Interesting read. Looks like the way the hybrids handle stopping and starting artificially inflates their EPA estimated mileage. http://www.wired.com/news/autotech/0,2554,63413,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_1 Heck, I get close to 30 in my S-10, even better when it's all highway. Why go hybrid? - Freed
Went to a new car show recently - compared to the diesel VW Bugs the hybrids are at best comparable, and mostly not as good...
My parents bought a Toyota Prius last year. I borrowed it and checked the car's computer. Their average was just under 50, 49.7 to be axact. And that was for the last 3500 or so miles. If you buy one of these cars and then floor it every time you take off because you want the same acceleration as a regular car with a V6 or V8, that's what'll happen. They're not quick off the line, never meant to be. But if you drive them normally, you get the good gas mileage. Just my $.02.
Hmm, my buddies' SBC S-10 gets just below Freed's average, and it's only a 3 speed auto! Of course, that's with "un-spirited" driving. Mileage and power without the high technology... I likes it!
Back in the mid-80's my folks had VW Rabbit diesel that got 45 mpg highway. It sure doesn't sound like there has been much improvement in 20 years! What year are those S-10's? My 89 S-10 Blazer gets max about 17 highway.
Most vehicles do pretty well on the highway. Even our Tahoe gets about 20 on the highway. It's in the midst of traffic that really counts in this town. Stop-go-stop-go-stop-sit there. Houston is actually ideal for the hybrids. Flat and nothing but traffic lights. The next daily driver will probably be in that category. Had an S-10 a few years ago. A '90, 4.3L, bought brand new. Excellent torque. Early in its life it easily got well into the 20s highway and around 18-20 in town. 12 years and many, many miles later, it struggled to get 17. I'd heard that the 4.3L tended to develop major internal problems late in life. But even half falling apart on the inside, it managed to be unbelievably reliable.
Mine's a 2wd 91 S-10 with a 4.3l and 700r. I put in a new alternator at 75k, tranny at 90k, brakes at 100k, and distributor cap at 120k, and that's about it. Right now she needs a new AC compressor, exhaust, and speedo drive and has a little leak at the rear main seal, but it has been a great truck. I'm sitting at around 155k, and I would buy another one without hesitation. - Freed
Guess I don't feel so bad about my 2001 Chevy 2500 HD w/6.0 litre. I took a trip to Tennesse and averaged 18.2 mpg running 75-80 mph with the 4.10 gears. Gets 15-16 towing GS in an enclosed trailer.
Freed, My Blazer also is the 4.3 700R4 setup but with 4WD. It has 145000 miles and I've done lots of little things. Rotor, alternator, transfer case, water pump, fuel pump, etc. I've been very happy with it. I imagine yours is lighter as a pickup but 17 vs. 30 mpg seems like too much difference to be explained by the weight and 2WD vs. 4WD.
Don't buy a Ford gas V8. They are the worst gas suckers I've ever seen. Even on HWY driving. Nothing but 10mpg or less...no matter how much you baby it. Unbelievable. Of course I hammer the heck out of my 8.1L Silverado 2500, and I get horrible mileage, but I expect it. I don't have time to drive like granny when I work.
Absolutely right, Adam. Fords have always been terrible in the efficiency department. Several neighbors have Ford pickups and Expeditions - couldn't get to 14mpg on a downhill coast. GM blows them away here. Our Tahoe (with a larger V8) gets at least 18 on the highway - and that's at 80mph+. If I keep the speed closer to 70, I can clear 20mpg.
Hybrids and such I have to disagree with you guys. My 2003 super cab, 4x4 F150 with a 5.4L got 18.0 mpg last year while going to BG. That's no trailer of course. Pulling my enclosed trailer I did get 10.5 with it traveling 55-60 or so. I think some of the comparisons the board memebers are a bit askew. How does a diesel bug compare to a hybrid SUV? I don't think the bug can travel all the places the Escape can (off road). Isn't the hybrid Escape a 4x4? HTH
I know that 4wd makes a huge difference. Here's four other potential differences too: 1) I _ALWAYS_ drive in overdrive, and I have a pretty light foot. 2) I think one of my fuel injectors is going bad and is running a little on the light side. (Long story. They both fire, but I have my reasons to think one of them has problems.) 3) My exhaust rusted off right after the cat, so my exhaust may be somewhat less restricted than yours. 4) My daily commute is about 2 miles streets/24 miles highway. - Freed
Phillip, Do you know how long the batteries last? What will they cost to replace? Are they covered by the warranty? Just curious. -Bob Cunningham
Supposedly, on the latest design of the Prius, Toyota claims the batteries are good for at least 150k. I don't know what the actual warranty is. I'm sure the replacement cost is quite high - I'd guess a couple thousand. While the higher price of gas does hurt (especially when it changes so quickly - although my bet is that it's not headed back down anytime soon) it's only one of the many costs of an automobile. By far the highest is still depreciation. Is it worth it to spend $25k to save a bit on gas? Your depreciation the first year is easily costing you $500/month. You have to take a look at the WHOLE cost of owning the car for the time you expect to own it. Unless you drive at least 100 miles a day, you'd have to weigh things carefully. I have to say that the higher price has improved my driving habits. I've toned it down a bit with major mpg improvements. For the daily driver (Camry) I now see mid 20s in commuting and low 30s highway. In the Centurion I get around 11.5 commuting and 13-14 highway. Not bad for a 2 1/2 ton BBB car.
I've read that for most people, the savings in gas doesn't amount to enough to justify the extra expense over a comparable all gasoline-powered car. I also question the cost and longevity of the batteries.
Freed, I didn't realize 4WD would make such a difference and I do more city than highway driving but it seems 17 is the best I get highway and typically run 14-16 around town. I've thought about putting a less restrictive exhaust on too. After 145K the cat is probably not flowing all that well.
