Informal Survey Of Hybrid Driver's I've Seen

Guilty of that!

 

I understand fully. But, with all due respect, aren't there other (simpler and lighter) technologies that could return 38-40? I mean without the batteries and their cost and environmental issues -

James

 

My issue was that I needed adequate cargo space. I have an IT service business and sometimes need to deliver equipment to my clients. The Prius has adequate cargo capacity with a rear hatch. I drove and tried to like the Cooper S Clubman but I couldn't get past the styling, the 28mpg fuel consumption and the price fully optioned at around $38k. I drove the Toyota Highlander hybrid, again too expensive at @$40k fully optioned & 26-28mpg was inadequate. I truly wish that we had the selection of high mileage diesel cars that exist in Europe, but we don't. Right now, it was the best choice for my needs. In 4 years, I'll sell it for more than the lease residual and get something else since there will be many more alternatives then.

 

I remember when the first talks about hybrids began happening years ago. I was listening to some local talk radio show. There were a ton of people calling in saying how they had gotten a consistent 45-mid 50 mpg range in there Geo's (remember those, lol?) for 10 years. They then asked, how is it that I got the back then, but these hybrids are "new" and getting less than what they got. Shouldn't they get the same, if not more?

 

LOL. Butter or no butter?

 

I see a bio-fuel recycling opportunity here -

 

News of the Prius sort. If it really gets 94MPG, even I'll get one.

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/080429-2009-Prius-May-Reach-94-MPG/

 

This is going to be the 2010 model to be introduced in about 14 months. Looks promising.

About a week ago I talked to a middle aged woman that parked her Prius next to my gas sucking 13mpg hemi Dodge Durango former daily driver in a drug store parking lot. I asked her the typical questions about reliability, fuel economy and running costs. Towards the end of the conversation we talked about how there were so many Prius on the road in our area. She stated that it was nice that so many people were "doing something to help the earth". My response was that I was considering a Prius not for this reason but to "help my wallet" in regard to fuel costs and I thought that the majority were doing the same. It was as if I had morphed into the anti-Christ, her jaw dropped, she glared at me and walked away. IM THE DEVIL!!!!
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Truly, this is part of the problem. People pretty much take the direction of the general herd, following what they have read on the internet or see on TV. Many times it causes ironic diversions into bad environmental decisions -

For example: The corn biofuel is now thought by many of the environuts to have a net INCREASE in carbon release per BTU, as well as taking away foodstocks for both human and livestock use, and making them more expensive.

The nuclear reactor haters have pretty much prevented us from building a nuclear power plant in the U.S. for about 30 years or so - and now it is discovered that the coal-fired plants are far worse for both production of biohazard waste and of course for the carbon emissions.

It is sort of like playing chess with a grand master - you can make some pretty bad moves that looked good enough at the time, and then you just cannot get them back.

 

It's funny, and as you said, ironic, that they seem to be against something that is/would actually be helpful. Later they backtrack and say that's a good idea.

 

I would really love to irritate all the liberals that drive Prius in my area with something like this. Unfortunately, I'm not that brave.
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That my friend is absolutely priceless!!!

 

lol DO IT!!

 

That's awesome.

 

It was not until I got my 42" plasma that I realized Jen has a LOT of facial hair
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If the Prius didnt look so stupid I would probably get one. Gas is going to go alot higher yet.

 

It probably will. That's why I wash my truck more often. I figure if I'm going to get 13 miles for every four bucks I spend, I'll do it in a clean vehicle!

 

She was in a TV series back in about 1992 called "The Edge". She was about 23 then and was seriously hot! Downhill ever since.

 

I think the new VW Jetta Sportwagen Tdi would fill the bill. I'm thinking of replacing my Audi with one.

 

I'd like to know what % of Prius drivers are actually getting 55mpg. 21mpg in a Range Rover is hardly gas guzzling imo. And what % of those owners get that good of mileage?

 

I'd like to know who is getting 21 mpg in a Range Rover. A friend of mine has a RR Sport Supercharged. She gets 10-12 mpg. and the Sport weighs less than the big Rangie.

 

I get about 16 MPG in my '05 4Runner. With the size and eight airbags, if I get into a moderate speed accident, I'm probably going to walk. If that event ever happens, I'll total up the cost as if I was driving a small car that got 28-32 miles to the gallon. I think with hospital bills, time off work and possible long-term disabilities that I would not be subject to, I'd be a happy camper