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JT Moderator	Message Posted: May 26, 2012 11:01:00 PM Ignore JT Report Abuse What is the primary reason not to buy a hybrid/electric vehicle? Costs Range Reliability Performance Other None Post your thoughts about this poll below.

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Message Posted: May 26, 2012 11:01:00 PM

Ignore JT Report Abuse

What is the primary reason not to buy a hybrid/electric vehicle?
Costs
Range
Reliability
Performance
Other
None

Post your thoughts about this poll below.

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CrackedLCD Champion Author Alabama Posts:9,020 Points:1,752,875 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Jun 3, 2012 1:25:37 AM Ignore CrackedLCD Report Abuse bulbous that's strange, I've driven a few TDIs and never had cold starting problems even during cold snowy Ontario monrings. Plus, unless the fuel is 30% higher than petrol it's still a better deal than the equivalent gasser model. Sure the Prius is more efficient, but the VW TDI remains a good alternate choice for highway drivers. In my area gas is about $3.299 and for diesel to lose 100% of its savings it'd have to cost me $4.809. Which it doesn't, even at the most expensive Shells in town. It's more like $3.699. But like an earlier poster, the missing option for me is 'because it doesn't meet my needs'. I need to travel and that negates electric. And hybrids don't do any better than my TDI on the highway and have less passing power for the most part. If people really want CHEAP motoring they wouldn't buy NEW ANYTHING and instead go for a late model blandmobile like a Corolla or Civic… minimal maintenance costs will more than offset the slightly more consumptive fuel costs. In the end either would beat out a new Prius or TDI or Leaf or whatever.
bulbous Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,590 Points:112,260 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jun 3, 2012 1:09:59 AM Ignore bulbous Report Abuse RX7racer, i don't know what canadien diesel costs,but the price in the us is sometimes $.40 to $1.00/gallon higher than gas.also a vw tdi costs more than a prius according to consumer reports gets fewer mpg.my vw diesel was always unreliable in cold weather,i don't know about the tdi cold weather starting.i owned 3vws and after i had the diesel i promised i would never buy another. my first vw was a bettle with no air conditioning and a warm air heater that blew snow out the defrosters in cold weather.i will say it never failed to start until it dropped a valve through the top of a piston at 90000 miles and i junked it.all my vws were junked,since then i have driven buicks,hondas,&toyotos and always had something to sell to cover part of my next car. [Edited by: bulbous at 6/3/2012 2:10:56 AM EST]
Lou08 Champion Author California Posts:1,084 Points:252,410 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Jun 3, 2012 12:57:55 AM Ignore Lou08 Report Abuse I post this poll many times on this subject. It's easy points!
rx7racerca Champion Author Calgary Posts:4,192 Points:1,111,145 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 9:14:21 PM Ignore rx7racerca Report Abuse Something like a Prius, or a Fusion hybrid is a good bet, IF you can swing the price, especially if you do a lot of city driving and live in an area with high gas prices, like SoCal. But most hybrids out there just won't pay for the up-front premium of the hybrid over an equivalent gas model. Something like a new Focus, Mazda3 Skyactiv, are quite fuel efficient mainstream gasoline cars, and something like a Golf TDI will pay for it's higher up-front cost quicker in savings than even a Prius.
rohiah10 Sophomore Author Boston Posts:157 Points:715,385 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 8:59:17 PM Ignore rohiah10 Report Abuse I'm afraid of getting hit in the rear from the crazy tailgaters. While I teach driving, I rather work with conventional models.
DirtDauber Champion Author San Antonio Posts:6,771 Points:1,625,510 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 8:48:48 PM Ignore DirtDauber Report Abuse Lots of reasons. Costs, Performance, but my thought is how reliable are they? A bunch of unknowns to deal with.
bulbous Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,590 Points:112,260 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 6:49:10 PM Ignore bulbous Report Abuse if you operate a prius hybrid,the only recharging is done by coasting and braking.no electric costs and saving the brakes too!!!if you add a plugin battery pack you can increase your mpg to 75mpg.the electric cost for me at $.15/kw for full charge is $1/day.well worth it. i've always loved aerodynamic styling and practicality,the prius is both stylish and practicle.the add on battery fits in the spare tire well with the charger and the spare tire and a fire extinguisher.someone got the idea the battery might catch fire like a regular battery,if some idiot tried to smoke it.[or too near it] NO!!i don't sell toyotos or own their stock, but the prius is the perfect car for me.i still have a 4x4pu,but rarely drive it,that's what is way too costly in this age of gasoline prices=to the rest of the world. save your money,i am.
gaspumpin Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,660 Points:386,530 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 5:55:20 PM Ignore gaspumpin Report Abuse I question whether or not the hybrids are really any greater for the environment than what we already have.
GottaHaveMoreCowbell Rookie Author Twin Cities Posts:70 Points:901,900 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 5:54:14 PM Ignore GottaHaveMoreCowbell Report Abuse I voted OTHER because this option was missing: "Not the right solution for the driving need at hand" There are a lot of different needs, and no one type of vehicle works for all of them. Nobody's towing a 6,000 pound trailer with a Civic, a family of 8 isn't going to do too well with a Smart Fortwo, and a diesel 1-ton truck is not the right solution for a city commuter.
