Posted By: phixer (9:40pm 12-21-2008)

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Last post by mountie was another example of people who don't know what they are talking about. Hybrids are and will always be more expensive, to build, maintain, and design. Two powertrains,neither of which will directly work in a conventional vehicle, regenerative braking systems, the transmissions are specialized,high voltage systems that have to be worked on and maintained, extra weight, that means a stronger frame, bigger brakes, more sensors to regulate those powertrains and regulate the batteries so they will not burn out quicker, 3-4K$ for a replacements, not cheap. Then there is the fact there is 2 different battery packs, 12V and 2-300v pack. More energy is initially required to build them, they use more expensive materials, copper for instance.

Posted By: mounties3 (6:21pm 12-21-2008)

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With the economy the way it is, you can't afford a gas powered car, much less a more expensive hybrid... If the auto makers really wanted to make an impact and help the economy, they wouldn't make a hybrid so much more expensive that the value ratio wouldn't be so out of whack...

Posted By: phixer (1:34pm 12-21-2008)

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Yes, all car sales are in the tank, but you would think all these environazis would be snapping up every hybrid available. Again, more talk, no action.

Posted By: mounties3 (11:38am 12-21-2008)

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gmhoover, look at GM... They offer a hybrid Tahoe and Escalade for your towing needs. They also offer diesel trucks to tow and are better fo rthe environment with their newer technology.

Posted By: J (10:18am 12-21-2008)

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OH MY DOG! It must mean that hybrids are a terrible idea, and gas-guzzling Hummers have been vindicated in all of their huge, ugly glory!

No. It's just cars in general. And BTW, Coach, I think the diesel TDI's are great. Having owned VWs, I'd buy one again in a heartbeat.

Posted By: gmhoover (9:22am 12-21-2008)

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Hybrids in the tank? Haven't we all seen that car sales in general are in the tank? The number one selling vehicle again this year was the Ford F-150. Hybrids simply don't meet the needs of the American public. When things get tighter, people are only going to spend money on needs, not wants. What value is a hybrid when I need to pull a trailer or haul gravel? If I am a simple commuter, hybrids simply slow the transition to public transportation. As coach and jkot found out, you simply cannot buy an economy model any more. Even the hybrids are going to be decked out with thousands of dollars of extras that most people don't want or need. Part of the new plan for Detroit should be to concentrate on options of value to the customer and cut out the heated seats, sunroofs, etc. I like some options, but I can find my way around without GPS, and I can listen to local stations without resorting to satelite radio. Produce vehicles which suit peoples needs; that will sell!

Posted By: jkotcon (7:52am 12-21-2008)

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I agree with CoachRZ, I will be in the market for a car next year, but I want great gas mileage, a low price, and not a lot of junk. Twenty years ago, I got a 5-passenger sedan that got 40 MPG for under $10,000. The average comparable model today weighs almost 1000 pounds more, and, no surprise, cannot get comparable gas mileage. Why do I need to keep pushing all that extra weight down the highway, except to boost profits for fatcat auto execs who want to fly their private jets to DC to ask for handouts. Strip em down!

Posted By: Coach RZ (6:50am 12-21-2008)

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I'm not trying to change the subject, but shift to a similar subject. I was on a waiting list this fall in order to purchase a VW Jetta Diesel. The Jetta Diesel also is considered a green car (it comes with a $1,300 tax credit because it burns clean diesel and gets 40-50 mpg). I was not as interested in the green part as much as the great mileage and the longevity of a diesel engine.

Well, I was on that waiting list for a couple of months and the salesman called me two or three times telling me that he had a new diesel in that I might be interesed in. I had told him from the beginning I was only interested in one that was not LOADED with what I call junk, i.e., sunroof, spoiler, big wheels, auto transmission, power this/that, Onstar, etc.

The problem was the only VW Jetta Diesels the dealer was getting were equipped to the hilt, adding $3,000 to $7,000 to the price.

I got my deposit back and bought a Toyota Corolla. If hybrids cost less, they'd sell more. Strip 'em down.

Posted By: phixer (12:31am 12-21-2008)

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You mean to tell me that all the environuts who usually post on here, not to mention the gazette editors themselves have not rushed and picked up these cars? Guess its just the usual more talk than action.