yea also hybrids arent just about mileage, its also about lowering pollution

 

true, but most people care just as much if not more about MPG than the polution.

 

Good Idea! A variety is a good thing.
(Note: Just don't bring back the NHW11 body style )

 

what was the NHW11 body style? was that the "echo-based" prius?

 

^ I think so... ...that thing was hideous.

 

yeah :vomit: :puke:

 

I've got a Prius, and I average 53-56 mpg...so I don't know why someone's mom is only averaging in the 40's...have her pump up the tire pressure...

I think the different body styles would be cool. I like the fact the hybrid looks completely different than just a regular version with a hybrid engine.

Here's a cool idea...hybrid xB, with solar panel roof for extra battery charging...

 

I know the reason she only gets 40, she "guns" the engine, (on,off,on,off the gas) so you get sea sick while she's driving. So as soon as the synergy drive "Catches up" she lets off the gas, then hits it again.

(It's my mom)

 

it is hard to break even in terms of gas consumption in a hybrid considering the premium in cost. i read something that said it takes 10 years/100,000 miles to break even. if you buy a hybrid, you are doing it more so for the earth not the money. the 'performance' hybrids widen the gap even further.

 

Try commuting 120 miles a day...that 100K comes alot quicker than you think. We'll hit that easily before the car is even paid off. So for our situation it's perfect and definitly worth it. (Got the car last March 2005 and it's at 60K miles already)

 

Wow, that'll be like a VW TDI's been getting for YEARS! I even had an '87 gasser Nova that got 42MPG. We're getting hosed.

 

Like I said up a lil higer, she guns the engine a lot, so the HSD (hybrid synergy drive) doesn't really get to work that much. She drove better on her last tank, and was at about 50 for the tank.

 

soo, lets get a little math lesson going...lol

forget the years to break even...if a car just sits around it will never break even...

now, if your source claims it takes 100,000 miles...
at the older average 12,000 / year the break point is 8.3 years
at the newer average 15,000 / year the break point is 6.6 years

i won't even mention that those numbers were based on fuel costing 2.00 a gal how much less would it be now with fuel costing 3.35 (lowest price average i could find, it is more in other areas)