 Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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OP
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
With gas headed toward $4.00 per gallon I'm thinking about getting a Hybrid. The Honda is rated at 40 city /45 hwy. I went to drive one today and it was pretty nice. My 6'2" big body, fit well. The fit and finsh was typical Honda and it has a 5 star crash rating. It was pretty quiet with some wind noise on the intersate. It gets about 2mpg more then by TBA on the hwy, but I sometimes have a heavy throttle hand. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643 |
Petrol here has just gone up once again 95 now is £1.04 a litre and diesel has hit an all time high of £1.18 a litre, begining to wish I had kept my old mini We have just swopped cars and bought a Nissan Primera S Estate 1.8, should of kept the Micra 
Ray(UK)
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Better get on a Honda forum board and do some investigative work before committing. I was on an Accord board and didn't hear good things about the actual MPG on those Honda hybrids. I ran into a Civic owner last year, she complained about not achieving the advertised MPG as well and a complete lack of trunk space. In fact, I was looking at her roof rack, which she installed due to no trunk space.
I looked at the Camry and Altima hybrids but with my 98% highway miles, the hybrid isn't the best in those conditions. My buddy has a Camry hybrid and he averages 40 mpg driving in the heavyily congested traffic around Northern Virginia.
I really wanted a diesel, particularly the Accord which is supposed to hit 51 mpg but it won't go on sale in the US until next fall (so I bought an '08 2.5L Altima)
Al
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Petrol here has just gone up once again 95 now is £1.04 a litre and diesel has hit an all time high of £1.18 a litre, begining to wish I had kept my old mini
We have just swopped cars and bought a Nissan Primera S Estate 1.8, should of kept the Micra
We're gonna see some cars like that here, if we ever get over our piggishness. Soccer moms in giant SUVs is just stoopid. My Uncle's wife drives an older, full size suburban 22 miles a day to work, just her. My uncle has tried to get her to drive something smaller, but she says the sub is "comfortable".
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Better get on a Honda forum board and do some investigative work before committing. I was on an Accord board and didn't hear good things about the actual MPG on those Honda hybrids. I ran into a Civic owner last year, she complained about not achieving the advertised MPG as well and a complete lack of trunk space. In fact, I was looking at her roof rack, which she installed due to no trunk space.
I looked at the Camry and Altima hybrids but with my 98% highway miles, the hybrid isn't the best in those conditions. My buddy has a Camry hybrid and he averages 40 mpg driving in the heavyily congested traffic around Northern Virginia.
I really wanted a diesel, particularly the Accord which is supposed to hit 51 mpg but it won't go on sale in the US until next fall (so I bought an '08 2.5L Altima)
The t.v. evening news had a story last month about the hybrid cars gas milage. Car companies were lying their a$$ off about the milage.  Actual milage was 5 to 10 lower than claimed!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,457 |
A standard Honda Civic will get you almost 40 mpg on the highway without any worry about replacing expepsive batteries in the future(Total cost of ownership). Also, you can bring it to your regular mechanic instead of the dealer for servicing.
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,702 Likes: 22 |
It will save about $1200 per year in fuel cost at $4.00 per gallon as opposed to a Civic. (5 tanks per month usage was the number I was playing with) It cost about $10,000 more than a Civic so in about 8 years you will be even except for the $5,000 you spend on batteries and capacitor replacement once its off warranty.
Buy a small car that is good on gas. Its green, meaning you keep more green in your pocket.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2006
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I heard on the news that honda was quitting the hybrid at some point. I hope it doesn't effect service later on.
mike
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
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My buddy, who bought the Camry hybrid was counting on the tax rebate to off-set the higher vehicle cost, but found afterwards he did not quality (has to do with the Alternative Minimum Tax). http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/07/pf/taxes/2007_hybrid_tax_credit_confusion/index.htm?section=money_pfWhat a shame you can't buy a new diesel in the US. With a 51 mpg result, that would save me about $1,500 per year in fuel costs (even with the higher cost for diesel) because of the high miles I drive per year. Quote:
It will save about $1200 per year in fuel cost at $4.00 per gallon as opposed to a Civic. (5 tanks per month usage was the number I was playing with) It cost about $10,000 more than a Civic so in about 8 years you will be even except for the $5,000 you spend on batteries and capacitor replacement once its off warranty.
