hybrid owners: do you like it?

Question

for all you out there with a hybrid or who knows someone that owns one: do you like it? are there many benefits? are there any downfalls?

Answer 1

I've previously listed pros/cons to hybrid ownership at:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylv=3?qid=20060901093048AAvvBZj

I've had my 2001 Toyota Prius since Feb. 2001, and still love it. I'd buy another Classic Prius if I lost my current one. My husband used to always steal my car, until he bought his own 2004 Prius. The only reason he sold it last year (to his mother!) was because he can take the subway to work, so we don't need the 2nd car anymore. (Meanwhile, my mother still has her 2002 Prius, and my cousin recently bought a 2007 Prius as well.) Once you go hybrid, it's hard to go back to a polluting conventional car that isn't smart enough to turn off its engine when it's not needed... (My husband and I are even renting a Prius (Hertz) on our next trip...)

Maintenance is similar to a conventional car, and could even be done DIY (nothing special). See: http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/ mostly just oil/filter changes and tire rotations.

Don't believe the scare tactics/rumors of electrocution - just don't be silly enough to cut any of the bright orange cables, and you'll be fine! (there was an erroneous AP report about emergency responders cutting the cables, but of course the same news sources that carried the original erroneous story didn't carry the retraction the next day...) If you're really concerned, try reading one of the emergency responder's guides...

Answer 2

I own a Prius and I love it.

Positives:
The car is quiet, has hi tech features usually found in more expensive cars (keyless entry, Bluetooth, voice command, back up camera, nav system e.t.c) and gives me 47 - 52 mpg. Best of all, extremely low emissions!
It is also roomy and comfortable. I have two child seats in the back (getting in a third would be really difficult)
Overall, I am sold on the hybrid technology and love getting close to 500 miles per tank of gas 


Negatives:
Sometimes I do wish it had a bit more power. I previously had a powerful V6 so I am not sure if the Prius is comparable to other 4 cylinder cars – however it is great for day to day driving.
The car also makes some different sounds (not really a negative for me, but might be for others), whirring of motors, different bake noises and some noises after the car is stopped and turned off.

I wish it had a sun roof

Answer 3

Like the first 3 answerers, I own a Prius and love it. There are tons of benefits - excellent car in general, comfortable, roomy (I can fit 2 bicycles inside with the back seats down), great mileage (50 mpg in both city and highway driving), reliable, and my personal favorite - it's the greenest car on the planet.

http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSL2733658020070727?src=072707_1230_ECARTICLES_editors_choice_-_articles

There really aren't any cons. There's an extra initial cost, but you'll make that up in gas savings in about 5 years. If you get a 5 year dealership loan, your higher monthly payments are made up for in gas savings, and after the 5 years you're saving money.

Answer 4

I love the Prius....it's an awesome car. I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's fun to drive, easy to own, extremely reliable, safe, and versatile.

I average over 60 mpg (I added extra air to the tires for less rolling resistance).

The big benefit is the very low emissions. The engine only runs when it needs to and there are numerous other features to reduce emmissions.

I can't see any disadvantages at all, other than a slightly higher purchase price.

Answer 5

IF YOU REPLACE THE BATTERIES AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES, IT WILL MOST LIKELY COST SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. TOYOTA CLAIMS PRICES WILL DROP AS HYBRIDS BECOME MORE POPULAR; BATTERY PACKS CURRENTLY RUN AROUND $4900.

HOWEVER THE PACK CONTAINS 38 MODULES THAT CAN BE REPLACED INDIVIDUALLY FOR $138.00 EACH. HONDA'S INSIGHT AND CIVIC HYBRIDS HAVE AN 8-YR./80,000-MI. WARRANTY ON MOST OF THE POWERTRAIN, INCLUDING BATTERIES, AND A THREE-YEAR/36,000-MILE WARRANTY ON THE REST OF THE CAR.

THE PRIUS HAS AN 8-YR./100,000-MI. WARRANTY ON THE BATTERY AND HYBRID SYSTEMS, PLUS A THREE-YEAR/36,000-MILE WARRANTY ON EVERYTHING ELSE. THE ELECTRIC MOTORS AND BATTERIES DON'T REQUIRE MAINTENANCE OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.

ALSO YOU AS THE OWNER WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO WORK ON IT YOURSELF, NOTHING AT ALL.

YOU WILL BE MARRIED TO THE DEALER FOR LIFE AND THE SAD THING IS THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF DEALERSHIPS THAT STILL DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THESE VEHICLES.

LASTLY, THERE HAVE REPORTS OF TECHNICIAN'S THAT HAVE BEEN KILLED WHILE WORKING ON THESE VEHICLES DUE TO THE LARGE AMOUNT OF VOLTAGE