Which plug-in hybrid, or regular hyrbrid, should I get?

[GeoRick]

I'm in the market for a new car and I want to get a hybrid. I'm hoping to get some opinions from hybrid owners out there! My budget is preferably under 30,000.

I know the plug-in models are fairly new, but I like the option to charge, and my work offers free EV charging stations. So my ride home from work everyday would be all EV potentially

Any advice? Thanks as always

-Rick

[the86d]

I rarely see hybrid drivers signal "ahead of time", like "when they are required". When you get one don't be a "hybrid driver".

IF the batteries last as long as they are supposed to, then you won't have a bunch of extra battery replacement tax/rape. Research the warranty on the batts, no matter what you decide on...

[4DMASTR]

My only experience is with Fords. The C-Max plug in hybrid seems to be a decent car. I see very few problems with them overall.

[Curtis]

I would suggest the plug in C-Max.

[iron330]

I've read a couple of very positive reviews of the '14 Ford Fusion hybrid. Though it's not a plug-in.

[Iknownot]

I'm not sure if paying the premium for the plug in over the premium for the hybrid over the regular gas version of the car (or similar gas version of the car), especially now that a lot of gas cars are getting into the 30 MPGs is worth it.

That being said, the new Accord Hybrid gets really good MPG (50+) and is very nice and roomy. I have a buddy that just got one and it beats the pants off my Fusion hybrid. The new accord hybrid is probably the best regular hybrid out right now in terms of value.

It's a little over your price range, but it is a very nice car.

Honestly, I've always felt the best value on any hybrid is if you can find a decent deal on a 2 or 3 year old one. Save yourself some cash. The Prius (as boring as it is to drive) is a much better value at 3 or 4 year old prices.

Get one of those (or other used hybrid), with low mileage. It's a much better econo car that way, and you are not paying for the premium to get the hybrid system.

3 year old Fusion Hybrids are around $20k.

[SonofWWIIDI]

I know not this hybrid of which you speak...




but don't forget to put your NRA and calguns stickers on it, and drive like you're in a semi!

[hermosabeach]

one of my best friends picked up the Ford Fusion Energy.. the plug in version of the Fusion...

When traffic flows from 15mph up to 30-40 and then back to 15 MPH, he is getting over 100 MPG. On a 32 mile commute, he has been getting 8-9 miles of regen miles... that is enough battery charge from the regenerative braking to drive and additional 8-9 miles on battery.

In the auto mode, the car switches between gas and electric... as a result, the battery is never much lower than 50% driving around LA.

All he needs to do i plug in the car to 110V to recharge...

For a lot of highway, it is not the best choice as it will run only on gas.

For LA traffic and a blend of city and highway driving, it is a good deal... but the green HOV stickers are limited and will run out...

He drives 63 miles per day and his electrical cost at home have gone up by $35 per month...





not to be confused with...

[iron330]

Didn't even realize Ford made a plug-in version of the fusion.

[CZ man in LA]

I'm in the market for a new car and I want to get a hybrid. I'm hoping to get some opinions from hybrid owners out there! My budget is preferably under 30,000.

I know the plug-in models are fairly new, but I like the option to charge, and my work offers free EV charging stations. So my ride home from work everyday would be all EV potentially

Any advice? Thanks as always

-Rick

If your home and work is relatively closeby, have you considered something cheaper like a scooter or a motorcycle? You don't have to spend $30,000 to get great gas mileage. Most Harley Davidsons get as great gas mileage as a Toyota Prius. And they are cheaper and a lot cooler too.

That's what I do. I mainly use the car to go to Costco or other long distance travel. But for everyday commuting, I realized that I only go back and forth between my home and work everyday which is only 7 miles in each direction. I just bought a 125 cc scooter with one gallon of tank and am now saving big $$$$. That one gallon tank of gas last me an entire week of commuting. And what's a gallon of gas? $4.00? Four bucks a week, the scooter is cheaper than taking the bus!

Of course, there's the issue of whether or not you're comfortable driving a scooter in the city, but IMO, LA traffic is pretty much gridlocked and is like a parking lot anyway so might as well take something that is more zippier and more agile (i.e. going between the cars that ain't moving due to horrendous traffic)

The way I see it, there are tools for the right job. Everyday commuting, which makes up the bulk of your trips, the gas saving scooter. Going grocery shopping or excursions to Vegas, the car.

[lilharcher]

I have a 38 mile commute (one way) up the 405 daily and used to drive a toyota prius for the carpool lane. When that ran out a few years ago, I bought a natural gas (CNG) Honda Civic and love it as a commuter car (i have my gas guzzling SUV for weekends). With the CNG Civic, you can get the White HOV sticker, allowing you to cruise the carpool lane solo through 2020. CNG is only $2.60 on average and I get 34 MPG. If you primarily use for a commuter car, there should be plenty of CNG stations along the freeway/highway. If not using it as a commuter car or need the HOV sticker, I do not suggest a CNG. You can get a brand new Civic CNG w/ navigation and leather for around $27K.

As far as Hybrids go, I have a friend that has a Hyundi Sonata Hybrid......batteries are warrantied for life, unlike most other car companies. The prius is cool too....very reliable and gets 50 MPG.

[GoZoner]

... As far as Hybrids go, I have a friend that has a Hyundi Sonata Hybrid......batteries are warrantied for life, unlike most other car companies. The prius is cool too....very reliable and gets 50 MPG.

Regarding the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 1) having a warranty is not the same as having reliability (see Sonata vs Camry) and 2) real world MPG is shockingly low relative to EPA numbers. And the non-hybrid Sonata, even worse.

You've got the Honda FIT EV as an option (3 yr lease @ $259/month, might even include a home charging system). Honda has a big push in sustainability - Honda Smart Home

[grossekatz]

The wife has a 14 fusion hybrid. Her commute is around 20 miles, She has a lead foot and it still only uses a gallon of gas to get there and back.

[Dano3467]

I'll say Prius......... but sure to get flamed on this forum.

2014 Prius c & v are zero APR right now, also $1500 cash back.

There running commercials now 4/4/14

Just sayin...

[Hoshnasi]

I know the Volt, because of Chevy is scorched earth here, but I like the tech behind it. Full electric, but uses a generator to charge the batteries.