Buy a small car that is good on gas. Its green, meaning you keep more green in your pocket.
Al
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
I know a few Prius owners and they all really like their car, Paul.
And speaking of diesel, why is it that diesel used to be a little cheaper than gasoline but now costs comparatively more than pump gas? Anybody know the answer?
(I'm normally not a conspiracist, but I'm startin' to think "something's rotten in the state of Denmark" here)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 429
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 429 |
Quote:
It will save about $1200 per year in fuel cost at $4.00 per gallon as opposed to a Civic. (5 tanks per month usage was the number I was playing with) It cost about $10,000 more than a Civic so in about 8 years you will be even except for the $5,000 you spend on batteries and capacitor replacement once its off warranty.
Buy a small car that is good on gas. Its green, meaning you keep more green in your pocket.
I agree with Satxron competely. I crunched the number and did the research a few year ago. My calculations were similar and it would take over 100,000 miles before you break even. At the time the dealer could not give me a dollar figure on how much the cost was to replace the batteries. I have a 01 Civic with 220,000 miles and still get 35 to 40 mpg depending on how I drive. If you keep your oil changed and do the timing belt at 100,000 miles the Civic will be a worry free car. I am on my 3rd Civic and trying to decide should I get another one in a year when I get close to 300,000 miles.
You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one
John Lennon
Imagine
Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty, anyone who keeps learning stays young, the greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.
Henry Ford
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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OP
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Dwight, I went out and tested a Prius also this afternoon. It is rated at 48 city 44 highway. Plus the seats fold down and there is lots of space compared to the small trunk in the Civic. It drove just as well but the one I looked at was about $26,000. The Honda was $22,343 including a $1,000 discount, Internet only special, since I first contacted them online. Yes, I've read some articles in Consumer Reports how the real world mileage is not quite to par with the listed EPA's. on the Hybrids. I'd really like a Hybrid Cadilac Escalade like Tom Brady got for being MPV in the Superbowl. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
As a Camry hybrid owner I can testify to to it getting anywhere from 37 to 39 mpg; it has a handy realtime MPG readout to temper your hot right foot. The fit and finish are excellent and it's made in Kentucky so I've kept some fellow citizens employed. My goal was to offset the 25 mpg I was getting in my former car the by 20% or better and I've achieved that handily; my secondary goal was to not waste finite fossil fuel resources just to live a big life. Quote:
except for the $5,000 you spend on batteries and capacitor replacement once its off warranty
So far the Prius has shown a much longer life than originally expected and the cost goes down daily as more cars are put into service to offset the R&D.
Mini Cooper is reputed to have a diesel that gets around 61 mpg but you can't get it in the US so it's really a moot point. I want the new Club Wagon but I'll just have to wait until I can see one before I start lobbying.
Volkswagen makes some really good great mileage turbo-diesels but a car with the same cubic footage as the Camry will cost a good bit more.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,702 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,702 Likes: 22 |
I agree the cost will come down. I hope they stop making them all together. Have you ever seen the carbon imprint of battery production from mining to manufacture then disposal?
Pollution by any other name is
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Toyota has a comprehensive battery recycling program in place and has been recycling nickel-metal hydride batteries since the RAV4 Electric Vehicle was introduced in 1998. Every part of the battery, from the precious metals to the plastic, plates, steel case and the wiring, is recycled. To ensure that batteries come back to Toyota, each battery has a phone number on it to call for recycling information and dealers are paid a $200 "bounty" for each battery.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
Hybrids are money losers and the batteries defy the "green" crap that is being sold. They may not make them for long, unless they can justify them cost wise, them what do you have, an ugly pink elephant.
Plenty of good vehicles are out there, the VW TDIs are great.
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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 Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
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My old '91 Geo Metro 5-speed got 34mpg when I drove it like a lead-footed maniac with a death wish (AC on).
At 55mph with the police following me it got 50mpg (AC off).
It would get 40mpg at 80mph (AC off).
The AC dropped the mileage 5mpg.