gaspumpin Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,660 Points:386,530 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 5:48:22 PM Ignore gaspumpin Report Abuse High 5 to deanhigh -- I'm with you!
deanhigh Rookie Author Fresno Posts:6 Points:2,270 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 5:24:59 PM Ignore deanhigh Report Abuse I'm an ASE certified mechanic. I remember doing smog tests on Chryslers and Toyotas in the early 90s and finding zero output for toxic exhaust substances. Nowadays, nearly all vehicles are doing as well. Since carbon dioxide is necessary for both plant life and human life and the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is a fraction of one percent, I won't get into that silly discussion any farther. You may as well discuss the greenhouse dangers of oxygen and water vapors which make up nearly nearly one hundred percent of our atmosphere. As for Reliability, the Toyota Prius and the Hondas seem to do very well. Mechanics only get the problem cars (not counting folks who just see me for regular maintenance), so I'm giving them a pretty high rating here. Regarding Range, you simply need to do the shopping for information on which car has what. Performance out of cheap cars has always been a bit rare. But you can get plenty of acceleration out of a Tesla for about $100k. This brings me to Costs. They're not really cheap cars (economy cars) when they cost thousands more for the electric option. The replacement batteries are extremely expensive and batteries don't last 150k miles like somebody else in this thread posted. Well, I guess they could if you drive your car nonstop for more than 2 hours every day. You're exceedingly lucky to get ten years out of any automotive battery. The average is closer to three years. If you really want to save money, do like I do when I ride my bike to work and back every day. Twenty three miles a day on a bicycle can be a wonderful experience with a beach cruiser, a nice big well padded seat and a basket for groceries and other things. It's also a cure for hypocrites who like to drive an ugly Prius to show off to their friends how much they care about the envioronment when a Prius, all the while, has a tail pipe and carbon dioxide emissions.
dbecks44 Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,337 Points:430,480 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 5:19:36 PM Ignore dbecks44 Report Abuse I'm going with the toxicity of the battery manufacturing and disposal.
Bonanza Champion Author Boston Posts:12,075 Points:2,549,055 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 5:14:12 PM Ignore Bonanza Report Abuse cost
Atmonauti Rookie Author British Columbia Posts:6 Points:20,485 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 5:12:09 PM Ignore Atmonauti Report Abuse Cost will come down in the coming years with better power storage options. btw First post here. :) Love the site! Has anyone seen who killed the electric car? probably a bit late on that one but still a great film!
ericalee34 Rookie Author Ohio Posts:10 Points:3,330 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 4:20:55 PM Ignore ericalee34 Report Abuse Cost too much even though their good for the environment.
40MPGUSA Rookie Author New Jersey Posts:1 Points:120 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 2:50:41 PM Ignore 40MPGUSA Report Abuse Not only are hybrids are expensive to buy, but it also costs $3,000 to replace the battery every 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Not to mention the toxic battery pollution disposal issues. In addition, let's be honest here, a Prius is ugly and not very fun to drive. Better to buy a Volkswagon TDI (Clean Diesel) and get 40 MPG in a car that has less emissions than a Prius, has no battery issues, and will smoke a Prius off the line anytime. [Edited by: 40MPGUSA at 6/2/2012 3:51:54 PM EST]
chui Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,902 Points:2,365,555 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 2:16:58 PM Ignore chui Report Abuse COST!!!!!!
Effincrazy Rookie Author Iowa Posts:53 Points:57,025 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 1:43:01 PM Ignore Effincrazy Report Abuse Costs Range Reliability Performance Other
lnthomp Sophomore Author Midland Odessa Posts:107 Points:804,525 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 1:23:36 PM Ignore lnthomp Report Abuse As with many people here, I selected "other" meaning all of the above.
bigmaccal Rookie Author California Posts:49 Points:97,915 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 1:06:29 PM Ignore bigmaccal Report Abuse cost is high still i wont buy yet
keo Champion Author Colorado Posts:10,245 Points:2,032,890 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 1:04:55 PM Ignore keo Report Abuse Cost
Bill8177 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:585 Points:841,205 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:56:21 PM Ignore Bill8177 Report Abuse Who would buy a electric car what with the price of battery
SuperMoto Champion Author Connecticut Posts:1,006 Points:1,577,190 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:16:53 PM Ignore SuperMoto Report Abuse Costs Range Reliability Performance
pulpwood Champion Author Mississippi Posts:7,379 Points:1,859,605 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:09:11 PM Ignore pulpwood Report Abuse $
Gazzaholic Rookie Author Ontario Posts:3 Points:360 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 11:52:37 AM Ignore Gazzaholic Report Abuse I like big vehicles like pickups & large suv's . I can put a lot of gas in my tank to cover just the $3000 tax on a new electric/hybrid car . Gas is still cheap enough to keep my big wheels.
DeeDeeMT Rookie Author Montana Posts:7 Points:450 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 11:47:59 AM Ignore DeeDeeMT Report Abuse The cost of power is high,have enough trouble trying to pay my power bill
