So I'm planning on buying a Hybrid.

[Initech]

I went to a Honda dealership yesterday and I really liked the Civic Hybrid. After finding out that it's in my price range, it became my top choice.

Does anyone here have any experience with buying Hybrids? Is there anything I need to know before hand?

[CabalPowered]

1. While it is under active consideration right now..

...Congress may (should) bring back the tax incentive. If I saw that coming down the pipe, I would consider holding off until then.

Beyond the tax issue, both the Honda and the Toyota hybrids are great! I drive a Prius but have also driven the Hondas.

[Initech]

14. In CA, hybrid owners get to drive solo in the car pool lane.

That's worth it right there.

[cally]

22. CA is almost out of stickers and it will require new legislation

to issue more. The carpool lanes are too crowded so it is not certain they will decide to issue more from what I've read. I just got my stickers and was ecstatic since our local newspapers were indicating that DMV will start rejecting requests soon. Don't buy a hybrid for that reason alone.

[Initech]

23. That's not the only reason.

I pay a lot for gas as it is since living in Southern California, you need a car to get anywhere. Buying a Hybrid would save me a lot of money on gas in the long run.

[benddem]

2. I have a prius

with all the bells and whistles. There are certain trick that you can use to increase your mpg.
I love it, it is like driving a computer. They are so quiet. Big problem in parking lots, people walking can't hear the car and don't move out of the way. I get better gas mileage on long hauls rather than in town, but as I incorporate the tricks into my driving town mileage is getting better.
Good luck. Besides what you save in gas money you are also contributing less pollution to the environment.

[salin]

4. I have found the same as you

I also get better mileage on longer drives - and in warmer weather. In the snow and cold we have had the past week it isn't quite as great mileage wise (still far better than my old mazda) - and it handles like a little champ in the snow (I was very worried because it is so light.) The other parking lot problem is that if the only available space is between to huge SUVs - it is hard to back out of the spot later - as visibility over/around those bohemoths is nil. I love my prius.

[HockeyMom]

3. My husband bought a Civic Hybrid last April

He said he gets great mileage, IF he doesn't run the A/C. Living in South Florida, that is the majority of the year. Although I didn't drive it, it was a nice ride and comfortable car.

[cally]

5. I love my Prius

but be prepared to get substantially less mileage than they advertise. My only complaint is that trying to up your gas mileage is addictive. I've been known to coast home just to up my gas mileage. I also find that my mileage goes down when it's cold outside.

[mod mom]

29. I love my Prius as well. We researched the mileage issue (consumer report

had an article on actual mileage) and selected Prius. Also both me and my husband had been Saab drivers, liking the quirky looks and we felt the Prius stood out where the Honda looked like many others.

[nashville_brook]

6. i have the Civic Hybrid -- love it

and no -- there's really nothing i can think of except be prepared to love it. it's a great car.

after driving more performance-oriented cars, i am constantly amazed and pleased with how quiet and peaceful it is to drive this car. it's very comfy.

[B Calm]

7. Why are they so damn expensive?

[sakabatou]

9. A lot of people are buying it

The price goes up. Not to mention that it's "fairly new" tech.

Just my two cents.

[B Calm]

11. Corporatism at it's finest moment in history. Profits over Terrorism.

[Initech]

13. This one isn't that bad compared to some I've been looking at.

After trade-in and down payment, the monthly payments will be about the same as the car I have now.

[lectrobyte]

15. Because they have battery packs and motor-generators and more

computers and stuff than a regular car. Why is an SUV so expensive, when it's basically just a truck with a station wagon body?

[B Calm]

19. I always thought SUV's look like a pickup with and old mans topper

on the back.. Pickups are expensive too..

[undeterred]

8. Animal - Human?

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Clark2008]

10. I was going to congratulate you on having the money to do that

then I opened the thread.

That's the problem with hybrids - they're so much more expensive than regular cars so that only people who can afford them can buy them. :(

Also, I haven't found one I really like.

[ms liberty]

12. My MIL has a Civic Hybrid, her husband has an Accord Hybrid...

they love them; they get approximately the same in gas mileage as the sticker claims. We're looking at our next car being a Hybrid, or a diesel that we can run as bio-diesel, but we're about 2-3 years from that, so we've not made any decisions yet.

I'd recommend the Hondas, and though I don't have any personal experience with a Prius, I've heard a lot of good things about them, too.

[roody]

21. I'm driving a VW Golf on biodiesel

made from waste oil. I am looking forward to a diesel hybrid, soon I hope.

[ms liberty]

25. Wow - we've got an '03 GTI VR6, which I absolutely love...

6 speed, it's so fast and handles like a dream. It's mr liberty's baby, so I rarely get to drive it. As much as I want a vehicle that's enviro-friendly, I'm also torn...I've never bought a brand new car for myself, and I want something fast and sporty! It's one reason I've been thinking about the diesel/bio-diesel option, because it seems so 'wrong' to not be responsible.

[roody]

27. Is that a VW?

VW has some zippy, sporty diesels. Have fun!

[ms liberty]

28. Yes, it's...

the top-of-the-line Golf. When mr liberty saw it and then drove it, it became more than just a car, it became his DREAM car! It's got everything - including heated leather seats, the most awesome accessory ever in the history of the universe, as far as I'm concerned!

[roody]

30. Wow! This car with 6 cylinders must be fun!

[mtnester]

16. Know that your tax break comes straight off the tax...

not the gross....don't forget about it! Friends of ours told us if they had not bought a hybrid, last year they would be paying the IRS an additional $3200.00 just like me and hubby are (talk about a piece of mail from the accountant that made me sit down and cry in the middle of the kitchen!...bye bye vacation) They withhold single, zero, with extra taken out each check, just like hubby and I...so the tax break was extremely hopeful to them.

[dysfunctional press]

17. the reasons that i won't be buying a hybrid-

they're too expensive, and we recently moved to a rural area, with virtually no stop-and-go driving.

[Zoigal]

18. Hybrid cars-Prius

We love our Prius..47-50 mpg around town, roomy (we have two BIG dogs and they both fit in the back), very
comfortable riding. Had it two years and no problems. Almost no emissions as well. Fun to drive, too. However,
we've heard/read great things about the Honda too but it was too small to accomodate our pooches.

[Orsino]

20. We love the hybrid Accord and Prius.

The most hybrid bang for the buck these days, though, may be the Civic's. Impressive.

[AlCzervik]

26. i wish Honda had made the hybrid for the 4cy. I have the regular 3cy accord.

[spanone]

24. I've got the Honda. Had mine since 03. Love it. 46 to 49 mpg

I'd recommend it highly.