gary350 0 #1 February 25, 2004 G/F is buying new car soon - prolly a hybrid. Heard a lot of buzz about the Prius, but less about the Civic. Any advice? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #2 February 25, 2004 I took a Prius on a twenty mile test drive last week. I'm impressed. It won't win any drag races and won't pass very many people on the interstates, but it didn't get in anybody's way either. The transmission will take some getting used to (it doesn't have gears or shift points, you just kind of feel the trans tighten.) and you can sometimes start driving before the gas motor comes on, but overall it is a very well thought out design. I'll probably buy one next time I need a car.Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #3 February 25, 2004 Forgot to mention, when I checked into replacement costs for the dry cells, they said it was about $3800.00. Then they said that it would not need them. But batteries being batteries, you know that they will only last about three years and then need replacement. Figure that into your budget.Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #4 February 25, 2004 QuoteG/F is buying new car soon - prolly a hybrid. Heard a lot of buzz about the Prius, but less about the Civic. Any advice? Advice Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gary350 0 #5 February 25, 2004 QuoteQuoteG/F is buying new car soon - prolly a hybrid. Heard a lot of buzz about the Prius, but less about the Civic. Any advice? Advice LOL! Why am I not surprised? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #6 February 25, 2004 QuoteQuoteG/F is buying new car soon - prolly a hybrid. Heard a lot of buzz about the Prius, but less about the Civic. Any advice? Advice Everyone likes hummers from their gfs, but what does that have to do with her choosing a car? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RevJim 0 #7 February 25, 2004 QuoteQuoteG/F is buying new car soon - prolly a hybrid. Heard a lot of buzz about the Prius, but less about the Civic. Any advice? Advice BWAHAHAHAHA! Anyway, I hauled alot of the hybrids, and I'm sure I will be again. I, because of this, have the unique opportunity to inspect these cars inside and out, including the entire bottom of the cars. Of all, the Civic hybrids have impressed me the most. Very solidly built. I remember the MPG difference between the hybrid and the regular gas models being less than 5 (city). Food for thought. One is planned for me in the future, along with my Viper Powered Dodge Ram SLT. It's your life, live it! Karma RB#684 "Corcho", ASK#60, Muff#3520, NCB#398, NHDZ#4, C-33989, DG#1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #8 February 25, 2004 Civic. It's a more familiar design. Car & Driver did an indepth test of the Prius, and they loved it, but despite their attempts to drive it like a true "tree-hugger" they couldn't get 50MPG Hwy/60MPH City as advertised. There's the Honda Insight too. All hybrids are eligible for a $2000 tax write off (Billvon will correct me on this if I'm wrong). However, she's going to pay a $1500-$2500 premium for a hybrid, and maybe realize $350 in gas savings per year. Overall, it doesn't keep up with the depreciation of the car. The cost of ownership for the hybrids is no better than other economy cars. Honestly, she should also consider a Honda Civic HX (traditional fuel, gears for economy). If she's interested in fuel economy she should also consider a Volkswagen TDI Jetta or Golf too. No matter what, test drive them all before making a decision.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pleifer 0 #9 February 25, 2004 my dad had a inbred... cough cough... insight hybred.... and the state of oregon charges extra beacuse they get better gas milages... because they are not getting it in gas tax, but we use the same roads...... I mean common..... this thing is like a 1/3 the size of a f-250..... anyway the battery on the honda is warrenty(ed) for something like 8 years 80,000 miles anyway, when he drove 60-62mpg when i got to drive (kinda drives like the old crx's) i sucked down the gas at 59 1/2mpg lol _________________________________________ The Angel of Duh has spoke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,120 #10 February 25, 2004 I have a Civic hybrid and it's been great to me. 50mpg or so average; it's been as high as 65 and as low as 42 depending on what I'm doing (i.e. driving for efficiency or just tearing around.) I wouldn't have recommended the old Prius, but the new one looks really nice. (and it's pretty big inside.) I haven't test driven one yet though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #11 February 25, 2004 QuoteQuoteQuoteG/F is buying new car soon - prolly a hybrid. Heard a lot of buzz about the Prius, but less about the Civic. Any advice? Advice BWAHAHAHAHA! Anyway, I hauled alot of the hybrids, and I'm sure I will be again. I, because of this, have the unique opportunity to inspect these cars inside and out, including the entire bottom of the cars. Of all, the Civic hybrids have impressed me the most. Very solidly built. I remember the MPG difference between the hybrid and the regular gas models being less than 5 (city). Food for thought. One is planned for me in the future, along with my Viper Powered Dodge Ram SLT. In 2004 the tax right off is $1500. In 2005 it will be $1000, etc.... I test drove the 2004 Civic hybrid and 2004 Prius. The Civic drove and handled a lot like the nomal Civic, and the Prius handles and drives like a I-4 Camry. There is a lot more room in the Prius, but I think the display and the wierd view in the rear-view mirror could take some getting used to. I played with the display for a few minutes and it is intuitive for the most part. I drove the same exact route with both cars and "averaged" higher on the Prius in MPG. I also found the Prius to have a lot more room and much more storage space. The Prius is much more comfortable in the seats. The Civic has very typical instruments and ignition system - nothing to get used to there. The Prius has a small box the size of a keyless remote that pushes into the dash instead of a key, or you can get the wireless version that unlocks the doors when you stand next to the car and activates the start/ignition button. Both have very noisy tires. I am hoping to get a Prius by the end of the year. There is also the VW Jetta TDi that gets close to the same mileage using diesel. Since I drive 20-30k miles a year, the hybrid is a huge savings for me._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #12 February 25, 2004 My brother has a Prius on order right now. He test drove both and in his words, "the Prius beat out the Civic...but only slightly." Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #13 February 25, 2004 QuoteForgot to mention, when I checked into replacement costs for the dry cells, they said it was about $3800.00. Then they said that it would not need them. But batteries being batteries, you know that they will only last about three years and then need replacement. Figure that into your budget. I have a friend that is a mechanic for a Toyota dealership, basically the only place you can get these cars serviced. He said you should need to replace the battery as often as you replace the water-pump in a car. Plus the cost of the battery pack is coming down in price every 6 months._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,120 #14 February 25, 2004 > But batteries being batteries, you know that they will only last about >three years and then need replacement. Figure that into your budget. The Honda's battery is covered under warranty for 8 years/80,000 miles. They're not the flooded lead-acid batteries you're used to; they are sealed nickel metal hydride starved electrolyte batteries that are managed by a battery control system so they're never overcharged, overdischarged etc. So far they've gone five years with this battery pack on the Insight with no big problems. At most you might have to replace it once on your own dime over the life of the car. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chute 0 #15 February 25, 2004 All I know is she will save a lot of money on gass. She could save even more money if she switches to Geico.Bottomless Beers and Blue Skies! * Brother_Brian * D.S.W.F.S.B. #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gary350 0 #16 February 26, 2004 QuoteHowever, she's going to pay a $1500-$2500 premium for a hybrid, and maybe realize $350 in gas savings per year. Overall, it doesn't keep up with the depreciation of the car. The cost of ownership for the hybrids is no better than other economy cars. Comparing TCO with standard cars, I think you are right. But for this owner, the bigger factor is going to be TPO (total pride of ownership), mostly due to environmental considerations. I tried to explain to her that any environmental gains due to low emissions are going to be washed out by having to add all those Duracells and Energizers to the landfill every week, but she won't listen. Women. Seriously, though - thank you all for the input - anybody got anything else to add? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pleifer 0 #17 February 27, 2004 Hey gary they don't understand the Eugene "way" ha ha ha ha I will protest cutting trees, and eating cows...... with cardboard signs with 1x4 post wearing berkinstocks...... lol..... man I love going to the U of O... _________________________________________ The Angel of Duh has spoke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gmanpilot 0 #18 February 27, 2004 QuoteCivic hybrid.......... just tearing around. Somehow, I'm not getting the picture. Seriously, the hybrids don't seem like much of an improvement beyond the efficient diesels that are out now._________________________________________ -There's always free cheese in a mouse trap. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #19 February 27, 2004 I almost forgot... If you girlfriend is looking for real environmental/emmissions pride, she should look into the Civic GX (CNG powered, no emmissions). So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miked10270 0 #20 February 27, 2004 Hi Gary, You don't say WHY you want a hybrid. Is it a gas mileage thing? A green thing? a mix of both? Personally I'd sugest going Diesel instead. That way you're going to get the fuel mileage and modern diesels, particularly the European ones (VW/Audi) are civilised, powerful and economical. In a lot of european countries Diesels make up to 50% of car sales. As for the "Green" issue, once again Diesel wins out. It's possible, even simple, to make diesel fuel from new or waste vegetable oil!!!!!. Check out: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0970722702/104-5227722-2227161?v=glance It's the "idiots guide" to making your own fuel and the base ingredient is basically yours for the asking from local restaurants. "Bio-Diesel" effectively produces ZERO(!!) greenhouse gasses. There's even a King-Air running on a mix of 80% AvTur and 20% Bio-Diesel... The only difference noticed so far is that the wings don't get soot stained! Regards, Mike. Taking the piss out of the FrenchAmericans since before it was fashionable. Prenait la pisse hors du FrançaisCanadiens méridionaux puisqu'avant lui à la mode. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbo 0 #21 February 27, 2004 QuoteIf you girlfriend is looking for real environmental/emmissions pride, she should look into the Civic GX (CNG powered, no emmissions). How many CNG filling stations are there? I know that a lot of city and fleet operations are switching to CNG, will they sell to anyone off the street? - Jim"Like" - The modern day comma Good bye, my friends. You are missed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #22 February 27, 2004 QuoteQuoteCivic hybrid.......... just tearing around. Somehow, I'm not getting the picture. Seriously, the hybrids don't seem like much of an improvement beyond the efficient diesels that are out now. I've never seen the emmisions between a hybrid and a Jetta/Golf TDI compared. Anyone happen to know which one would be in the lower range? BTW - a hybrid has 100% torque available at the line due to the electric engine. It won't beat a Viper, but it has typical I-4 acceleration...and if you know how to drive it you can pass most drivers on the road. Hell, most drivers wait at the green light till it almost turns yellow these days._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #23 February 27, 2004 QuoteQuoteIf you girlfriend is looking for real environmental/emmissions pride, she should look into the Civic GX (CNG powered, no emmissions). How many CNG filling stations are there? I know that a lot of city and fleet operations are switching to CNG, will they sell to anyone off the street? - Jim CNG?_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbo 0 #24 February 27, 2004 Compressed Natural Gas. - Jim"Like" - The modern day comma Good bye, my friends. You are missed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gary350 0 #25 February 27, 2004 QuoteYou don't say WHY you want a hybrid. Is it a gas mileage thing? A green thing? a mix of both? Hey Mike - thanks for the thoughtful reply. For my G/F, it is a mix of both, but much more the green thing. Standard diesel not an option, but I have read about bio-D and it is certainly interesting and attractive in many ways. Same with CNG (thanks jimbo) - worth a look for sure, but worried about one of the same caveats of bio-D - ready, convenient availability of fuel. I suspect that this buyer will be staying in the "mainstream" of alternative power. But always good to make informed decisions. . . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
