hybrid cars

[olyclimber]

anyone here own one? any info to share regarding problems with them or which one is best?

[whirlwind]

screw hybrids go with a small diesel car and burn biodiesel, the cars get like 40 +, you can make your own biodiesel, or by it from me, and biodiesel puts out way less pollution.

[TrogdortheBurninator]

My mom has a Civic Hybrid that shes had since the first year they came out. No major problems, but I will ask her for specifics when I see her on Turkeyday. My advisor has a Prius. His first one got totaled so now he is on his second. I have driven both and prefer the prius, although it looks kind of goofy. Both have good power, but the prius has more tech-nerd features and really good interior design. No blind spots and very well thought out. Both are great cars IMO. Personally, I am kind of excited about the Ford escape Hybrid for overall utility, however I have many doubts about ford quality compared to the japanese.

[Alpinfox]

They are expensive. Buy a 40mpg+ beater.

 

Example

 

Whirly's suggestion is good too.

Edited November 22, 2005 by Alpinfox

[olyclimber]

Nice, I could buy that thing, lower it, put gold colored trim on it, spinners, and 12s in the trunk. straight pimpen.

[Cobra_Commander]

civic = terrarium with wheels.

 

you cough and every window is immediately fogged

[Squid]

I guess this means you're commuting to Bothell?

[Winter]

civic = terrarium with wheels.

 

you cough and every window is immediately fogged

 

Uhh .. that's why the windows open.

 

Bad ventilation in a car? The horror!

[selkirk]

screw hybrids go with a small diesel car and burn biodiesel, the cars get like 40 +, you can make your own biodiesel, or by it from me, and biodiesel puts out way less pollution.

 

If your looking for fuel efficiency this seems the way to go. Some of the new VW get 50mpg or some such insanity. While the hybrids are coming in around 40+. Relatively low-tech, proven systems have something that can be said for them. It seems half the hybrid push has been slightly better gas mileage and higher HP, which is lame.

 

My advisor also has a Prius and likes it. I wonder which is actually better for the environment. Diesel seems to be a slightly dirtier fuel, but there's nasty shit that goes into making/disposing of batteries.

[JayB]

Most reports that I've read suggest that hybrids really don't offer that much of an advantage over conventional vehicles when driven on the highway, when most or all of the power is coming from the combustion engine. Compare the hybrid premium to the increase in fuel economy over the projected battery-life versus a regular car in the same class and see if you actually save any money before taking the plunge.

 

Not in the market - but I've heard that there are tax-incentives for hybrid owners as well, so that might tilt the balance sheet in favor of the hybrid.....

[AlpineK]

I think the Volkswagen TDIs are a much better choice. You get great milage and you don't have to worry about replacing expensive battery packs. Plus like Jay says the benefit to hybrids is in town driving not highway.

[olyclimber]

unless the freeway is a parking lot

 

what does it cost to replace the battery on, say, a Prius. Looks like you need to do it every 4-5 years?

[AlpineK]

I don't know, but I'm sure it's a lot.

[Dru]

i heard it lasts 6 years and costs $8000 to replace the batteries. goodbye savings!

[JoshK]

My mom bought a TDI Beetle. It's quite quick and gets awesome milage. I also tend to think TDIs are a better option than hybrids right now.

[Skeezix]

What does TDI stand for?

[olyclimber]

turbo direct injected?

totally dumb insect?

 

not sure.

[Skeezix]

I need to buy a gas hog beater pickup for $1000 so I can buy a boat on a trailer and tow it down to the straits and back. Maybe I'll try to find a diesel pickup so I can be cool and use biodiesel. I think it's in the cards for me ...after all, I'm an ex-greener.

[archenemy]

Thread Disection Insurrection

[fear_and_greed]

WTF is an advisor?

[EWolfe]

I need to buy a gas hog beater pickup for $1000 so I can buy a boat on a trailer and tow it down to the straits and back. Maybe I'll try to find a diesel pickup so I can be cool and use biodiesel. I think it's in the cards for me ...after all, I'm an ex-greener.

 

I need an efficient bio-diesel rig so I can tow my toxin-spewing two-cylider to the lake to poison your water.

[catbirdseat]

I need to buy a gas hog beater pickup for $1000 so I can buy a boat on a trailer and tow it down to the straits and back. Maybe I'll try to find a diesel pickup so I can be cool and use biodiesel. I think it's in the cards for me ...after all, I'm an ex-greener.

 

I need an efficient bio-diesel rig so I can tow my toxin-spewing two-cylider to the lake to poison your water.

You must be referring to Lake Whatcom, the water supply for Bellingham.

[EWolfe]

I need to buy a gas hog beater pickup for $1000 so I can buy a boat on a trailer and tow it down to the straits and back. Maybe I'll try to find a diesel pickup so I can be cool and use biodiesel. I think it's in the cards for me ...after all, I'm an ex-greener.

 

I need an efficient bio-diesel rig so I can tow my toxin-spewing two-cylider to the lake to poison your water.

You must be referring to Lake Whatcom, the water supply for Bellingham.

 

Got me.

[Squid]

WTF is an advisor?

 

A pedantic belayer who spews unhelpful beta.

[AlpineK]

turbo direct injected?

totally dumb insect?

 

not sure.

 

Turbo Direct Inject is what they call it.

 

You can call it anything you want.

 

Turbo Dub Insanity

Totally Dubious Invention

Toto Doobie brothers Iron Butterfly