Looking at a Hybrid

[TangoJuliet]

I was just informed that I will be getting a promotion probably in January 2008. I am going to have to change locations making my commute much longer (from 15 miles/27 mins to 57 miles/1.5 hours).

Here in NY we have a HOV lane for cars with more then 2 people or hybrids with single passengers. I was thinking about getting a hybrid to cut about 30 mins off my trip each way.

I was looking at the Altima but at almost $30,000 its a little out of my price range. I was also taking a look at the Civic which was about $21,000 or so. I don't really like the styling of the Prius. What other hybrid options are there? I know there is the Camry and Accord. I do not want a SUV.

Also, please dont tell me how I am not saving money with buying a hybrid because of the higher price, etc. I basically want the car to drive in the HOV lane and the added savings on gas will be nice.

Edit: Also, is it a good idea to look at buying a used hybrid?

 

[Fenixgoon]

saturn aura green line? they start at $23k for the green line, $25k for the XR (premium V6 trim) and $21k for XE (base V6 trim)

edit: something is messed up with saturn's website. the green line is either $23 or $25k, depending on what part of the website you're viewing.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
saturn aura green line? they start at $23k for the green line, $25k for the XR (premium V6 trim) and $21k for XE (base V6 trim)

edit: something is messed up with saturn's website. the green line is either $23 or $25k, depending on what part of the website you're viewing.

Saturn's hybrid is just barely a hybrid. They actually call them "mild hybrids."

I highly suggest the Prius. I know it's ugly, but it has a ton of bells and whistles and if you are a savy shopper you can get a brand new one for well under invoice. I think that the $800 tax credit is still available, as well.

 

[vi edit]

Altima Hybrid starts under 25k. Is the 30k with a boatload of options that you really want?

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
saturn aura green line? they start at $23k for the green line, $25k for the XR (premium V6 trim) and $21k for XE (base V6 trim)

edit: something is messed up with saturn's website. the green line is either $23 or $25k, depending on what part of the website you're viewing.

Saturn's hybrid is just barely a hybrid. They actually call them "mild hybrids."

I highly suggest the Prius. I know it's ugly, but it has a ton of bells and whistles and if you are a savy shopper you can get a brand new one for well under invoice. I think that the $800 tax credit is still available, as well.

It really is barely a hybrid...but then again...it will let him drive in the HOV lane and is a really nice car otherwise (although the engine really isn't that special).

The best options are probably the Civic Hybrid as it is closest to your price point, gets decent gas mileage (although barely better than the regular model) and allows you to drive in the HOV lane.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Altima Hybrid starts under 25k. Is the 30k with a boatload of options that you really want?

Yep, the $30k with all the options (nav, etc) is the one I really like. I believe it has a 157hp engine which is nicer then the 110hp civic.

What about buying one used? Is that a good idea? I hear maintenance is really expensive on them. Also, are there any good leases available?

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Altima Hybrid starts under 25k. Is the 30k with a boatload of options that you really want?

Yep, the $30k with all the options (nav, etc) is the one I really like. I believe it has a 157hp engine which is nicer then the 110hp civic.

What about buying one used? Is that a good idea? I hear maintenance is really expensive on them. Also, are there any good leases available?

Regarding used, I just sold my 6 month old Prius with 6,000 miles on it for more than I originally paid. Everytime gas goes up, prices skyrocket. I doubt you will see many attractive leases, either.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Altima Hybrid starts under 25k. Is the 30k with a boatload of options that you really want?

Yep, the $30k with all the options (nav, etc) is the one I really like. I believe it has a 157hp engine which is nicer then the 110hp civic.

What about buying one used? Is that a good idea? I hear maintenance is really expensive on them. Also, are there any good leases available?

Regarding used, I just sold my 6 month old Prius with 6,000 miles on it for more than I originally paid. Everytime gas goes up, prices skyrocket. I doubt you will see many attractive leases, either.

