paratus13

So there is an article talking about hybrids and how the cost per mile to drive them is actually higher than some SUVs as well as more harmfull to the environment. The JK Wrangler was mentioned as being one of the better "SUV's" to drive due to this. The Prius cost $2.19 per mile over it's lifespan while the JK is only $.656 per mile - FOURTH on the list of ALL 2007-2008 models. The JK was only beat by the Ion, Focus and Cavalier. So now, we can flip off any of the Hybrids and eco-boxes!

Links below:

http://www.wsbtv.com/automotive/17312400/detail.html

http://cnwmr.com/nss-folder/automoti...0to%20High.xls

TINMAN080

This shows just how intelligent we all really are......

Red

This study seems to leave some room for questions, and it doesn't really address a cost comparison to the end user. Still, it is nice to have this study, especially to show to the environmentalists. Use this study in conjunction with the amount of money given by off roaders, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts that is given to maintain our natural environment in comparison to what the "environmentalists" give, and we may be on to something.

pastorsteve

No need to flip them off ...... just wave politely (all 5) and smile knowing what you know.

derff96963

That's the problem with a Hybrid. Even if they made the car better and the mechanicals lasted longer the batteries are still wear items that need changed every 100k miles. They are expensive so any cost comparison will look bad for the Prius.

The problem is i have read many articles that say in three years the prius will be the cheapest to drive. They are betting on the resale being high and only racking up 36k miles. I got my Jeep in Dec 06 and I am almost to 40k. After 3 years I would have about 60k and would have used up over 50% of the battery life. That's got to hurt the resale value. And if you don't drive a lot the increase in gas prices would not be a big of a factor and your break even point on a prius would be longer.

Bottom line drive what you want. I would rather drive less and enjoy what I drive that run around in a little coffin on wheels.

pastorsteve

The Prius may get 100K on a set of batteries but my neph. is a chemist who designs batteries for GM contracts...and blah blah... his EV gets about 2 years on a set of batteries and that's probably 12,000 miles per set. Too costly yet for me.

derff96963

I could see that depending on the loading he is doing with them. IT made me think of something else. Batteries don't just fail one day. Unless you short a plate by impact or vibration. They slowly build up internal resistance and become less and less efficient. This happens slowly over time. So I would bet that after 50K on the batteries in a Prius you will start to loose efficiency slowly over time.

Yamaha90

thats pretty cool.... but they don't include our mods thats good to know though about cost per mile, i wonder what hummers are

pearl-drum-man

There has been a lot of debate about CNW, I think it has some flaws. Food for thought though, at least they're showing updated information. Go Jeep Wrangler! Here is another perspective though:

ht tp://www.slate.com/id/2186786/?GT1=38001

derff96963

CNW might be overstating things somewhat but I definitely think they are on the right track. I don't drive a Toyota I just used it as an example since you can compare the same car with a hybrid option.

I just looked up on Edmund's the 09 Camry and a Camry Hybrid.

The purchase price for the Hybrid is from 4 to 7 thousand more than the standard I4 Camry depending on what model you get in the regular Camry.

The Mileage for the standard is 21 city and 31 highway.
The Mileage for the Hybrid is 31 city and 34 highway.

Highway for 12k a year standard would cost $1374 @ $3.55 a gallon


Highway for 12k a year hybrid would cost $1252 @ $3.55 a gallon

My drive to work everyday is 95% highway so it would take me 40 years to make up for the $4,000 higher sticker price.


Even at the city numbers for 12k a year and $3.55 a gallon:

STD $2028
Hyb $1374
Diff $653 a year

Even at the city number is would take 6 years to break even.

It doesn't take a genius to understand that there is extra pollution to making the batteries so there is no way the hybrid can be anywhere near as "Green" as the STD let alone be better.