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1. jeter123uk says:

   March 24, 2008 at 11:33

   Check out the ’09 Prius… 80mpg in the city!!!!!!
2. professorprius says:

   March 25, 2008 at 16:44

   Hi,

   this is going to be a bit of information, so stay with me

   Your choice of transportation really depends on:

   1. what you need your vehicle to do

   2. what options you want and are willing to pay for

   3. how strong your commitment to the environment is

   going in order:

   1. You don’t mention how many miles you drive in a typical day and how long your commute is.
   Another important fact is if you need a vehicle that can hold only you, two to four people, or do you need to hold six, seven, or eight on a regular basis.
   If it’s just you and one other, even a Honda Insight will work fine. But they are no longer sold new and they are extremely limited in what they can hold (no real trunk and only a two-seater).
   If you need to carry two adults and maybe two kids, then consider a Prius, Camry Hybrid or a Civic Hybrid. Nissan is offering the Altima as a hybrid (using the hybrid tech from the Camry Hybrid), but the Altima Hybrid is only available on the two coasts and not throughout the country. GM is scheduled to come out with the Malibu Hybrid later this year, but it also will only be available on the two coasts.

   If you need to carry seven or eight, consider the Highlander Hybrid. For six people, look at the Escape Hybrid.

   The other thing to look at is if you only need a sedan (four doors), than the Prius or Civic Hybrid will be fine.
   If you need to actually tow a boat or trailer and need that additional power (and are willing to sacrifice a bit of daily mileage) than consider the Highlander Hybrid. It tows 3500 pounds, the Escape Hybrid tows 1000 pounds.

   I’m guessing you are not looking at a full-size SUV hybrid, so you aren’t considering something like the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. It will seat eight and tows over 6000 pounds. But this is obviously a full SUV that just happens to be more fuel efficient. And it will also have limited availability on the two coasts.

   2. There are a wide assortment of standard features and options, depending on the vehicle you are looking at.

   Once you have the answer to question number 1, than look at what each vehicle will and can offer you and decide how that fits your pocketbook. You may want a navigation system, but you may not be able to afford the package that includes it.

   Also, look at the long term returns on your investment, because a vehicle is an investment, no matter what anyone says. You are paying for something that you expect to perform well for you on a daily basis, with a minimum of loss (even time lost).

   So consider carefully before you pass up important features like Vehicle Stability Control or four-channel advanced ABS or side seat and side curtain airbags. By the time you get ready to trade this vehicle for the next in four, five, or six years, these features will be standard on most vehicles. Not having them will be a strong negative on your trade and will cost you money down the road.

   And ignore anyone that says hybrids are a bad idea or that they have lots of unproven parts that will break down or that you will have to replace the nickel metal hydride batteries for $5-10,000 in five or six years.

   None of those are true, and common sense tells you that if any of those things were true, it would be all over the news.

   I have posted before here in Answers on these points extensively, please look up my other posts if you’d like full details.

   3. Now, let’s say you will drive 20-30 miles/minutes per commute, especially in stop-and-go traffic, each day. On top of that, you want the next evolution in vehicle technology that will create up to 90% less emissions and tailpipe particulates compared to a standard new vehicle (the “up to 90% less” part depends on which hybrid you choose, the Prius is 90% less, the Highlander Hybrid is 85% less).

   Then you have to think about what is not coming out of the tailpipe, even if you are not getting the full mileage benefits because you are not driving at least 20-30 miles/minutes each way.

   And just to clear this point up- no vehicle, hybrid or not, will achieve even the EPA mileage or it’s best mileage unless it is driven far enough to warm up the driver and the gas engine. Cold gas engines are amazingly inefficient, that’s why hybrids use an electric drive at start-ups and at low speeds.

   So, my recommendation is to make a “Ben Franklin”.

   Draw a line down the center of a piece of paper and on the left, write all the things that your next vehicle has to have. On the right side, write what you’d like your vehicle to have.

   Take that list and put it away for a few days. Then take it back out and see if/how your answers have changed.

   Only then would I see which vehicles match your needs/wants. That should be a short list.

   If there is some feature that you aren’t sure about, such as Vehicle Stability Control, then find out about it online, either in an auto blog or at a manufacturer’s website.

   Next, go to multiple lots, if possible, when the dealership is not open to get a better idea of what is available in your area. Just because you see it online does not mean the manufacturer offers it in your area (think of the Altima and Tahoe hybrids only being offered on the coasts).

   Write everything down, take good notes. Remember, this is an investment and you are going to get a better return if you have done your homework.

   Only then would I go into a dealership and drive the vehicles you have selected.

   Don’t play games and don’t be intimidated. These people are professional salespeople and if you play games, they will not work well with you.

   Of course, if you don’t get a good feeling on two or three points, say thank you either ask to speak to someone else, or walk away.

   Good luck and enjoy your new vehicle. If you need any other technical details, feel free to contact me.