybrid battery and I suspect there won't be a contest.
Nord, I don't always disagree with you, but your facts are not straight...
The Electric motor provides a majority of the Torque, around town, you're using the electric more than the gas motor.
The gas motor is primarily used to maintain highway speed...that's why you see the highway MPG rating lower than the city on most hybrids.
|
Click here to put a bid on my Yugo monster.
"Some people are alive, only because it's illegal to kill them"
- Member: Emergency Medical Response Team
- Member: HazMat Rescue/Response Team
Excited father-to-be!!!
 |
|
|
|
KSUmarksman
Advanced Member
USA
6416 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 1:29:07 PM
|
buffalo chips!
The Prius may be good for driving around town (since electric motor provides ample torque for going from 0-40 in a hurry) but when dealing with highway driving, or worse highway driving through a big city (which I do a ton of) you're still stuck with a little 70hp motor which has horrible performance in the 50-80 mph range that is vital for surviving driving through a big city on the interstate.
|
"Laws that forbid the carrying of arms. . . disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. . . Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." - Thomas Jefferson (my facebook quote :) ) |
|
|
|
dano
Advanced Member
Barbados
15361 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 1:31:48 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by trc313
Do any study and you will relize hybrids are not a value. People seem to forget that they still need gas. The additional sticker price on average will not be recouped in gasoline savings until somewhere around 6-8 years. If the hybrid lasts that long and that is not factoring in any maintenance and upkeep.
One to think about Lexus has a model( not sure which one) sticker is around $68,000 mpg is 18. BUT, you could buy the hybrid version for $116,000 and get 20 mpg. It would take you approximately 67 years to recoup the extra cost.
Very good point that many don't think of..... |
The "ONLY" bad thing about owning "A GUN" is........not owning two or more!
|
|
|
|
shoff14
Advanced Member
7431 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 1:44:44 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by trc313
Do any study and you will relize hybrids are not a value. People seem to forget that they still need gas. The additional sticker price on average will not be recouped in gasoline savings until somewhere around 6-8 years. If the hybrid lasts that long and that is not factoring in any maintenance and upkeep.
.
Your thought is right, but your years are off. 2 years ago I did that very math with a honda civic. Hyrbid was 2000 more then the regular. It would have taken about 4.5 years to recoup that cost. However, that was when gas was 2.50. |
|
|
|
dano
Advanced Member
Barbados
15361 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 1:49:12 PM
|
I'm curious, how long do the batteries in the Hybrids last?
I've heard that they are a real PITA to change out, and are very expensive.  |
The "ONLY" bad thing about owning "A GUN" is........not owning two or more!
|
|
|
|
select-fire
Advanced Member
27589 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 1:56:27 PM
|
| Batteries have warranty of 8 years. I was going 70mph yesterday on I-77 getting 50+ MPG. The HP on the Civic Hybrid is 110. Toyota warranty on batteries is 8 year /100000 and lifetime on drivetrain. |
Edited by - select-fire on 05/25/2008 1:58:17 PM |
|
|
|
nord
Advanced Member
USA
3035 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 2:02:18 PM
|
Cubslover -
My facts ARE correct and what you stated is EXACTLY what I said.
As long as your battery is charged the economy and performance of a hybrid will be quite good. Especially around town.
When your little engine is trying to charge the battery and drive the car, then things won't be so good.
And when you take off for that Interstate destination 100 miles away and your little popper of a gasoline engine has to do all the work... Well, that's just a dismal thought!
Think of it this way... The energy required to do a certain job under certain conditions is unchanging. Should our vehicle be able to recoup wasted energy (braking for example), then we "bank" that energy for later use.
This is where a hybrid shines, but I fear the savings is an illusion. There's a price to pay for that nice "energy bank". It comes at the expense of the environment due to the use of heavy metals. It comes because this nice "energy bank" can only be cycled a certain number of times. It comes because once used up, our little "energy bank" becomes a huge liability in terms of cost and replacement. And it comes in the added initial cost of the vehicle.
We must remember that there's no free lunch. Hybrids give the illusion of such, but they're not! |
Nord |
|
|
|
dano
Advanced Member
Barbados
15361 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 2:10:58 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by select-fire
Batteries have warranty of 8 years. I was going 70mph yesterday on I-77 getting 50+ MPG. The HP on the Civic Hybrid is 110. Toyota warranty on batteries is 8 year /100000 and lifetime on drivetrain.
