Any hybrid owners out there?

Question

Hybrid cars, of course.

I was just wondering if you are happy with them.

Are they reliable, and do they get mileage reasonably close to what the sticker says?

And, if you don't mind, could you share the price you paid for it.

This is a serious inquiry.

Many thanks.

Answer 1

Depending on how you drive (with any car), you could achieve the EPA fuel economy ratings... But most people do not drive like the tests (which do not use AC or the heater, never go faster than about 60mph, etc.), so get lowered fuel economy. Whatever your current % difference is with your "real world" driving in your current vehicle compared to the EPA test results, you would see the same % difference when driving a hybrid.

You really should ask on a more specific owner's forum, such as http://www.greenhybrid.com/ or read up on http://www.hybridcars.com/

on the topic of published EPA ratings, I suggest reading the following article (with plenty of citations for source data):
http://www.bluewaternetwork.org/reports/rep_ca_global_fuelfalsehood2.pdf
"FUEL ECONOMY FALSEHOODS: How government misrepresentation of fuel economy hinders efforts to reduce global warming and US dependence on foreign oil" by the Bluewater Network, 2002

and "Real MPG: Putting the Truth in Your Tank" by the Environmental Working Group:
http://www.ewg.org/reports/realMPG/part1.php


As for reliability, check with the (Oct.? Nov.?) used car issue of Consumer Reports magazine. I know at least the Toyota Prius has been on the recommended used car list for quite a while.

In the US, the hybrid batteries are warrantied for at least 8 years/80,000 miles (some models 8 years/100,000 miles, and the AT-PZEV models out to 10 years/150,000 miles). Just because a warranty expires, doesn't mean that that component will! There have been few cases of battery replacements needed out of warranty, and the packs are available typically in the US$500 range off of eBay for used packs out of wrecks. (A new pack for a Classic Toyota Prius, replaced under warranty earlier this year because of an internal short, would've cost $1100.) And those prices are before any bounties paid by the manufacturer to make sure that the NiMH battery packs are returned for recycling (Toyota offers US$200).

Answer 2

The Ford Escape hybrid we have at work gets less gas mileage than my regular Nissan Altima.

The battery dies in 6-8 years, and costs $8000 roughly to change out.

Hybrids are a fraud.

Answer 3

I have a '32 Ford with a Chevy engine. I'm certainly happy with my hybrid, though mileage is not as claimed.