OKRifle Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:10,392 Points:1,808,335 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 11:30:38 AM Ignore OKRifle Report Abuse Cost!
JAM11MS All-Star Author Mississippi Posts:830 Points:451,175 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 10:06:43 AM Ignore JAM11MS Report Abuse all of the above (except none)
zacksnanny Champion Author New Brunswick Posts:1,633 Points:2,200,850 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 9:37:06 AM Ignore zacksnanny Report Abuse Cost
AlTraveler All-Star Author Alabama Posts:596 Points:1,210,870 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 9:21:42 AM Ignore AlTraveler Report Abuse all of the above
Doc024 Sophomore Author Indianapolis Posts:246 Points:1,011,520 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 9:02:12 AM Ignore Doc024 Report Abuse Cost is way to prohibitive, plus batteries tend to have problems in cold weather..
awillisant Champion Author Mississippi Posts:3,126 Points:604,605 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 8:29:17 AM Ignore awillisant Report Abuse cost
Lengas Champion Author Gary Posts:13,540 Points:2,715,825 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 8:19:44 AM Ignore Lengas Report Abuse All listed plus size and charging stations
zorro123 Rookie Author Twin Cities Posts:3 Points:71,325 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 8:16:10 AM Ignore zorro123 Report Abuse First off cars are expensive and these cars fetch a premium. The next thing is that most of these cars don't deliver the promised fuel economy. So why should I sacrifice the range for fuel economy and performance when most of these cars only deliver a little better than a gasoline or diesel engine? The next issue is that a true electric vehicle you would most likely use more electricity costs than fuel. I think electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles have a long way to go before they are useful for millions of people.
jorjab Sophomore Author Philadelphia Posts:155 Points:1,151,150 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 7:31:49 AM Ignore jorjab Report Abuse cost, if electric only then add range unless you strictly want a car for short distance commuting.
chuckles1_69 Rookie Author Indiana Posts:2 Points:365 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 7:25:39 AM Ignore chuckles1_69 Report Abuse cost and range
Foxt Champion Author Minnesota Posts:5,250 Points:2,018,380 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 7:10:41 AM Ignore Foxt Report Abuse They kinda all fit as a reason not to buy,
cigarman409 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:4,426 Points:1,824,685 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 6:33:01 AM Ignore cigarman409 Report Abuse reliability in winter weather
cigarman409 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:4,426 Points:1,824,685 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 6:32:31 AM Ignore cigarman409 Report Abuse cost
N9HVP Champion Author Indiana Posts:11,703 Points:2,469,665 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 6:32:28 AM Ignore N9HVP Report Abuse Reliability
pkhdonovan Champion Author Maine Posts:11,996 Points:2,702,880 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 5:14:48 AM Ignore pkhdonovan Report Abuse cost
Ziggy1962 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:5,733 Points:1,808,735 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 4:50:09 AM Ignore Ziggy1962 Report Abuse Cost.
wild3bill Champion Author New York Posts:2,546 Points:1,686,465 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 2:26:32 AM Ignore wild3bill Report Abuse I disagree with your terms: I thinkPurchase Price is different than Costs!
tml721 Champion Author Columbus Posts:12,600 Points:2,387,600 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 11:49:44 PM Ignore tml721 Report Abuse they're nothnig but over hyped junk
NOTSOGRN Champion Author Michigan Posts:2,055 Points:1,509,495 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 11:45:16 PM Ignore NOTSOGRN Report Abuse . . Costs Range Reliability Performance . Picked Other because all the above are enough to not buy.
Lou08 Champion Author California Posts:1,084 Points:252,410 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 10:53:02 PM Ignore Lou08 Report Abuse I don't know but the range might be a serious reason besides the high cost of said vehicle....
houseofj Rookie Author Cleveland Posts:30 Points:721,700 Joined:Sep 2010	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 10:06:56 PM Ignore houseofj Report Abuse Having a hybrid/electric vehicle is it cost (batteries)! But also many of these vehicles are not family cars! My son who had a small car had to buy a large vehicle when his family grew to 5 members.
ladymoondance Rookie Author Raleigh Posts:53 Points:280,690 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 8:56:17 PM Ignore ladymoondance Report Abuse Cost for all of them. Reliability and range for the all-electric ones.
eupgas Veteran Author Michigan Posts:372 Points:679,700 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 8:30:30 PM Ignore eupgas Report Abuse Other - not buying for many years yet. Otherwise cost would be my reason.
GrumpaAB Sophomore Author Edmonton Posts:148 Points:33,900 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 8:23:42 PM Ignore GrumpaAB Report Abuse My biggest concern is battery life and cost of replacing them after 5 yrs. approx., which is what I have heard is the expected life of the hybrid battery system. I test drove a Toyota hybrid and it was a very nice ride. I thought I might like one when I change vehicles in about 4 years.
zacksnanny Champion Author New Brunswick Posts:1,633 Points:2,200,850 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 7:47:30 PM Ignore zacksnanny Report Abuse Cost
Bonanza Champion Author Boston Posts:12,075 Points:2,549,055 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 6:50:41 PM Ignore Bonanza Report Abuse cost