I was looking at the Prius Touring and it looked a little nicer but I think the price tag was still about $26,000 or so

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Altima Hybrid starts under 25k. Is the 30k with a boatload of options that you really want?

Yep, the $30k with all the options (nav, etc) is the one I really like. I believe it has a 157hp engine which is nicer then the 110hp civic.

What about buying one used? Is that a good idea? I hear maintenance is really expensive on them. Also, are there any good leases available?

Regarding used, I just sold my 6 month old Prius with 6,000 miles on it for more than I originally paid. Everytime gas goes up, prices skyrocket. I doubt you will see many attractive leases, either.

I was looking at the Prius Touring and it looked a little nicer but I think the price tag was still about $26,000 or so

Touring doesn't add a whole lot other than a bigger wing and "sport-tuned suspension." My Prius (package #4) stickered at $26,000ish and I paid $22,400. No haggling required. I just sent a message to the sales person and she gave me the price. The trick is that I had to go to Virginia to pick it up. Not a big deal when you are talking about $4,000 less then what they are charging here.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Altima Hybrid starts under 25k. Is the 30k with a boatload of options that you really want?

Yep, the $30k with all the options (nav, etc) is the one I really like. I believe it has a 157hp engine which is nicer then the 110hp civic.

What about buying one used? Is that a good idea? I hear maintenance is really expensive on them. Also, are there any good leases available?

Regarding used, I just sold my 6 month old Prius with 6,000 miles on it for more than I originally paid. Everytime gas goes up, prices skyrocket. I doubt you will see many attractive leases, either.

I was looking at the Prius Touring and it looked a little nicer but I think the price tag was still about $26,000 or so

Touring doesn't add a whole lot other than a bigger wing and "sport-tuned suspension." My Prius (package #4) stickered at $26,000ish and I paid $22,400. No haggling required. I just sent a message to the sales person and she gave me the price. The trick is that I had to go to Virginia to pick it up. Not a big deal when you are talking about $4,000 less then what they are charging here.

How did you find the car in Virginia? What service(s) did you use to locate it?

 

[ViviTheMage]

TDI ?

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
TDI ?

no HOV single occupancy love.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Honda Civic with a hybrid badge FTW

 

[Kelvrick]

Holy shit, with that kinda commute change, I might have to turn down that promotion... Or move or something.

 

[sniperruff]

i'd either get a prius or look into carpooling after i start the new job.

 

[TangoJuliet]

i wont be able to car pool. yes, its a big change commuting wise but the job is better long term then my current one. initially i would take a pay cut but I would make back whatever money I lost in about a year or so. if i stayed at my current job it would take me 5 years to get to the salary I would be making after a year at the new job.

new job: starting salary $40k; after 2 years $80k (base plus night and weekend differential)
current job: $53,000 base / $75,000 with OT (projected for this year)

back on topic....I may take another look at the Prius. The touring model looked okay but the MSRP was about $27,000 or so. I think I'd rather go with the Altima for $30k unless I can get a sweet deal on a Prius.

Also, I need the hybrid so I can drive in the HOV lane. I plan on moving once I get my salary back up to where it is - or - once I get certified I can transfer some place closer to where I live now.

I am not turning down the promotion...its a kick ass job & I waited almost 3 years to get it.

 

[rootaxs]

Although the MSRP between the Prius and a loaded Altima is the same, the Prius will likely be easier to haggle since it's been out in the market longer. Toyota has really ramped up production of the Prius' so there's no longer that long wait that pretty much allows the dealership to place a premium on it.

The Altima Hybrid is a nicer car, IMHO, but first make sure it's available in your state and that there's at least one certified Nissan Hybrid tech in the nearest dealership you'll be taking your car in for servicing. As of last time i checked, Nissan only has 1 certified tech per 200 mile radius in the Midwest (this was earlier in the year, things could have changed since then.)

