Hybrid cars - Have any of you test driven/owned one?

[vicki]

If I can get rid of the s14, my next car will definitely be a hybrid car. I really like the styling of the Insight but I want something bigger. I know Honda is coming out with Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid soon.

What do you guys think of them?

[Megaseth]

i actually did a report on them last year....they arent bad. great gas mileage but they;re a little expensive. the car itself is about $5-6k over the cost of a normal one. also, the cost of parts is EXPENSIVE....i think the electic motors alone are around $10k. the waiting list is a little long too....however, they're great cars with a lot of technology in them. things such as light-weight composites for the body...narrower, harder tires, the fuel/electric system, etc etc. i myself dont like the styling too much, but if you do, go for it. i also think you get a tax break if you buy one new.

[vicki]

The ones I've seen are like 20-25k, which is about the average price for a new car. Doesn't seem too bad to me.

Is there a way for mods to merge this thread with the other one?

[gniknave]

I see Insights now and then at my shop and have driven them around. They drive like crap in my opinion compared to the Civic Hybrid. I hardly even see them stocked at dealerships around here.

[w1ngzer0]

yah gniknave has a point. The con to the insight is the battery doesn't last long at all.

[gabossie]

The Civic Hybrids are quite nice, my buddies sister has one. It's not fast, but that's not all that important to someone looking for a hybrid. How could you get rid of the S14 though

[w1ngzer0]

when gas prices are at $3 a gallon and the government said "forget fuel cell" :-x

[BadMojo]

Sadly, the Hybrid vehicles are more in the line of mundane transport pods than fun vehicles.

I respect the technology in them, but from an enthusiasts point of view they seem incredibly boring.

Just curious, but why a hybrid? Some of the PZEV/ULEV designated vehicles not only get good gas mileage and are low emissions vehicles, but they've got some balls.

If it's gas mileage you're concerned about, why not a turbo diesel?

IMO, the hybrid technology just isn't quite *there* yet.

[Rockenreno]

IMO, the hybrid technology just isn't quite *there* yet.

I'm with Mojo... if you're not in a rush, give it a couple of years. I think there is a bright future for hybrids, especially once they start getting some more power. Right now we're still breaking the technology in and they leave much to be desired for anything more than a commute car. If you are only looking for something to get you from here to there then go for a Prius or Civic Hybrid or something (sorry, the Insight is one of the ugliest things I have ever seen... not that the aforementioned Prius is significantly better).

I just know that personally, I would hate driving if it weren't for my 240. I'm going to have to have a somewhat fun car to drive from now on, which also means none of the current model of hybrids. I can't speak for you, but based on your active membership on this 240 (I know its Nissan/Infiniti, but it mostly draws 240 owners) forum, I can only guess you enjoy yours, so you might get bored of the hybrid in a hurry.

Good luck.

[AZhitman]

Not worth it (yet).

Most testing shows the mileage is FAR from what the manufacturer reports (enthusiastic driving is a no-no or you're right back at 38-40 mpg), they're overpriced for what you actually get, and if you're interested in one BECAUSE you're an environmentally-conscious person, keep in mind that the environmental impact of MANUFACTURING that car, charging it and eventually disposing of it FAR exceeds the environmental impact of keeping an existing internal-combustion vehicle running for an equivalent lifespan.

The emperor is naked, yet again. I can already hear the wailing and wringing of hands from the so-called "greenies", but them's the facts.

Having said that, if I were forced to choose, I'd buy a Prius, cool car. I've driven that one, and the Insight, and prefer the Toyota. Nissan will have a hybrid in '07, BTW.

[Luke]

The only hybrid car that has caught my attention:http://auto.howstuffworks.com/toyota-pm4.htm

0-60 in ~4 seconds and 30mpg? Not bad.

[jdmfreak]

Looks kinda wierd now, but by 2007, it'll probably be hot. At least the GT-R wont be alone in the spotlight.

And the power wars begin. AGAIN!!! Dun dun duuuuunnnnn....