"Hybrid-car-owners-one-and-done?"


Empty Pockets

ex-GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Oct 18, 2006
1,362
Washington State
'Pretty much confirms the opinion many of us hold regarding hybrids and all-electric cars in general: They really 'ain't' ready for prime time yet.

http://video.foxnews.com/v/1632600066001/hybrid-car-owners-one-and-done?intcmp=features
 
Totally not the case with me, have had several Prius (they're great) and now have a Volt which I love, ESP since I installed 220V power on my Torrance building. Driving carpool saves me over an hour a day, I pass lots of Porsches, Mercedes etc. never seen a GT though...

Other benefit is not having to stop for gas, just never seems to be a convenient time. Easy to park, dont care if it gets dinged Does it pay financially? Maybe not but carpool and other conveniences way make up for it. I do get free parking at LAX for up to 30 days at a time right at the terminal (30 bucks a day) though, that's nice.

Exception: POS Civic Hybrid two of my techs drove. Several failed CVT transmissions, poor economy and dead batteries. Total crap. and Honda not taking responsibility. No more Hondas.
 
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Point counter point.
 
BM,

'Glad they work for you! 'Dead serious! I am!

My biggest criticism of hybrids/electrics is their sticker cost vs. fuel mileage/depreciation/battery expenses. I've mentioned several times in the past that my daughter's gas powered Civic gets about 40 mpg highway and around 28-30 on surface streets. If I remember correctly, the Civic cost her around $17K new vs., say, $40K for a Volt. One can buy a lotta gas (even $5-a-gallon gas!) for the cash difference...even the cash difference AFTER the taxpayer rebate...or after depreciation...or after paying $30-a-day for parking at the airport...or all the above! :lol

All-electrics, of course, can only be used as short distance commuters right now. They just don't have the range to use 'em for anything else, and many people's commutes are too long to use 'em even for that. Aaaand when their battery(s) goes dead - it's dead. One is forced to stop right there (wherever "there" is) and start looking for a long - sometimes VERY long - extension cord...or a tow truck. The time it takes to recharge an electric rig is a whole lot longer than just reFUELING a gas/diesel unit, too. And just FINDING a recharging station for an electric car is a challenge in itself right now.

So, basically, what it all boils down to in Pocket's case is - he's just too darn cheap and lazy to own/drive a hybrid or all-electric car! :biggrin

:cheers
 
So, basically, what it all boils down to in Pocket's case is - he's just too darn cheap and lazy to own/drive a hybrid or all-electric car!

Pretty much says it all.
 
Senior status DOES have its perks...................yeeeeeeeeeeew...........
 
Carbon Footprint is not nearly as small as proponents would like you to think. Many electrical sources are carbon burning, The amount of carbon released in the production of the vehicle often outpaces much larger vehicles and then you have the battery to dispose of.

Oh but I know, if you are against electric or hybrid vehicles, you hate mother earth.
 
Carbon Footprint is not nearly as small as proponents would like you to think. Many electrical sources are carbon burning, The amount of carbon released in the production of the vehicle often outpaces much larger vehicles and then you have the battery to dispose of.

Oh but I know, if you are against electric or hybrid vehicles, you hate mother earth.


...and the electric power used to charge the batteries on these cars usually comes from....

...wait for it...

...COAL fired power plants!


Hellooooooo...


Don't get me wrong. I'll be all for 'alternative' energy powered cars WHEN THEY CAN DO WHAT MY GAS POWERED CARS CAN DO FOR THE SAME MONEY. IOW, when they can STAND ON THEIR OWN in the mkt place - "I'm there" (as the Taco Bell Chihuahua would say).
 
The battery cost/mile is a huge concern and the recycling - non green - footprint it represents is simply not correctly portrayed. Period. For now, its a feel good bandaid, that although represents a worthy and important beginning, just isn't what the shiny brochure says it is.
 