A nice little go-cart.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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OP
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
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I don't know Todd, that sounds like the old SUV argument. In the early 90's everyone said it was just a fad and would eventually go away. SUVs are as popular as ever. Toyota has been making the Prius for 8 years now. The next big thing is the hydrogen powered car. 0 emissions no carbon fuel consumption. They already have them in Calif. Gasoline powered internal combustion engines will be a thing of the past some day, but probably not in my lifetime.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,702 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,702 Likes: 22 |
Well, to be back on topic, I would not go near it.
I could stand corrected but I think Greenpeace does not support or endorse hybrids. They demonstrated last year against Porsche I think.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
My brother in law has a new Chevy full size truck that gets great mileage, not 40mpg to be sure but it's up there. The new V8 only runs on the 8 cyl. when needed,drops to 6, drops to 4 depending on the demand for power. He really likes it and the mileage is fair.
Hybrids being green is BS ,batteries wear out then have to be disposed of,they have to go somewhere. Batteries also have to be manufactured , again not so green. How long do they warrant the battery area against rust? You have to pay extra for them to start with then have battery replacement to pay for at some point. I would probably be too old to care by the time it saved me any money if it ever does. How long will the motors last? What about a starter that has to start the engine every time it's needed? I never owned one but these are all things I have heard or would want answered myself before I went for one. I would much rather see them working on some non-petroleum fuel.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 255
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I have a 77 ford pick-up that on a good day gets 12 miles a gallon ... god bless America...mileage don"t mean crap I am reycling a vintage vehicle
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
I drive a 1980 Chevy wrecker that weighs over 8,000lbs all by itself then add a 4,000lb car...... I measure gallons to the mile!  Not quite that bad but close! Our 96 Silverado 4X4 V8 350 isn't too bad, probably in the mid 20s mpg.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 255
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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your not getting mid 20s out of a 4wd 8 cyl pickup unless you only drive down hill
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Our '04 Silveado Z-71 Crew-Cab, 4WD, 5.3L average mpg is at 15.1 and we've gotten 20.X on a few long trips w/no load. MPG dropped to 12 pulling a trailer with the America on board. Mid 20's? I'd say unlikely. My '03 4 cylinder Accord averaged 32.2 mpg for the life of the car (238,000 miles) I had plenty of tanks over 36 mpg on my long work trips. I think one was 37.X when it had under 100k. Sadly, the new Accord doesn't yield those kind of numbers. Nor the Camry, Altima or other mid-size 4 cylinder cars. They just keep making them bigger with more HP. I ended up with the Altima 2.5L and average 28.4 mpg so far, after 15k in four months. Lately, it's been yielding 30.X mpg on my long trips, but I don't think it will get better than than with my automatic (CVT) tranny. The common rail, euro diesel powertrains will be on sale here in the Fall by Honda and VW. IF you can wait, I'd hold out for the Honda. (timing chain, vs an expense belt in the VW and a few more MPG from the Accord) http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_...r_2009_car_news
Al
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485 |
I've got an 07 Civic with a gas engine. I typically get 30 mpg in town and around 35 on the highway. I'm also 6'2" and about 250# and have no comfort issues. Really like the car, especially with the 5-sp. Considered a hybrid, but did the math on fuel savings vs. additional cost and determined the gas motor was a better buy for me.
In the past dozen years I've had a Dodge Ram, a Ford Expedition and an Explorer among other things. Liked them all but got tired of paying basically another car payment a month just to feed them.
Last edited by blackdog; 03/23/2008 9:31 AM.
"Despite all the amputation, you could dance to a rock 'n roll station..."
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 973
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2008
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I often wonder if car manufacturers are really serious about producing fuel efficient cars. They have the technology to do it but why do they make such awful designs.
I think the first company to design a car that looks like an aston martin with a super fuel efficient engine onboard might be onto a winner.
Before the war on terror, if I saw an unattended package I used to think "I'll be having that!"
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
I average 30 or so MPG with the Mini S turbo. And I'm pushing it pretty hard a lot. I can get over 35 if I want to in combined city/hiway driving. That is with a car that is a hoot to drive! The non turbos regularly get about 40 MPG and, while they don't scoot like the S model, they are still a LOT more fun than a Prius. Life is too short to drive boring cars, or bikes you don't enjoy.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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OP
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
In the past dozen years I've had a Dodge Ram, a Ford Expedition and an Explorer among other things. Liked them all but got tired of paying basically another car payment a month just to feed them.
