Why did you buy a hybrid??

wstander · 08-18-2009, 11:52 AM

Sorry if this has been asked elsewhere, but I am curious as to the rationale behind why people buy what they buy.

In my case, my criterion was: 40mpg minimum, hatchback, and priced under $27,000. I did not care if it was Japanese, Korean, or Tajik, initially, nor did i care about gas or diesel. Having owned both Hondas and Toyotas, I am not a fan boy of either, though I tend to defend what I know

I don't think this needs to be a poll, just commentary....

So, what drove your choice? MPG, name, environment, whatever....?

bish79 · 08-18-2009, 12:33 PM

It's fairly simple...

I was ready to replace my Civic after owning it for 4 years, which is a long time for me. My criteria was (in order of importance):

1. Must get as good or better mileage than the Civic
2. Must be a 4 door (the Civic was a 2 door, and that had its limitations)
3. Must have cruise control and A/C.
4. Prefer either Honda or Toyota, could have gone for a Ford if it was a great deal.
5. Needed the car before our vacation in mid-May.
6. Prefer sub-$20k

We looked at a Fit for a while, but I wasn't sure it would get better than the Civic.

Since MPG was top priority I was willing to let the price creep a little to get better mileage.

I didn't like the look of the Prius at all, even the new ones. Plus the 2010's wouldn't be out in time.

Ford had nothing good to offer.

The Yaris has a center mounted gauge cluster which is a total deal-breaker (are you hearing this Toyota???).

As far as why I needed better mileage than the Civic? I hate the idea of my money going over to the Mideast. Especially after their fantastic display of gratitude on September 11th (but I felt that way before). So I want to do whatever I can do to minimize my contribution to making Saudi Arabia one of the richest nations in the world.

Hitech · 08-18-2009, 01:00 PM

Speaking of the 2006 V1 I have it is to drive back and forth to work 216 miles RT .Works for me.

**satchel** · 08-18-2009, 04:25 PM

Cobb · 08-18-2009, 11:49 PM

Id needed to consildate vehicles, save some money. I again visited the toyota dealer, they were uninterested in my old tacoma 97 with 55 thousand miles on it. Ive visited them 3 times about the prius and bought 2 scions from them. Absolutely no interest in selling me a hybrid.

I visited the Honda dealer next door and decided to see the affordable hybrid and if they were interested in a 2 for 1 deal. Got it, got 3 grand from my employer for buying one, got a discount on my car insurance and am spending 30 bucks vs 300 bucks a month in gas.

I am just disappointed in how I am dissed for being a Honda and a hybrid owner.

JimJohnD · 08-19-2009, 08:34 AM

No, really, it is replacing a 1991 Nissan Maxima (still in good condition, but it's a 1991 and things are starting to go). Other people's opinions not withstanding, I like the looks. I was looking for a smaller car that I could still carry camera/lighting stands and equipment in. As soon as I saw it I knew it was the one. While I was looking for good mileage, being a hybrid is a plus. Now that I've had the opportunity to read the Owner's and Service manuals I'm even more convinced.

wstander · 08-19-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimJohnD

No, really, it is replacing a 1991 Nissan Maxima (still in good condition, but it's a 1991 and things are starting to go). Other people's opinions not withstanding, I like the looks. I was looking for a smaller car that I could still carry camera/lighting stands and equipment in. As soon as I saw it I knew it was the one. While I was looking for good mileage, being a hybrid is a plus. Now that I've had the opportunity to read the Owner's and Service manuals I'm even more convinced.

In California, we low emission/hybrids are exempt from the bi-yearly smog checks that conventional cars are subject to. Is it the same in Ohio?

JimJohnD · 08-19-2009, 08:49 AM

In Ohio, we don't have mandatory emission checks (as far as I know), I've never done one. There may be some local regulations in the larger metropolitan areas, but not where I live. It would be interesting to see how many vehicles would even be able to pass a California spec test. I guess they figure if the MID light isn't on they're OK.

Tankfantry · 08-19-2009, 11:02 AM

because my wife was a hippy in a past life and she said she wanted one to combat the 12 MPG of my V8 Silverado.

00SilverDan · 08-19-2009, 11:01 PM

We needed to replace my wife's 5-seater SUV - and my wife's criteria was something like:
*40+mpg (she was jealous of my 64mpg on my '00 Insight. She poured a lot of money into her tank last summer - 3x what I poured into mine - and we believe gas prices will be going back up.)
*Automatic transmission (knee problems)
*a/c, cruise
*Seats 4
*Room for the 50-lb Siberian Husky in the back. (Hatch back preferred)

We looked for a Ford Fusion hybrid, but they are special order and 40mpg was a stretch. Couldn't test drive one - the second stop we made was Honda - due to my great mileage and her previous good experience with Honda, and our local dealer is professional.

My sister used to have a Prius, but the electric drive on the rear wheels <20mph doesn't perform well in the snow and ice around here. Giving up Subaru AWD for Front wheel drive was as far as the wife chose to compromise on performance. Hopefully she can get up the driveway this winter.

She loves the 48-49mpg she gets on her daily commute! Far exceeding her 40mpg requirement!