I'd heard that the cost of replacing a Hybrid's batteries is about the same as replacing an engine..... |
The "ONLY" bad thing about owning "A GUN" is........not owning two or more!
|
Edited by - dano on 05/25/2008 2:20:10 PM |
|
|
|
grumpygy
Advanced Member
USA
8164 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 2:15:20 PM
|
quote:
They cost too much but the price should come down as they make more of them.
Do you really think that. As the cost of gas goes up so will the cost of the Car. Supply and demand. Pluss they have you by the Balls. |
Grumpy Gunny |
|
|
|
cbxjeff
Advanced Member
USA
5913 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 2:54:05 PM
|
I admit that I'm no hybrid expert but have a tough time believing some of the highway figures. I can understand getting 50mpg @ 70mph for a time (w/ fresh batts). Say I want to visit my pals in Grand Island, NE next month. I can still drive 400-500 per day (not like the old days!). What could I expect for that drive going 70mph? Now once west of IL, I would be the slowest car on the road. That's OK. Yes, call me spoiled, but I would need the A/C on.
There are simply too many cars anymore that get 29-35 mpg. I would need mid-40's on this trip to consider one. |
cbxjeff<P>It's too late for me, save yourself. <br> |
|
|
|
kimi
Advanced Member
USA
19494 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 3:03:52 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by select-fire
Drove a Honda Civic hybrid yesterday. Unbelievable mileage. Japs clearly have the edge .
Nice car, as I recall they actually get about 45 mpg. I came close last year to getting one. What I was thinking about doing was selling the truck and the Saturn that I use for a tow car, (it gets about 34 mpg), and use it as a replacement for both of them, but my truck is far more comfortable than the Honda, and still in excellent condition, so I'll be keeping the vehicles I have for the time being. |
What's next
|
Edited by - kimi on 05/25/2008 3:04:46 PM |
|
|
|
bgjohn
Senior Member
USA
2198 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 4:08:50 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by cbxjeff
I admit that I'm no hybrid expert but have a tough time believing some of the highway figures. I can understand getting 50mpg @ 70mph for a time (w/ fresh batts). Say I want to visit my pals in Grand Island, NE next month. I can still drive 400-500 per day (not like the old days!). What could I expect for that drive going 70mph? Now once west of IL, I would be the slowest car on the road. That's OK. Yes, call me spoiled, but I would need the A/C on.
There are simply too many cars anymore that get 29-35 mpg. I would need mid-40's on this trip to consider one.
I don't know about slow. All I know is they pass me on the highway. Don't seem slow to me.
JM |
|
|
|
bgjohn
Senior Member
USA
2198 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 4:12:53 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by Sperry
I'm partial to the Camry Hybrid. 34mpg is a completely
loaded to the gills sedan.
However, we're gonna wait for the second generation Ford plug-in hybrid.
The 1stGen should be out in '10 or '11, when gas hits $6.75
The 2ndGen will be out in '15, when gas tops $9.00
Would'a, could'a, should'a! American car makers are standing around scratching their ass while the Japs are doing something. Americans want us to wait some more. I'm tired of waiting!
JM |
|
|
|
cbxjeff
Advanced Member
USA
5913 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 6:44:57 PM
|
| John, I'm not talking about top speed here. I was refering to the 75 mph limits out west. Perhaps the hybrid can cruise at 75. My question though is at that speed w/ A/C on what mileage can I expect on a 400 mile one day trip? As I said before, I sure can see 50mpg @ 70 mph for a short time. I'm not interested in a short time trip. Any numbers guys? |
cbxjeff<P>It's too late for me, save yourself. <br> |
|
|
|
kimi
Advanced Member
USA
19494 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 6:54:36 PM
|
Prius owner's chat
I just did a road trip. Prius mileage following a UHaul truck (at a safe distance) 400 miles was 57 mpg, averaging 60-65 mph, in 91F heat, air conditioning on, my personal best. Going the other way (no UHaul), with a person, the bike-rack, and a bike added, averaging 65-70 mph, in 100-108F heat, air conditioning on, was 50 mpg. I’m happy with that. It's amazing. The bike rack apparently rides well enough in the slip-stream.
http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-main-forum/9761-mpg-roof-rack.html |
What's next
|
|
|
|
nord
Advanced Member
USA
3035 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 7:05:28 PM
|
Or...
