Hybrids

[Lilith]

I was reading an article about hybrid cars in my paper this morning. If I understood it correctly (and I'm sure someone will let me know if I did not), the new hybrids (the new Accord 2005 hybrid) are only averaging about 2 miles more per gallon than a regular V6 and not at all better than a 4 cyllinder. Where as the older hybrids got 70 MPG. They said the new ones only use electric for acceleration. This sort of defeats the purpose to me. Any one interested in hybrids have any info as to why the changes?

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Mr. Waiting-for-Me-in-New-England drives a 2005 Toyota Prius. I'll have to ask him and let you know, as I honestly don't have a clue. Still, last weekend was my first ride in one, and I have to tell you--it was nice. Geeky, but nice.

[Lilith]

Geeky is good! :D

Being a 2 car family we always try to even out our gas consumption. We have a gas guzzler and an economy type car. One is used for all the running and the other when people need haulin' around or for trips.

In the next couple of years my eldest will be driving and I'll be on the lookout for a new economy style car. Have been interested in the hybrids but why bother if current models don't truly save me $$ or the planet's resources. I'll have to keep researching.

[Fangtasia]

Toyota Prius (http://www.prius.toyota.com.au/TWR/vehicle/Content/0,4216,367_102,00.html)

[Oldfart]

There are a couple of types of hybrid.

There are some where all the driving is done electrically, with a fuel motor providing

power as required, and some where the drive is a composite of fuel motor and electric motor

in synch.

[Cjack]

I think we may save some of our planet's resources but you will never save any money.
The cost of parts and labor will make up the difference not to mention that the cost of fuel will go up. They have to get it somewhere.

[Cheyanne]

I am wondering...there was a news program about these hybrid cars.. the ones that run on electricty/water and very little fuel. This man had purchased one of those to not only save money but to also, in his own way, to stop polluting. The program went on to discuss the cost effectivness of the vehicle, but then also reported that the state the man lived in was trying to pass a law that stated that those who own such vehicles would have to pay more taxes in the form of road use tax because that particular state wouldn't be receive the fuel tax.

[fredchabotnick]

It's my understanding that the older ones, that actually got good milage, didn't have enough power and acceleration for Americans (I can't speak for anybody else). So the manufacturers, after hearing nothing but complaints, gave the cars more power, resulting in the lower milage.
I could be wrong on the reasoning, but if not, I agree that this seems pretty stupid.

[wyndhy]

i have heard that some are better than others

i have also heard that you get a one-time pretty decent size tax rebate for the year you purchased it.....something like $2,000 to $2,500

[fredchabotnick]

Did I hear correctly that the tax breaks are being phased out?
I don't remember where, but I thought I saw it.

[Booger]

Last I heard is they do have better gas millage but only if you keep it under 55.