Alternative Fueled, Hybrid and Electric Vehicles - Experience with Hybrid Cars?

Hi everyone-
I am debating whether to buy a Toyota Prius for my wife. She drives around 10,000 miles/year. The cost of this car is fairly high for a midsize. Does anyone own one, or a similar car? How long does that battery last? I have heard it is very expensive to replace. Should I wait for the battery technology to improve? The thought of slashing my fuel bills in half is very appealing, and there is an environmental benefit, but alas there is also an economic reality to this. Any shared experiences would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Ray

Don't own one - YET... but Momma wants one pretty bad.. Everyone I know who owns one, loves it - no exceptions....

I understand sales are very high for this model - with waiting lists expanding and list price being gotten...

I own a 1990 geo metro , would like a newer one but for a 3 cylinder 1 liter engine 50 mpg is normal for city a bit higher on the highway if the wind dosen't blow you away..

they can almost carry 4 ppl , 2 are more likley and cost much less , but hey a Prius would be more cool and it is a toyota with a big 1.5 liter engine + electrics...:rolleyes:

We have an 05 civic hybrid. Tested the prius before we bought and did not like it. For startes the visability out the back is non-existant and the fuel milage was not anywhere near as good as the 60 mpgs that the sticker in the window claimed. Honda has put out a hibrid for several years longer than toyota so we feel more comfortable with their technology. Its a great car that looks like a car. Mile wise we get 46 in town 39 on the highway......if youy are real easy on it it will get 55 mpg, but that is driving real slow and easy.

The batteries in both cars really don't do anything except speed up the gas engine on acceleration. The Prius can run only on battery power, but only at low speeds for a few minutes at a time.

The battery technology is not going to get better, the shift is headed for hydrogen cell cars within the next few years. Honda has theirs out this year in the new Honda Clarity. They will only be available to lease however because nobody will be able to afford to replace the fuel cell. Soon cars will be owned by the manufacturer and leased to everybody. when the lease is up they will take the car back, replace the fuel cell and lease it out again.

I have an '07 Prius, and my best mileage has been 54.5 mpg on a trip from NY to NC and back. We normally get better than 52 mpg on trips. I generally drive about five over the limit on Interstates and use cruise whenever traffic allows. One problem I had with it - it has traction control, and when the snow is more than a few inches deep, you need snow tires because the traction control will not allow the tires to spin slightly when going up a hill (giving better traction IMO), and will actually cause the car to stop. So if you get winter/snow tires, you should get ultra low rolling resistance tires if you can. I did not give it a thought, and the mileage dropped more than five mpg until we took them off in the spring.

gee i had a 1981 subaru brat that got 55 mpg on the highway at 55mph with the ac running, 34 in town, cost a lot less that those hybrids was much cheeper to maintain also. hmm, i would not pay the extra cost since payback is way out there on a hybrid car but that is just myo

life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies.

I agree they are expensive, but for now there is not much on the market that gets excellent mileage, can carry four adults plus luggage with no noticeable difference in mileage, is very reliable, and can be serviced (with a smile and a thank you ) almost anywhere. We have not had any maintenance problems in 47K miles and the battery/drive train is under warranty for 150k Miles. Overall, we are very pleased with the package.

Original owner, I love it and have had no problems. When I was looking for a new car (old car was an 83 VW Rabbit which still ran but needed some tlc), I wanted something that could comfortably hold 4 adults and had room for 4 sets of golf clubs. Looked at Saturn, VW... the Prius was priced pretty comparably with the roomier midsize vehicles when we figured in the tax credit that was available then. I do not know what is currently available from a tax standpoint (fed and/or state). Liked what I saw with the Prius and placed an order. At that point, in 2004 there was a 6-12 month wait. I think now you can find some on the lot or order one and get it in 6-8 weeks. I have consistently gotten 50-55 mpg per tankful. Eastern Shore of Maryland is pretty flat. I use Cruise any chance I get and drive the speed limit +5, seldom more. I do not worry about the battery. I've not heard of anyone having to replace one due to failure and until mine does fail, it's not an issue. Somebody mentioned the rear vision. It takes a little getting used to because its not hte "normal" rear window, but I can't say I've ever not seen anything. My recommendation to anyone who asks is "Buy the Prius!!!"

financially not,unless gas goes over $5.00 per g. and you drive a lot.prius is not midsize it's corrola size at160% the cost.repairs+ maintenance must be at the dealer at a lot higher cost than indi. techs battery will need to be replaced at 120k or ten years whichever comes LAST at a price of $1300 -1600.

I have an '08 Hybrid Camry and absolutely love it. I test drove the Prius and found if very uncomfortable. The seats were too small and no good adjustments were availalbe to ease the discomfort.

The Camry is a full Mid Size and very comfortable. 37-40 MPG