Pockets, Most probably don't know about Taco Time. A high quality Mex-American fast food chain in the North west. Totally shames places like Taco Bell. I am sure other areas have their own higher quality places, specially in the south west.

Pockets, I had to drive down to Olympia last weekend. The Prius was without a doubt, the single most common make on the road going there and back. Of course the left lane was clogged with Prius Hyper-milers going 5mph under the limit as the rest of us roared by in the right lanes.

I was disappointed to read the Prius is the most popular 2 wheel drive vehicle for State Government (non-police) purchase. :frown
 
Of course the left lane was clogged with Prius Hyper-milers going 5mph under the limit as the rest of us roared by in the right lanes.

...that's probably THEE biggest aggravation on the road...next to the clowns who'll sit on a side road and wait until you get right on toppa them before pulling right out in front of you and THEN refusing to get within even 10 mph of the limit. 'Love those people too...especially when there's nothing but "double yellow lines" ahead for miles. :mad :bang
 
...that's probably THEE biggest aggravation on the road...next to the clowns who'll sit on a side road and wait until you get right on toppa them before pulling right out in front of you and THEN refusing to get within even 10 mph of the limit. 'Love those people too...especially when there's nothing but "double yellow lines" ahead for miles. :mad :bang

:agree:

IMO a Prius isn't safe to drive much over 80 MPH. I have seen some doing over that for extended periods of time. The car at that speed can't turn or stop well it all. Assuming a "legal road", I would feel safer going 120 in a FGT than 80 in a Prius.
 
:agree:

IMO a Prius isn't safe to drive much over 80 MPH. I have seen some doing over that for extended periods of time. The car at that speed can't turn or stop well it all. Assuming a "legal road", I would feel safer going 120 in a FGT than 80 in a Prius.

You guys are funny. Traffic at 730 am is 10mph but in the carpool lane it's 45 or better. Can't do 80 in any car. And if someone parks next to me I can still get out of my car.

EP, I have 300 solar panels generating my electricity. But I suppose panels are made by some inefficient process. Whatever, diff strokes... Not a liberal, just like the car and the carpool lane, getting to work faster, not having to stop and fill up. Wave to me when I pass you :)
 
My wife has a Prius I a drive it whenever I can if the trip is less than 20 miles. I can't take sitting in it any longer than about 30 mins. The gas mileage is great compare to all of my other cars.
 
Whatever, diff strokes...

Absolutely! 'Couldn't agree more! Like I said before, I'm glad they work for you!


Wave to me when I pass you :)

'Never gunna happen! When you're driving to WORK - Pockets is still in the feathers!!! :lol :thumbsup
 
'Never gunna happen! When you're driving to WORK - Pockets is still in the feathers!!! :lol :thumbsup[/QUOTE]

Ok, I concede, you win!
 
Absolutely! 'Couldn't agree more! Like I said before, I'm glad they work for you!




'Never gunna happen! When you're driving to WORK - Pockets is still in the feathers!!! :lol :thumbsup

You will never pass EP on the road unless is wife is driving. :lol
 
'Never gunna happen! When you're driving to WORK - Pockets is still in the feathers!!! :lol :thumbsup

Ok, I concede, you win!

'Mess with an OLE GUY, huh! THAT oughta learn ya!



You will never pass EP on the road unless is wife is driving. :lol

You keep outta this, Clinton!
 
BM SoCal

I am glad it is not a political statement for you. Sounds like it is all about the practicality of it. :thumbsup

Up here, for 98% of the owner/drivers, it is all about the politics. Sorry to have inferred that onto you. (correct grammar?)
 
BM SoCal

I am glad it is not a political statement for you. Sounds like it is all about the practicality of it. :thumbsup

Up here, for 98% of the owner/drivers, it is all about the politics. Sorry to have inferred that onto you. (correct grammar?)

Exactly, thanks. Not about the fuel dollars either. Really it's a nice car to drive and like a mini Caddy inside. Like it better than my cts-v coupe (since traded for a Denali XL). I will say I also like not sending my dollars to the Middle East.