A VW TDI that will return over 50 mpg at those speeds with the a/c on full and a stop for fuel at over 600 miles. Plus no battery pack to take up space and worry about. |
Nord |
|
|
|
cbxjeff
Advanced Member
USA
5913 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 7:12:09 PM
|
| Kimi, that's the info I was looking for. Thanks. Can't help why you got 50mpg when Toyota offers a 45mpg highway figure. |
cbxjeff<P>It's too late for me, save yourself. <br> |
|
|
|
kimi
Advanced Member
USA
19494 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 7:17:01 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by cbxjeff
Kimi, that's the info I was looking for. Thanks. Can't help why you got 50mpg when Toyota offers a 45mpg highway figure.
Wait until the 2009 cars hit the market. I think there will be several to choose from that get 50+...many of them being diesels, and maybe some more comfortable than what they have been to date.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/06/07/2009-honda-accord-diesel-to-hit-52-mpg/ |
What's next
|
|
|
|
kimi
Advanced Member
USA
19494 Posts |
|
|
select-fire
Advanced Member
27589 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 7:23:57 PM
|
Just remember to factor in the cost of diesel per gallon. Actually diesel is around 20% higher than gas. That 52 MPG diesel would get 41+ if in a gas.
GW.. The cummins guy. |
|
|
|
nord
Advanced Member
USA
3035 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 9:58:45 PM
|
Which all brings me back to the rhetorical question... WHY?
Why is a hybrid so attractive when there are vehicles out there already reaching and exceeding hybrid figures WITHOUT the hybrid complications and cost.
Diesel is presently almost exactly 20% more costly than gasoline. This is true. Still, our Jetta returning 53 mpg costs less to run than straight gassers running in the mid 30 mpg range. .
Honestly compare the hybrid with it's extra gadgets and bulky battery pack. Figure the cost of a battery replacement. Add it all up and tell me that the hybrid is somehow the better way to go.
Not when my little diesel can turn in the economy it does and burn just about anything I can pour into the tank!
And for a bit heavier job, it's Cummins all the way. I can move a 7000 + pound truck down the road at 20 mpg with ease. Obviously not towing a huge sail behind me, but not bad for a big vehicle. |
Nord |
|
|
|
Cubslover G16
Advanced Member
USA
12776 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 10:26:55 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by nord
Cubslover -
My facts ARE correct and what you stated is EXACTLY what I said.
As long as your battery is charged the economy and performance of a hybrid will be quite good. Especially around town.
When your little engine is trying to charge the battery and drive the car, then things won't be so good.
And when you take off for that Interstate destination 100 miles away and your little popper of a gasoline engine has to do all the work... Well, that's just a dismal thought!
Think of it this way... The energy required to do a certain job under certain conditions is unchanging. Should our vehicle be able to recoup wasted energy (braking for example), then we "bank" that energy for later use.
This is where a hybrid shines, but I fear the savings is an illusion. There's a price to pay for that nice "energy bank". It comes at the expense of the environment due to the use of heavy metals. It comes because this nice "energy bank" can only be cycled a certain number of times. It comes because once used up, our little "energy bank" becomes a huge liability in terms of cost and replacement. And it comes in the added initial cost of the vehicle.
We must remember that there's no free lunch. Hybrids give the illusion of such, but they're not!
Ahh, ok. I must have misread your post....my fault. |
Click here to put a bid on my Yugo monster.
"Some people are alive, only because it's illegal to kill them"
- Member: Emergency Medical Response Team
- Member: HazMat Rescue/Response Team
Excited father-to-be!!!
|
|
|
|
bgjohn
Senior Member
USA
2198 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 11:06:58 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by nord
Which all brings me back to the rhetorical question... WHY?
Why is a hybrid so attractive when there are vehicles out there already reaching and exceeding hybrid figures WITHOUT the hybrid complications and cost.
Diesel is presently almost exactly 20% more costly than gasoline. This is true. Still, our Jetta returning 53 mpg costs less to run than straight gassers running in the mid 30 mpg range. .