That's the way I feel blackdog. I've owned 2 Grand Cherokees, 2 Explorers and a big Olds and some others in the past 15 years. I would love to have a full size 4x4 pick-up or another big SUV (I love to go off-roading) but with using my vehicle for work and the price of gas fluctuating so often, it just seems smarter for me to get something with better mileage. To bend the subject a little, once more, does anyone out there own a Ford Escape Hybrid? It might be an easier transiton for me coming from an Explorer. I've ridden in a gas powered Escape but they don't seem near as tight as the Honda. They are rated at 34 mpg. I'll have to go check out the Chevy Dealership and see what kind of mileage the Silverado gets with the 8/6/4 V-8 engine, forgot about that. I looked at a diesel powered VW Passat in 2006. They were getting 43 mpg at the time. But the sales guy said they were going to skip a year with the diesel becuase it didn't meet EPA standards for 2007 in Europe. Is THAT the new TDI engine coming out in the fall? That '09 Honda Accord diesel does look interesting. Maybe the price diesel fuel will go back down below unleaded regular again. I think it's the trucking industry that keeps demand/price for that high. What brought this on is I took the old trusty Explorer in for an alignment and the mechanic said it would be $1300 for new front end parts and labor before it could be aligned. It is an '05 with 140,000 plus miles on it. Retail is about $3-4000 thousand, trade in is only $2700. I'm not sure I wanted to put that much money in it but I guess I could get someone to do it cheaper and then "pimp" it for my almost 17 year old son. Maybe I could borrow it sometime if I had the urge to go "off road". 
Hope everyone is having a Happy Easter!!! 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
.... I looked at a diesel powered VW Passat in 2006. They were getting 43 mpg at the time. But the sales guy said they were going to skip a year with the diesel becuase it didn't meet EPA standards for 2007 in Europe. Is THAT the new TDI engine coming out in the fall? That '09 Honda Accord diesel does look interesting.
Both the new Honda and VW diesels will use the new, common-rail diesel technology and are slated for Fall '08 releases as '09 models. The timing belt in the VW needs changed every 60k, at about $800-$900 per pop but the Accord uses a chain, so that is the one I was interested in.
Al
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Life is too short to drive boring cars, or bikes you don't enjoy.
I agree totally, that's what I love about my Triumphs and what I desire regarding the Mini Clubman; I also realize the auto is a shared adventure.
Mrs. T did the math and got the hybrid she wanted. Same passenger space as a gas Passat, 5 miles more per gallon. When the battery warranty expires at 100,000 miles she'll have saved about $1500 in gas fees (of course that figured at $3 per gallon but who knew?).
She put the $3500 tax rebate into an interest bearing account so in 8 years it'll be around $4500 and enough to cover a new battery, if indeed that becomes necessary that soon, and if the cost remains steady and doesn't drop. Best of all, it's a car she enjoys and she might realize a little profit for her adventure while she's "going her own way."
She allowed me a pair of Triumphs so I said goodbye to my (our) Impala SS and she got what she wanted while I got better than 20% better mileage which was my goal. I think we all know why, don't we Prince Bandar?
It's not for everybody. Make your own choices.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Here's a car about the same size that is claimed to get 100 MPG. http://www.likecool.com/The_Peel_P50_Car--Coupe--Car.htmlThe great thing is that, instead of paying for parking, you can just grab the handle in back and use it for wheeled luggage. They ran a feature on it on Top Gear in which they drove it around (as up and down the halls) the BBC offices.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Dwight, look at the bright side here with diesel. It's not like they use the stuff to haul the vast majority of our daily consumable goods, right, so no inflation to worry about.... 
