C
a hyped product doesn't have to be bad. I am also thinking about buying a new hybrid so maybe we are both idiots.(1) Am I being an idiot falling for the eco-friendly hype?
The civic has slightly weaker acceleration, slightly worse fuel economy and slightly higer emissions. -slightly-(2) Is there much difference between the two performance-wise?
Both Honda and Toyota have 3 yr guarantees. Toyota has 8yrs guarantee on the hybrid parts. You're probably right though that you will have to pay maintenance at a main dealer.(3) Are there any hidden dangers/expenses in buying these seeing as they are relatively new technology e.g. service, maintenance & repairs: will I be forced to go back to the dealer every time due to a general lack of knowledge about these cars amongst independent mechanics?
Prius had its last major upgrade in 2004. Next one due 2009/2010. You should get around 20% off by buying a year old car. I want to buy a high spec model and it seems that the price of options is discounted very rapidly so I think I'll go for a 1-3 year old car.(4) Seeing as the tecnology is relatively new, would I be better off to buy a brand new one, or is there any value to be had in buying a 1 or 2 year old one?
people usually buy at the start of the year to improve residual values. This is a special year, though as the annual motor tax is going down in July from 313-100 per year and VRT rates are changing on hybrids although exact details have not yet been explained. I can't imagine that a lot of hybrid cars will be sold in the first half of 2008.(6) Is there an optimum time in the year to change your car...start, middle, end, close to end of any of the 4 quarters, etc, etc.
It is good to get a friend to negotiate on your behalf. Some people enjoy it - I know I do - and it's easier for some reason to negotiate for a third party. I don't think men are better at negotiating than women. I asked the local toyota dealer what his 'best price' was for a new car and he took 6% off right away. So I reckon you could get 9% off.(7) I'm female...should I send a male friend in to buy the car for me....will they automatically get a better deal
Presumably, about the same carbon as shipping non-hybrid models from Japan?Do any of you know how much carbon is thrown into the air in shipping each of these models over from Japan...
Presumably, about the same carbon as shipping non-hybrid models from Japan?
All of these are smaller cars than the Prius and not directly comparable. For comparable cars see : http://www.euroncap.com/large_family_car.aspxcorolla
polo
megane
306
all have mid size good diesels that are way ahead of any gimic hybrid.
A car in the same class as a prius such as an Avensis diesel 2.0 weighs more than a prius. I guess that's because an Avensis has a diesel engine that outweighs a 1.5l petrol engine plus batteries.The hybrids still have to carry extra kg's of batteries and motors to do the electric bit. They are not as good as the small diesel. Fact
Yea, but vegetarianism is counter-evolutionary, just get a European made car with an efficient diesel engine.Don't buy a hybrid to save the planet - there are much better ways. For example, if you switch from eating meat to becoming a vegetarian, this will lessen your carbon footprint by the same amount as switching from a 3 litre SUV to riding a bicycle.
Driving a hybrid car is more a statement about the kind of person you want to be - rather than really doing somehing to save the planet.
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