[Guest]

Hi,
I'm thinking of buying a new car and am seriously concidering a hybrid. I need the gas mileage (I drive 50 miles to work one way!). I wanted to ask some questions of people who currently drive hybrids:

It looks like the city mileage is better than interstate. I drive mostly interstate. What mileage have any of you gotten on a road trip?

What type of fuel does it use, gas or diesel?

Since hybrids are so new, have any of you had any problems like many newer-model cars do (like electrical issues, ABS problems, any other minor annoyances that were warranty-covered)?

What type of maintenance is required on a regular basis?

Overall, what do you think of your hybrid? Which is better, the Prius or is it worth my time to wait for the Civic?

Any other comments would be appreciated. I've always wanted a hybrid car and I'm really happy to see that they're finally available with seating for 5!

Thank you for helping me!

--Sara

 

[Guest]

MPG? Depends on how you drive. I'm one of those pokeys that stays within the speed limit. Highway driving is a little over 50 mpg - 2 gal of gas for your trip. In the city a lot depends on the weather and length of trip. You didn't say where you were from but in the Chicago area where I live, trips of less than 10 - 15 min. in cold weather gives about 25 - 30 mpg for me.

Regular gas

Eight year, 100,000 miles on the technological items. I've had mine since last Christmas, 2,500 mi. and have had no problems yet.

First three years of maintenance is free.

I'm not familiar with the Civic. For "green" purposes the Prius is supposed to be better. The Civic might get better gas mileage.

[%sig%]

 

[Guest]

If you drive 50 miles one way to work and it's mostly interstate, I would say Prius is definitely not the car. This car is designed more for local driving and will not do real great if you drive 70 & 80 MPH. The EPA rating is higher for city driving. If you want great milage at high speed I would definitely reccommend the HONDA INSIGHT two seater!
I have a 2002 Prius with 4,000 miles and it is great for local & gridlocked traffic. I get up to 70 MPG, but to get this you need to stay under 42 MPH. I use my 99 Buick Regal for crusing on interstates and long trips and get about 30 MPG driving it 75 to 80 MPH.

regards,
Don Good, Lancaster County PA.

 

[Guest]

Just to toss in my experience:

I drive 35 miles each way to work up and down a mountain of about 2500 feet elevation change. My average speed ranges from 40 to about 65. The mix of driving is about 30 percent city and 70 percent highway/rural.

I get about 43 mpg in the winter and now with spring here am getting about 46-49 mpg - no airconditioning ..

[%sig%]

 

[Guest]

Contrary to most, I get the same (49) MPG in the city and on the highway, sometimes better on the highway. I took delivery on my 2001 Prius in August 2000 (first one in Maryland) and have over 20,000 miles on it, and I love it. I tend to go between 55 and 65 MPH. My brother in-law just got a Prius in January with cruise control and he got better mileage on the highway on his trip from MD to Maine.

I would go with Toyota, the hybrid technology is MUCH better than Hondas. I've had no problems with mine and Toyota seems to be bending over backwards to make sure their hybrid customers are happy.