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Just read an article the other day on Yahoo about how they tested a Prius in Europe against a BMW 530d sport sedan (that's an inline 6 turbodiesel) with regenerative brake technology to generate power for a hybrid powertrain. It beat the Prius by 1mpg, despite being much heavier. Volkswagen is working on a diesel-hybrid, and I think there is some work going on along those lines and with other companies, where they are integrating the whole hybrid power generation and drive technology into the transmission to make more efficient use of wasted energy like deceleration. In the meantime, maybe a tried and true technology like a VW with the FSI (direct injection)system (my Passat gets up to 34 on the highway even with 4 people, and gets around 25-27 normal commuting.) There are some pretty decent small cars out there that are already getting high 30's or almost 40mpg without relying on questionable technology like hybrids (what happens when the battery pack goes crapola?)
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Posts: 1,302 |
Don't keep it past the warranty period.  mike
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Don't keep it past the warranty period.
mike
No problem, after 100,000 miles we'll be ready to trade up.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
She allowed me a pair of Triumphs so I said goodbye to my (our) Impala SS and she got what she wanted while I got better than 20% better mileage which was my goal. ...
What year Impala SS?
Al
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Posts: 370
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 370 |
Me and the wife own two hybrids. The Ford Escape averages around 29 MPG with combined highway and city diving. There is ample room in the Escape. One drawback is towing capacity. The hybrid only allows 1000 lbs towing. So if you were planning to pull anythying forget it. But the vehicle does have excellent power (compared to a V6 Escape model). I also drive a Toyota Prius. I am 6'1 210 lbs. The car may look small from the outside but is very comfortable. All the seats can fold down (even the front passenger) and you can get 8' long lumber in the car. The car averages 47 MPG combined highway and city. I drive alot for work...they pay 46.5 cents/mile driven. I havent had to make a car payment in over a year because of the extra money left over from travel payments.
Please do some research on battery life, how green they are etc. News reports always show the bad ill-informed side of things. If you compare EVERYTHING involved in manufacturing, cost of fuel, liefe expectancy etc. (cradle to grave method) hybrids ARE quite a bit better for the environment. Are they the savior some say...He!! no, but they are better than driving around in a gas hog for no reason.
Also (unless you get hit with the AMT) you can claim the vehicle on Federal Taxes (first year of ownership) Depending on your state (I am in WV) we are allowed to claim the cost overage of the hybrid above a normal gasoline only car split over 3 yrs as a pure tax credit. In other words my state allows me to get the extra money totally back.....which amounts to approx 3900 extra for the hybrid technology.
But the bottom line is this in my opinion....buy something....anything....that gets some decent mileage and serves the purpose its intended for.
I hate people saying...holy crap you drive that gas guzzler.....well do you know what they do for a living? do they NEED that big vehicle for what they do?
I am ALLLLLLLLLLL for environmental change. I recylce everything I possibly can. I drive the most fuel effecient car I can for the purpose intended (i own a full size truck...HAUL what I need, when i need to...but not driving it to work)....I purchased those ****** compact flourescent light bulbs. But you know what....if you dont. Thats ok with me.
Ok...done with that useless rant
2003 Red and Black Speedy. What do I want to change on my bike next????
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
Its all about choice, and that is the key. the market will follow the choices (demand) that is out there. Hybrids are maney losers for manufacturers, if they fall on hard times and cant sell them, will they continue production? Will the govts force them to make them, or continue to waste our money to subsidize them? When they make a car that is a delight to drive, affordable and attractive to the masses, and profitable, then they have something viable.
Hydrogen is interesting, as global warming by carbon dioxide output is continually being proven to be a complete load of crap, is it viable,in cost of production, in the distribution, and vehicles? Also, will hydrogen effeect the planet, the output is water vapor, I would assume millions upon millions of autos producing waper vapors WOULD have an effect on climate.
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
When I say mid I consider 22,23 mpg mid and that is about what we get if I keep my foot out of it. 96 Silverado FI 350 4X4 step side. Hauling a load or driving agressively drops to about 15 to 17. Like it or not thats what it's doing and I drive it so I know. I am talking OD on the highway not in town. It's about 18mpg in town. I don't use OD in town.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
[What year Impala SS?
Oh dear Al, it was one of your favorites; a blue-green 1996 with the LT-1 engine package and the only year with a tach. Man, I loved that car and put over 100,000 miles on it. I wish the passenger compartment had been better made, it sure was noisy; but dude! what an engine package she had. Giddyup!
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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