Honestly compare the hybrid with it's extra gadgets and bulky battery pack. Figure the cost of a battery replacement. Add it all up and tell me that the hybrid is somehow the better way to go.
Not when my little diesel can turn in the economy it does and burn just about anything I can pour into the tank!
And for a bit heavier job, it's Cummins all the way. I can move a 7000 + pound truck down the road at 20 mpg with ease. Obviously not towing a huge sail behind me, but not bad for a big vehicle.
Y? Because I want a Ranger PU with a diesel and they don't sell them here.
JM |
|
|
|
redneckandy
Advanced Member
USA
4010 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 11:22:14 PM
|
DIESEL
My 73 mercedes diesel gets 32mpg with a gvw of 4400lbs. Diesel mercedes from '86 and up get at least 28mpg, have a gvw of at least 4500lbs, start no matter how cold, and if you get in an accident odds are you will survive. If you want to drive a tin can more power to you but you won't ever see me in one.
quote:
Y? Because I want a Ranger PU with a diesel and they don't sell them here.
JM
But they are importing the diesel engines for the older rangers. Got a custmer who just put one in a mazda(similar to a ranger) and it bolted right up. |
"Chains is coming"
"ONLY THE PARANOID SURVIVE"
 |
|
|
|
royc38
Senior Member
USA
2158 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2008 : 11:52:13 PM
|
| I have an Oldsmobile Lss (supercharged) 0-60 6.5 seconds 32 mpg on highway. What more do you need. One thing I don't have however is a shoe horn to get in it. Its a big car. |
|
|
|
mond
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
4983 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2008 : 04:23:25 AM
|
Pruris -what happens to them old battery's when there 'goosed' -acid/lead !!
just cannot beat them older diesels (benz/mazda/vw/nissan)..they will run on anything, veggy oil, kerosene & old oil filtered.
i got mine on old veggy oil from the take away, filtered & 10% menthonol mix, sweet & cheep!! 100% ozone friendly smells niiice too |
|
|
|
select-fire
Advanced Member
27589 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2008 : 07:14:06 AM
|
| I recall a 1976 chevette of mine getting 43 MPG with the small 4 gas cylinder 4 speed. NO overdrive. This car had a carburator on it. Auto companies can make them get the mileage. Geo metros do 50 mpg |
Edited by - select-fire on 05/26/2008 07:18:12 AM |
|
|
|
VinhlongVet71
Advanced Member
USA
2593 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2008 : 07:56:52 AM
|
I guess the hybrids would be OK for getting around town and short distance driving, but I personally need something that I can put to work like a pickup truck. Another thing is those Ni-Cad batteries. They have a 'life span' during which they will re-charge. I suspect when these batteries need to be replaced, it will cost considerably more that a DieHard/RV/Marine battery.
I heard on a radio talk show several months ago that the Chinese are working on a compact (to be available in the U.S. around 2010) that will have a MSRP of $2700-$2900. I can't wait to see that one! You can't even buy a ATV for that price. I'm sure it will have 'issues'. |
"A Gun in Hand Beats a Cop on the Phone, ANYDAY"
I'll keep my freedom, my guns and my money, you can keep THE CHANGE
"If you always tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything" Mark Twain |
|
|
|
drsck
Member
717 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 12:37:21 AM
|
All of you experts just kill me! I drive for a woman who owns a Prius. I've put over 50,000 miles on it in the last three years. Just got back from a 100 mile drive today and a trip to Memphis, Tennessee last weekend. So far there haven't been any serious problems with it. It has plenty of pick up, a fact which the Ohio State Trooper who clocked me going 92 in a 55 can verify. Oh, I still had pedal left, so I don't know exactly what it will do in terms of speed. In terms of milage, that varies on how aggressively you drive. I've done as well as 71 mpg on a tank and as poorly as 47 mpg. If you're careful and watch the gauge, you can do 50 mpg pretty easily. The only complaint that I have is that the ride is a little rough, but then I'm used to much bigger cars and trucks. The result is that when taking long trips, I have to stop every hour and half or so just to strecth my legs and get the kinks out. Other than that, it's great. If the Ford Escape Hybrid had a better reputation and a better interior design, I'd have bought one by now. I'm looking and the Camry Hybrid, but I just don't like the way it looks. Anything else?
