Which Hybrid to Buy?
Given that my poor Chrysler is slowly arm-wrestling me into bankruptcy with the numerous repairs I need have to done on a regular basis (it seems that way, and I’ll provide a list for the disbeliever):
Wheel bearing, radiator fans, coolant reservoir, power steering system, extra power steering pipe (not included in the power steering repair), exhaust system, brake system (rear calipers, four rotors, four pad sets), two starters (and the relay that killed them), plus a few smaller other odds and ends.
I have decided it’s high time to move on. Up till now I didn’t have the resources (including credit rating) to do so, and thus had no choice but to make repairs. Now I have options.
Why Hybrid?
My decision to go hybrid is based on a couple of things, actually…I feel that it’s most definitely a cheaper solution in the long run. First of all, the gas costs are obviously reduced – as they would be with any high MPG vehicle. Additionally, because the gasoline engine is run less frequently, it requires less maintenance. For “normal” driving, my research indicates oil changes every 7-10 thousand miles are reasonable (depending on who’s car you drive). Additionally, because hybrids use regenerative braking (where the electric motor slows the car, and recharges the onboard battery), the mechanical braking system is used less – reducing wear.
These points of benefit are in complement to that fact that an electric motor drive system needs little maintenance as well, they’re brushless, and have no oil to be changed. The Continuously Variable Transmissions may also be more reliable and cheaper to maintain, but I have not yet looked at that point in detail.
The reduced cost of both gas and maintenance are definitely high points for me. The whole geeky idea of having a big electric motor in the car appeals to me too.
Note that “going green” is NOT a point of interest for me…I just like the technology and costs savings.
That said, in my search for a new car, there’s really only three that are looking to be any good. There are a few goals that this new car has to meet, which I’ll list:
1. Inexpensive, reliable transportation
2. Good resale value
3. Meet my size needs – i.e, I rarely have more than one passenger, and occasionally have a bit of cargo.
4. I have to like it.
That said, there’s really three cars that seem to fit the bill, and I hope to cover each in depth. I’m instantly ruling out hybrid SUVs, since they do not meet the “inexpensive” part of point one, and they exceed point three.
1. Toyota Prius
This is the poster child for hybridization in the United States. While not the FIRST hybrid vehicle available (that honor goes to Honda Insight), it is the most popular – especially among circles of celebrities trying to look green, and people after the tax credits. Nevertheless, the 2010 Prius boasts a 50 MPG capability, so it bears looking at.
Image from http://blogs.edmunds.com
Based on many reviews I’ve read, the 2010 Prius is likened to a spaceship interior, which is all well and good. Fuel mileage is good, and technical performance seems outstanding. However, people that have driven Priuses have also stated that the maneuvering capability is rather sluggish. A friend who’s parents own one has said the steering wheel is rather small, and having looked in a 2009 model, I’d be inclined to agree.
Image from http://www.hybridcars.com
While the Prius seems to accomodate points 1-3…it fails drastically at point 4. I cannot stand the interior of this vehicle. The whole concept of a center-mounted instrument cluster, especially enclosed in that narrow space as it is. Additionally, I’m not a fan of the shifter…looks like a control from a computer game.
So, that settles that. The other discouraging point with the Prius is the price tag – MSRP with a navigation system (which is a purchasing point for me), is about $32,000, which is a little steep, but not un-normal, as we will see.
2. Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is Honda’s second generation of the first American hybrid. Honda is marketing it as the “hybrid for the rest of us”, and it may very well be – let us see.
Image from http://blogs.edmunds.com
The Honda Insight body is reminiscent of the Prius, however the front grille is more aggressive, and the body is a little smaller in fact – moving the Insight into the realm of compact cars, while the Prius retains a mid-size rating.
Image from http://www.jalopnik.com
The interior of the Insight is much more aggressive and “busy” than that of the Prius, which to a techno-person like myself is more appealing. The comparison has been made, in one of the reviews I’ve read, that if the Prius interior is like a spaceship, then the Insight interior is like a Klingon spaceship – and it’s not far from the truth. I am a very big fan of the inline e-brake in the center console, as opposed to side-by-side e-brake and shifter, such as you’d see on the Civic.
The Insight is rated for around 41 MPG, which is a bit less than the Prius – especially for such a small car. Reviews have described the Insight as being more fun to drive, however, and a little more sporty in it’s maneuvering capability – which appeals to me, I want something that can do well with mileage, but still retain some fun.
The rear seating is apparently fine as long as your passengers aren’t over 6 ft. in height, and the seats fold flat – as they do on the Prius – for increased storage.
In the forums for the Insight, there has been some discussion on its various quirks, but overall owners seem pleased. The Insight, spec’d with a Nav system and a few other niceties comes to about $24,900 MSRP.
3. Ford Fusion Hybrid
I had not even really considered this vehicle, until a friend mentioned it and said it seemed quite respectable…so I started doing some research on Ford’s entry into the mid-size hybrid market.
Image from http://blogs.edmunds.com
This car has a very conservative look to it, and boasts a 700 mile range. This is accomplished by using a large 17 gallon, as well as a more powerful electric system (at least moreso than the Insight). Along with this range comes a fairly hefty weight – about 3,700 pounds for this mid-size. It rates around 40 MPG.
I won’t deny this is a nice car, and has more power to it than the other hybrids mentioned in this look. However, at $27,000 base price, it is the most expensive hybrid looked at, and loaded to my preference, it meets the Prius at $32,000.
Image from http://reviews.cnet.com
The conservative interior links with the exterior styling, but it maintains a progressive feel with dual LCD gauging as well as a navigation system.
The price and weight kind of rule this one out for me, plus the fact that this would be more of a long term car, rather than one to be sold in 3-6 years.
So, for now, my pick is the Honda Insight. I have not test driven anything yet, so my thoughts may change.
Hopefully, by the time I’m done with this next car, the full electric vehicles will be on the mainstream!
