TheDonEffect

Bingo, hybrid is to yuppies like vtec is to ricers.


Again, I just want to see more time pass before I buy into the hybrid tech. I love the cleverness of the regenerative braking and all that, it's jsut that electronics tend to be the gremlins that plague newer cars.
Btw, using a car that Jay Leno has as an everyday example of durability is sorta unfair, his cars get completely restored and maintained by probably the most fanatic owner who has a staff of highly skilled techs and bodymen on payroll, not to mention an airplane hangar that he converted into his own personal shop complete with a friggin paint booth. It's kinda like saying the S800 held up well over time, look at Jay's... did you see how much man hours and money he pumped into that thing after he bought what most would consider a good example?

bruinnd

don't know if this has been linked yet here, but saw this article today on cnn.com about America's gas prices, compared to those of other nations. interesting, but I wish the list of the gas prices was a little but more extensive.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/01/news/inter...dex.htm?cnn=yes

The U.S. has the 45th lowest gas prices in the world (out of 155 nations surveyed).

BPUKiller

How are Hybrids for people who failed 4th grade? If you are just comparing the savings in fuel cost you are over looking other major advantages.

The US can not follow Europe without major changes. Most European cities and towns were formed by the Romans back when we use horses or walked, therefor things are much closer. I can't imagine how people in US suburbs will afford to live the way they do. I'm going to guess over time people will begin to move closer to downtown unless there is a huge buildup of pubic transportation or we move from away from petrol powered vehicles. I think San Fran/Oakland area is a good example of what most US cities will eventually have to do. They have a huge light rail, electric bus, bus, and trolley system. Too bad cities like LA and my home town San Diego lost its public transportation infrastructure years ago.

Sam

TommyDeVito

Here you go, quote of the ****ing article.

"On a per capita basis, Americans use three times more oil than Europeans, he said."

We need to change, we are a nation of gluttony.

Vik2000

^Indeed...

benny

Also a nation where a three day drive will get you coast to coast....

Jump in your car in Europe and drive for 3 hours and you are in a different country.

y2ks2k

I did my part last night, whos next?

I didnt fail math in 4th grade:

Lexus IS350 @ 17 mpg @ $48000 = $850 a month
Honda fit @ 35 mpg @ $17000 = $350 a month

$500 bucks for the monthly beer fund!

NFRs2000NYC

Hybrids do not save any money, which is the ONLY reason you buy one. They are ugly, slow, and have absolutely no benefit. Any good TDI makes MUCH more power, AND has better fuel economy. A hybrid costs $15,000 more than a gas counterpart. How many miles do you need to drive to break even? My echo beater gets 40mpg, 2 less than a Prius. How many miles do you need to do, with that 2mpg savings, to earn back that $15000?

I can fix this gas problem in a few rules.
1)Any SUV without commercial plates has a 100% tax on it. Sounds crazy, but it's not. Hong Kong and Israel both have 100% tax on cars. You want to be the boss? Pay the cost. There is absolutely NO reason to have an SUV in the US, and if you REALLY want one, pay for it. This will GREATELY reduce consumption of gas.

2)Have cars that are 2 liters and below exempt from ANY taxes. This will push people into buying smaller, more economical cars.

3)Do not allow ANY large SUVs to park in major cities without commercial plates, regardless of time.

4)The US government embargo all South American exports, as well as Russia and the Middle east. Chavez openly claimed "We will bury America"....why the hell are we supporting their economy?

This will greately reduce the amount of gas the US needs, reduce congestion on roads, and stop hippies from pushing hybrids on us. Hybrid technology was a huge flop, waste of money, and most of all, resources. Diesel technology is FAR superior, and can be fueled by something that we can grow. You want lower gas prices? Hope for all car companies to follow in Audi's footsteps and start developing their diesel technology.

NFRs2000NYC

Your post makes no sense in regards to my "fail math" comment.

A Prius vs Yaris is what I am talking about. The Yaris is 35mpg while the prius is 40. The price difference is a bit over $12000. a 5mpg savings would take you YEARS to make back the original $12,000 you spent on the Prius over the Yaris.

y2ks2k

I completely agree! My point was that I didn