Does anybody drive a Hybrid?

[4play]

Well not a lot of advise here so far but I will try. I dont have one but I work on them daily. As far as reliabilty I will have to say they are both very reliable and I have never had to touch the Hybrid system for that matter. On another side note the Fusion and Escape are pretty reliable vehicles overall with or without the Hybrid Drive.

Keep in mind the hybrid system gains better efficiency at slower speeds and city traffic. The engine will actually shut off if you drive slow and under 25MPH. The way most people drive and the way traffic flows you will not gain much benefit at all in a hybrid. The 4cyl engine seems a little under-powered in my opinion but the hybrid also will use the electric motor as an assist for more power.

I personally would not buy a hybrid and I recommend you do a price comparison on the regular Fusion and Escape vs Hybrids. Both vehicles have a conventional 4cyl, and also a V6 option (I like the V6) I would not consider a hybrid on the basis of fuel economy because I doubt you will benefit much. The initial cost would be the main thing and I dont know if you want to even consider the after warranty costs like a battery pack or CVT trans as they are both several thousands of dollars. I would at least select the best ford extended warranty and dump the car when it goes out of warranty if your worried about costs.

 

[Traxxis]

Well not a lot of advise here so far but I will try. I dont have one but I work on them daily. As far as reliabilty I will have to say they are both very reliable and I have never had to touch the Hybrid system for that matter. On another side note the Fusion and Escape are pretty reliable vehicles overall with or without the Hybrid Drive.

Keep in mind the hybrid system gains better efficiency at slower speeds and city traffic. The engine will actually shut off if you drive slow and under 25MPH. The way most people drive and the way traffic flows you will not gain much benefit at all in a hybrid. The 4cyl engine seems a little under-powered in my opinion but the hybrid also will use the electric motor as an assist for more power.

I personally would not buy a hybrid and I recommend you do a price comparison on the regular Fusion and Escape vs Hybrids. Both vehicles have a conventional 4cyl, and also a V6 option (I like the V6) I would not consider a hybrid on the basis of fuel economy because I doubt you will benefit much. The initial cost would be the main thing and I dont know if you want to even consider the after warranty costs like a battery pack or CVT trans as they are both several thousands of dollars. I would at least select the best ford extended warranty and dump the car when it goes out of warranty if your worried about costs.

This is the post I was looking for. Thanks!

I assume you're a Ford mechanic?

 

[Deleted member 6551]

+1 for the diesel`s.

 

[338Shooter]

James and I regularly got 50+ MPG in his Prius driving like maniacs.

I very much like the car, comfy with great amenities.

Although I really wish some of the neater small diesels would be brought over here and sold, I'd buy one up quick.

By driving like maniacs you mean like a grandma who forgot to take her pill? That thing may get good mileage, but it doesn't really allow for my definition of driving like a maniac. It's straight up gutless. It is nice to ride in though. I couldn't look at myself the same way if I bought one though. I need more power.

 

[Shootin 4 Fun]

Specifically a Ford?

The Wife is bugging the crap out of me about having a vehicle with a back seat, which concerns me because it has me wondering if she is considering procreation..... why else would she want room to haul people around?

OMG! WTF is wrong with her?!?

 

[338Shooter]

This is the post I was looking for. Thanks!

I assume you're a Ford mechanic?

In my experience, he's a good *insert vehicle make* mechanic.

 

[cowboydoc]

A friend of mine has a hybrid Escape and loves it. She gets around 35 mpg doing city stop and go driving. That goes down on highway trips where the gas engine is doing most of the work, but was still pretty good for a suv. Never any problems with it as far as I know.

My parents have an 08 4cyl 4wd Escape that they bought new and have had no problems. They get 24-28 mpg in mixed driving. I have driven it a fair amount and it is nice. The 4cyl engine is underpowered if you're drag racing people at stoplights or hauling/towing a lot, but is adequate for most stuff.

 

[jbarnett]

By driving like maniacs you mean like a grandma who forgot to take her pill? That thing may get good mileage, but it doesn't really allow for my definition of driving like a maniac. It's straight up gutless. It is nice to ride in though. I couldn't look at myself the same way if I bought one though. I need more power.

I agree. Very well put.

 

[Traxxis]

James and I regularly got 50+ MPG in his Prius driving like maniacs.

I very much like the car, comfy with great amenities.

Although I really wish some of the neater small diesels would be brought over here and sold, I'd buy one up quick.

I would NEVER own a Prius. Never.

 

[Traxxis]

I think for sheer curiosity, we might go see these Chevy Cruzes tonight on the way to pick up the sisters.