Hybrid Cars
 

Anybody out there own one? Know somebody who does? You like? They like? Is the technology 30 years away from making the purchase of one worthwhile? I've read a little about them, but I haven't heard any personal testimonials.

Thanks

Re: Hybrid Cars
 

I know several people that own them. They love the gas mileage, but if you are the kind of person that likes big cars......

Re: Hybrid Cars
 

A lady friend of mine gets 70+ (she says 74) mpg with this car.

http://www.msnbc.com/news/404774.asp

She loves it.

Re: Hybrid Cars
 

Honda's hybred has been on the market for a couple of years now.

Re: Hybrid Cars
 

Honda also has hybrid models of the civic and accord if you don't want the hardcore one.

Re: Hybrid Cars
 

I've heard (but haven't done the math) that the extra cost of the vehicle is about equal to what you would pay at the pump for the extra gas over the average life of the vehicle.

May or may not be true, but worth exploring if your looking.

Also I read that there are supposed to be more than 50 different hybrid models on the market within the next 5 years or so. (that number may be off a bit cause it was a few months ago I read it).

I'm waiting for my car to die and for them to make a convertible model. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Re: Hybrid Cars
 

I have a Honda Civic Hybrid.

I get 38-41 mpg and split my driving about 50/50 between city and highway.

I figure to save $500/yr. on gas. The Hybrid is about $3,500 more than a non-hybrid. Hondas last more than seven years. It's a good investment.

And the engine turns off at traffic lights. Neat-o.

Re: Hybrid Cars
 

I am less than impressed by hybrid car technology, the cars that employ it, and the economics of it all. It's really not the super solution that everyone seems to think that it is [potentially going to be].

Also note that I am less than impressed with my first post in nearly a week. I'll try to do better next time. Sorry I missed that burrito falling apart thread, as well as any other thread I may have mustered a witty remark for.

Re: Hybrid Cars
 

What's the maintenance like? Do you need to take it to a dealer?

Part of my worry with hybrid cars is that since they've only been on the market a few years, no one really knows how they hold up over the long haul. If that part that combines electric and gas power to your wheels breaks, you're screwed. And who knows how long its lifetime is?

The Doc

Re: Hybrid Cars
 

Prius!

-Larry