Oh, I almost forgot. There is one downside--very slow or stopped traffic. Tried to go to a county fair a year or so ago and the line of traffic was about an hour long just waiting to get into the parking lot. Sitting in traffic with all the electrical stuff running will drain the battery pretty quickly. The computer will then tell the car to switch over to the engine, but then the engine heats up pretty quickly and it will just shut off! Moral of the story is DO NOT GET STUCK IN TRAFFICE. If you are stuck, just turn the think off and let it sit. |
Edited by - drsck on 05/27/2008 12:46:48 AM |
|
|
|
Dave W.
Advanced Member
USA
7263 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 12:58:08 AM
|
I think a more viable alternative at this point in time, is an economical gas or diesel car and a motorcycle to ride when the outdoors permits it, or you're not going to the grocery store.
In the next six months, my wife and I will have two cars, both averaging over 26-30mpg, easy access to the commuter train, which I regularly use, and a motorcycle.
The only payment we will be making will be on the bike.
|
Share the road!
Dave
People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news.
-- A. J. Liebling
Censorship- The sincerest form of flattery.
|
|
|
|
iluvguns
Advanced Member
USA
4700 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 08:35:06 AM
|
| For the 2009 model year, Honda is supposedly bringing some diesel engines over in their small cars that will be pushing 50-53 MPG. Even at the higher price of diesel, that ain't chopped liver! Plus you get the longevity of the diesel engine. |
"It is time to check and reverse the growth of government which shows signs of having grown beyond the consent of the governed." Ronald Reagan, January 20, 1981
|
|
|
|
HandLoad
Advanced Member
5553 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 09:56:52 AM
|
I'm sure they must have fusible links and so on in the Prius, but I don't like the thought of a 1600 AMP ARC Fire while I am unconscious strapped in a Wrecked Prius.
I think that the REAL answer is most clearly shown in the case of the Lexus Hybrid, but it applies to them all: Having the "Hybrid" label visible shows that you are "Green". Allows you to move freely through the "Global Warming" crowd, and rub shoulders with the hoi-polloi Hollywood elite without getting any flak. |
Old, Cranky, and Opinionated. |
|
|
|
AHansen
Senior Member
1025 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 10:13:50 PM
|
| Bought a prius several months ago and I have been able to make my car payment with what I'm saving on gas. |
"I actually don't know what a barrel shroud is, I think it's a shoulder thing that goes up."
Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) Author HR:1022, when asked what a barrel shroud is and why it needs to be regulated. |
|
|
|
LaidbackDan
Advanced Member
6535 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 10:21:16 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by HandLoad
I'm sure they must have fusible links and so on in the Prius, but I don't like the thought of a 1600 AMP ARC Fire while I am unconscious strapped in a Wrecked Prius.
I think that the REAL answer is most clearly shown in the case of the Lexus Hybrid, but it applies to them all: Having the "Hybrid" label visible shows that you are "Green". Allows you to move freely through the "Global Warming" crowd, and rub shoulders with the hoi-polloi Hollywood elite without getting any flak.
You forgot to add the substantial discount on future tie dye purchases, automatic membership in the Phish fan club, and the honorary medical marijuana card. |
"Just once I'd like someone to call me 'Sir' without adding 'You're making a scene.'"
|
|
|
|
LesWVa
Advanced Member
3154 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 10:59:06 PM
|
quote:
that would go for 20-30 miles or so without recharging? Those are certainly WELL within the scope of today's industrial capabilities.
That will keep the tree huggers happy.
And all of the coal miners working long and hard to supply enough coal to run the power generating stations to keep all of those batteries charged up.
|
|
|
|
Cubslover G16
Advanced Member
USA
12776 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 11:00:12 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by drsck
All of you experts just kill me! I drive for a woman who owns a Prius. I've put over 50,000 miles on it in the last three years. Just got back from a 100 mile drive today and a trip to Memphis, Tennessee last weekend. So far there haven't been any serious problems with it. It has plenty of pick up, a fact which the Ohio State Trooper who clocked me going 92 in a 55 can verify. Oh, I still had pedal left, so I don't know exactly what it will do in terms of speed. In terms of milage, that varies on how aggressively you drive. I've done as well as 71 mpg on a tank and as poorly as 47 mpg. If you're careful and watch the gauge, you can do 50 mpg pretty easily. The only complaint that I have is that the ride is a little rough, but then I'm used to much bigger cars and trucks. The result is that when taking long trips, I have to stop every hour and half or so just to strecth my legs and get the kinks out. Other than that, it's great. If the Ford Escape Hybrid had a better reputation and a better interior design, I'd have bought one by now. I'm looking and the Camry Hybrid, but I just don't like the way it looks. Anything else?
