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Hybrid SUV

I doubt you'll recover the extra capital cost.

More capital cost means=more to pay, more total interest, more insurance.

 
Im planning to consolidate my bills with the mortgage, that will mean the car's interest will be included as tax deductable at years end. Plus I saw on the IRS website that hybrid cars have a onetime tax deductable. Hopefully Hybrid SUVs will be included on the lise since this will be released early 2005 (w/c could also be late 2004) 🙂
 
Originally posted by: rh71
Yeah but it's ugly.
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yeah
rolleye.gif

but its the only SUV than can "theoretically" go an "estimated" 600 miles on one full tank. 🙂
 
Do the math.

Do you think you'll end up with a four figure positive balance after you factor in all the deductions, extra capital cost and fuel savings over the anticipated duration you plan on keeping the vehicle for?

If I'm only saving $500, I'd rather not compromise performance.
 
Power/Performance
The power to move forward?quickly.

The Highlander Hybrid will be known for many things, but first and foremost will be horsepower. The 3.3-liter DOHC 24-valve VVT-i V6 gas engine and electric motor combine for an estimated 270 total horsepower. It?s power that rivals many V8 engines [1] without sacrificing fuel economy and blows away any hybrid misconceptions. Just look at the facts:

? 0-60 mph in less than eight seconds [2]
? Instantaneous response from electric motor
? High-capacity storage battery
? Sophisticated energy load management system for optimum driving performance
? Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
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From a purely financial perspective, it doesnt make sense to buy a hybrid vehicle, however people buy hybrid vehicles for a lot of reasons. I know in the DC area you can ride in the HOV lanes if you have a hybrid vehicle, that alone is a huge benefit. Also, some people would rather pay the extra money in order to be more environmentally friendly.
 
Am I blind or is that site not even listing MPG? I don't give a sh*t if it gets 1000 miles to the tank if it's got a 300 gallon tank. That's meaningless data, unless we presume to think that it will have the same size gas tank (unlikely) as a current highlander.

Anyway, I'd rather this than an escape, simply because it's a toyota, but frankly I won't consider a hybrid until it makes sense from a money stand point, and the price premium you pay for these takes many years to recoup, assuming you ever can.
 
it may very well depend on where you live. Here in North CA, our gas can range bet $1.5 to $2.0+.
One issue that got me thinking is how long the batteries will last and how much will it cost to replace it.
I don't think its using regular off the shelf car batteries. 😛
 
Originally posted by: Skoorb
Am I blind or is that site not even listing MPG? I don't give a sh*t if it gets 1000 miles to the tank if it's got a 300 gallon tank. That's meaningless data, unless we presume to think that it will have the same size gas tank (unlikely) as a current highlander.

Anyway, I'd rather this than an escape, simply because it's a toyota, but frankly I won't consider a hybrid until it makes sense from a money stand point, and the price premium you pay for these takes many years to recoup, assuming you ever can.
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In your finanancial assumption do you assume gas prices will remain constant? How long do you keep the car?

They don't list mpg because they can't until they have EPA validated numbers.
 
The engineering target for the Highlander Hybrid & it's sister vehicle, the Lexus RX Hybrid is 35mpg. Current estimates for day to day mixed driving is 28mpg. Currently, the base 4 cyl Highlander with really REALLY poor acceleration gets 23-24mpg or so.
 
Originally posted by: rahvin
Originally posted by: Skoorb
Am I blind or is that site not even listing MPG? I don't give a sh*t if it gets 1000 miles to the tank if it's got a 300 gallon tank. That's meaningless data, unless we presume to think that it will have the same size gas tank (unlikely) as a current highlander.

Anyway, I'd rather this than an escape, simply because it's a toyota, but frankly I won't consider a hybrid until it makes sense from a money stand point, and the price premium you pay for these takes many years to recoup, assuming you ever can.
Click to expand...

In your finanancial assumption do you assume gas prices will remain constant? How long do you keep the car?

They don't list mpg because they can't until they have EPA validated numbers.
Click to expand...
Plus, the EPA's testing methodology overestimates the mileage of hybrid vehicles.

I agree with benchiu, right now if you buy a hybrid you should not be doing it to save money, you should be doing it for the environmental benefit or other non-financial reasons.
 
Originally posted by: BigSmooth

I agree with benchiu, right now if you buy a hybrid you should not be doing it to save money, you should be doing it for the environmental benefit or other non-financial reasons.
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Seriously. If you want to save money, get a huge >6000lb GVWR truck.
 
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