Lets talk hybrids

[Lazarus]

So in the beginning I just totally wrote them off because they seemed confusion and high maintenance and slow and futuro-cheesy. Now with driving alot more and hybrids having access to the HOV lane my wife wants one. I'm looking to get some feedback/information on whats different about them maintenance wises, driving wise.

Looking at the new Lexus HS hybrid they said you get 35 mpg and it has a 14.5 gal tank. which equals about 507 miles to the tank if you actually get 35mpg and use all 14.5 gal of gas. Realistically you'd probably be seeing 448 miles to the tank (say 32mpg and using 14 gal of gas) thats not too far off from my G35 which gets about 410-420 mpt (miles per tank). Now I'm wondering if the Lexus is even worth it. You'd be spending about $40 to fill up vs the $45-$47 it takes to fill up the G, but then you have to factor in any additional maintenance cost.

Although riding in the HOV lane has some benefit. I told myself she should just get a bike.

[impalanar]

Hybrids can use the HOV lane now?

[zxsexr]

IMO I think they are pointless. They don't really get better MPG than a well driven 4 or 6 cyl. Heck there are v8's that can get 25-30mpg if driven right. I could get 30mpg in my 350z on the interstate. They are also a lot more expensive as far as parts and labor.(atleast thats what my Auto tech teacher says)

[Lazarus]

Hybrids can use the HOV lane now?

Thats what she says. Heck if I know I get on 285 before the HOV lane but according to this site clean emissions vehicles can ride.

http://www.dot.state.ga.us/TRAVELINGINGEORGIA/hovlanes/Pages/LUV-the-HOV.aspx

The Lexus HS is certified as a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II)

[impalanar]

I bet you still get pulled over.

[Lazarus]

I bet you still get pulled over.

Of course because jerkwad cops dont know the laws they are supposed to be enforcing.

[TroyBoy30]

that says


Compressed natural gas vehicles
Electric cars
Motorcycles

the lexus is none of those

[coolbreeze]

Aren't these the Fords that have the green leaf on them? I thought only the government used the Compressed Natural Gas cars. I've never seen anyone outside of the government in one.

[Lazarus]

that says


Compressed natural gas vehicles
Electric cars
Motorcycles

the lexus is none of those

It said "clean emissions vehicles such as" That list isn't all inclusive. If you rode a scooter which technically isnt a motorcycle you would be ok.

[TroyBoy30]

if you are running highway speeds it aint a clean emissions vehicle!

[Lazarus]

if you are running highway speeds it aint a clean emissions vehicle!

orly?

[Lazarus]

Not sure whats going on with it. Some people in this thread said yes, some said not yet.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/13275-no-hov-lane-prius-in-georgia.html

[bigb996]

IMO I think they are pointless. They don't really get better MPG than a well driven 4 or 6 cyl. Heck there are v8's that can get 25-30mpg if driven right. I could get 30mpg in my 350z on the interstate. They are also a lot more expensive as far as parts and labor.(atleast thats what my Auto tech teacher says)

i agree, for what they cost you can get a quality non hybrid car that will get equal to better gas mileage. The only thing your improving is your city mpg anyways, doesnt change hwy hardly at all. So if your commuting all hwy then whats the point?

[Lazarus]

i agree, for what they cost you can get a quality non hybrid car that will get equal to better gas mileage. The only thing your improving is your city mpg anyways, doesnt change hwy hardly at all. So if your commuting all hwy then whats the point?

Oh ok. Meh might be going back to the A4.

[Zippo475]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/01/porsche-918-spyder-plug-in-hybrid-concept-gets-78-mpg-hits-62-m/

^ Only hybrid I would consider buying :P

[chris948]

Thats what she says. Heck if I know I get on 285 before the HOV lane but according to this site clean emissions vehicles can ride.

http://www.dot.state.ga.us/TRAVELINGINGEORGIA/hovlanes/Pages/LUV-the-HOV.aspx

The Lexus HS is certified as a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II)

I don't thing logically SELEV II is the same as clean emmisions. Probably not a coincidence they only list vehicles that don't need to pass an emmissions test at all get to ride alone in the HOV lane. If i had to guess I would say if if you need that yearly report you probably aren't an HOV exception.

[dzone]

Jesus dude read your own link:

Hybrid Vehicles
Currently, hybrid vehicles are not eligible for the Georgia Alternate Fuel License Plates. Therefore, single-occupant hybrid vehicles cannot use the HOV lanes - the same prohibition as for conventional-powered vehicles.

[DICKIEDOO]

The TRUTH about hybrids, from a guy who drives one 50k miles per year.

You chicken fuc#ers are cute with you links and general nonsenses. I drive a 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that has about 43k miles on it since last year when I got it. Here's the shakedown...

1. You cannot drive in the HOV lane in GA legally, not yet anyways.
2. I do get much better mileage (27-25) than any other mid sized SUV on the road that I've ever owned.
3. The repair costs are the exact same as non-hybrid vehicles, minus the batteries needing repair.
4. They do cost more to buy, and you'd need to own one for a long time (roughly 10 years) for it to pay itself off.
5. They are fun to drive.
6. My gas pedal is fine.
7. They get better mileage in town than on the highway.
8. They do hold their value pretty well.
9. The tax write offs are pretty sweet
10. I wouldn't buy one if for my personal car mainly because I do not keep vehicles long enough to warrant the investment.

[louie3]

when are the hydrogen powered cars going to be available in the rest of the U.S.? they have em in california. to me that seems like the way to go for the future as a daily driver.

[Barton72]

Thought you meant hybrid bass.