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: rootaxs
Although the MSRP between the Prius and a loaded Altima is the same, the Prius will likely be easier to haggle since it's been out in the market longer. Toyota has really ramped up production of the Prius' so there's no longer that long wait that pretty much allows the dealership to place a premium on it.

The Altima Hybrid is a nicer car, IMHO, but first make sure it's available in your state and that there's at least one certified Nissan Hybrid tech in the nearest dealership you'll be taking your car in for servicing. As of last time i checked, Nissan only has 1 certified tech per 200 mile radius in the Midwest (this was earlier in the year, things could have changed since then.)

cool, thanks for the tips. when you compare the prius to the the civic which one would you choose? also what about buying a used civic hybrid. i saw some online in the $14-18k range

 

[Dr. Detroit]

The HOV lane in California is only good for 3 hybrids: Prius, Insight, and Civic

I'd check your state.

All other Hybrids do not get that good of mileage so they are not eligble. The Federal exemption for hybrid vehicles is only thorugh 2010, afte that they very well may be excluded.

Prius' in California are routinely discounted $2-4K depending on option packages. Dealers literally have 100+ on there lots so they are looking to move em and since the DMV in Cali no longer hands out HOV stickers all new hybrids are excluded from HOV lanes unless you have an old sticker. Stickers stay with the car so they can not be transferred to a newer vehicle.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
The HOV lane in California is only good for 3 hybrids: Prius, Insight, and Civic

I'd check your state.

All other Hybrids do not get that good of mileage so they are not eligble. The Federal exemption for hybrid vehicles is only thorugh 2010, afte that they very well may be excluded.

Prius' in California are routinely discounted $2-4K depending on option packages. Dealers literally have 100+ on there lots so they are looking to move em and since the DMV in Cali no longer hands out HOV stickers all new hybrids are excluded from HOV lanes unless you have an old sticker. Stickers stay with the car so they can not be transferred to a newer vehicle.

how can I find all of that information? the ny dmv website?

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
The HOV lane in California is only good for 3 hybrids: Prius, Insight, and Civic

I'd check your state.

All other Hybrids do not get that good of mileage so they are not eligble. The Federal exemption for hybrid vehicles is only thorugh 2010, afte that they very well may be excluded.

Prius' in California are routinely discounted $2-4K depending on option packages. Dealers literally have 100+ on there lots so they are looking to move em and since the DMV in Cali no longer hands out HOV stickers all new hybrids are excluded from HOV lanes unless you have an old sticker. Stickers stay with the car so they can not be transferred to a newer vehicle.

how can I find all of that information? the ny dmv website?

 

[thomsbrain]

Check your state law. In CA, when we issued those stickers, only the Civic, Insight, and Prius qualified, because other hybrids did not get good enough mileage. If NY has a similar mileage restriction, that will limit your options.

Anyway, my vote would be for a used Insight if you can handle the small size, or a Civic if you need something bigger.

 

[TheSlamma]

I'm with iamwiz82, get the Prius if you really want a Hybrid.

 

[TangoJuliet]

ah ha...I found it.

http://www.nysdmv.com/dmvfaqs.htm#cpv

Looks like my only options are the Prius, Civic or Insight. So much for the Altima.....guess I'll see if I can get a deal on the Prius and if not then go with a Civic.

 

[Uhtrinity]

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK
ah ha...I found it.

http://www.nysdmv.com/dmvfaqs.htm#cpv

Looks like my only options are the Prius, Civic or Insight. So much for the Altima.....guess I'll see if I can get a deal on the Prius and if not then go with a Civic.

If you are not against a 2 seater find a used Insight, preferably with low mileage. The battery packs are covered by Honda for 10 years / 150k miles and you could easily be looking at 70 mpg for your commute.
There is a ton of info at Insight Central

edit: I have never seen the point of a hybrid that doesn't get great mpg, other than for performance enhancements. I can see why they limited the hov list to those 3 hybrid cars.