Oh, I almost forgot. There is one downside--very slow or stopped traffic. Tried to go to a county fair a year or so ago and the line of traffic was about an hour long just waiting to get into the parking lot. Sitting in traffic with all the electrical stuff running will drain the battery pretty quickly. The computer will then tell the car to switch over to the engine, but then the engine heats up pretty quickly and it will just shut off! Moral of the story is DO NOT GET STUCK IN TRAFFICE. If you are stuck, just turn the think off and let it sit.
I guess working for Honda doesn't classify you as one who knows enough to respond...
Let me ask you this, since you MUST be the expert being as you WORK for a lady who has a Prius....
If the car isn't going anywhere, why are the batteries draining? Lights, stereo, etc? Those 6 large batteries produce more than enough output to power those accessories for some time. If your sitting for hours, you typically shut the car off anyways.
And
I'm not sure about the Prius, but the Civic Hybrid's Gas engine runs the entire time. It doesn't shut of and start as you go through traffic. Thus, no draining batteries. I would venture to say that the Prius is the same...A very small gas engine at idle burns, very little fuel, so there would be no reason that the gas engine should not run.
Anyways, the electric motor is used as a "boost" for the gas engine. Meaning that the gas motor runs the entire time, and the electric motor is used to supplement the gas engine, when the driver calls for more torque than the gas engine can provide.
Also,
I find it funny that some whine about how weak the 94hp motor is, when Toyota is building a Scion xB 4 door, compact SUV(?) with a 106 hp 4 banger. It gets around town just fine. It may struggle passing vehicles or merging on the interstate, but it's not designed to be a long distance vehicle, more of a town runabout.
It appears that people are buying vehicles for multiple uses when in fact the vehicle they purchase are designed to be used for one purpose. If you want a car that does excellent on gas on the interstate, get a Turbo Diesel, or 6 cylinder version, not the 4 banger that does well in town, but struggles on the highways.
Yes, I've been drinking.
|
Click here to put a bid on my Yugo monster.
"Some people are alive, only because it's illegal to kill them"
- Member: Emergency Medical Response Team
- Member: HazMat Rescue/Response Team
Excited father-to-be!!!
|
|
|
|
bpost1958
Moderator
Congo, Democratic Republic of
13087 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 11:15:58 PM
|
| I just drove to Columbus OH today and back home. It was over 225 miles round trip, I got 22.6 MPG from my 7,000 pound Dodge Diesel P/U. It only has 232,000 miles on it and just might be getting broke in for the next 500,000 miles or so. |
qui non est hodie cras minus aptus erit
|
|
|
|
LesWVa
Advanced Member
3154 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 11:23:48 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by bpost1958
I just drove to Columbus OH today and back home. It was over 225 miles round trip, I got 22.6 MPG from my 7,000 pound Dodge Diesel P/U. It only has 232,000 miles on it and just might be getting broke in for the next 500,000 miles or so.
You cant fool no one. I passed you on I40 just just west of Newark and saw your Dodge hauling that large 250,000 watt generator in the bed with the extension cords taped to the passengers side door and running into the hood. |
|
|
|
dennisnielsen
Advanced Member
11564 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 11:24:24 PM
|
gosh,let's just let the tree huggin idiot's have their way and never drill for oil on U.S. property again, or at least until oil is worthless and outdated .That way we will have a lot of useless dinosaur remains and continue to fund raghead moron's that use their left hand for toilet paper. As far as gas over electric ie "hybrid". Why not propane over electric,no carbon buildup,etching of bearing insert's , cylendor bore etc. Onan generators as well as generac have offerd propane versions of their product lines as carbon buildup chokes out the combustion chamber with poor fuel distribution,increased compression and related issues.
Also:::: 5 gallons of crude oil will produce less gasoline than diesel,heating oil is down. LOWER the price of DIESEL! |
Without God we are nothing.
|
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Prius Hybrid.............
