Why no hybrid RAV4?

[San_Carlos_Jeff]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveLeePrius @ Jan 23 2007, 05:59 PM) [snapback]379768[/snapback]</div>

I don't get it...


Umm, I don't think you can disable the hybrid-ness (if you were) of the Prius. Putting it in neutral I know how to do. Using the physical brakes, not possible unless you're only using the brakes going less than 5mph (or you're using the e-brake only). And you must live in flat land with no hills to get 63.7mpg!

When I drive my Prius, I don't stress if I have to crank the heat and the engine doesn't stop, or if I have to gun it to get around an idiot on the freeway. I drive this car like I drive any other car. And I love it. And my average milage over nearly 2,000 miles is still 42.5mpg. And I am surrounded by hills here.

Dave [/b]

I think this is the thread Hobbit is referring too:
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=2...non-hybrid+mode

[Loveit]

I met another lady in a local store parking lot with her RAV-4. I was considering a Prius, and still would like to have one, but I don't want to put out thousands of dollars above what I can afford. So I asked her how she liked her RAV-4 and she said she loves it but has one complaint: she only gets about 25 mpg city driving. <_< So...., I guess I will continue to put the money away until I have enough to pay cash and I am satisfied with the choice that I will make.

On another note, the human relations personel where I work found a thread about people who pay way too much money for a depreciating asset: their car. It was suggested by a financial consultant that one shouldn't buy a car worth more than 20% of their yearly net income for the next 4/5 years. So if you were looking at a car costing $25,000.00, make sure that you can afford to pay $5,000.00 on it a year, (including all the interest, ect.) and then keep the car for at least 1 to 2 years after you have paid it off. Then work out a plan to put some money away for your next car purchase and pay for it in cash. Be financial savy and do your research, and find your own financing as opposed to using the dealership financing. One last thing, never lease: it's just throwing money away!

[PLMurphy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clintd555 @ Jul 2 2006, 04:05 PM) [snapback]280213[/snapback]</div>

I've been considering the Prius now for quite sometime. But now I'm thinking it will be more practical for me to buy a compact SUV rather than another 4 door car. I already have a Jetta.

Any news on Toyota or Honda even making a compact SUV? Yesterday (just for kicks) I test drove a Suzuki Vitara... I'm passing. The Vitara only gets 24 MPG while the RAV4 gets up to 30 which is about the same I get in my Jetta <_<

Has anyone bought a Prius INSTEAD of a compact SUV? If so, why? And how are you living with the space... or lack thereof?
[/b]

Actually I replaced a 2001 Mazda Tribute SUV w/V6/leather/6 disc/etc. with a 2007 Prius Touring model. Much better ride, less street noise, plus 40 mpg vs. 16mpg. There is no question that the Prius is a better auto than a small SUV. Note that the Prius tailgate lifts like an SUV plus the load entrance is level like an SUV. The seats fold to provide just as much room. You do not lose usuable space vs. a cute-ute. Big change for me.

[ken1784]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hobbit @ Jan 24 2007, 08:25 AM) [snapback]379751[/snapback]</div>

The techniques for "non-hybrid" driving were well-described in the
cleanmpg thread, which I suggest you might actually go READ.
[/b]

The ICE torque distribution ratio is always 28% to the sun gear (MG1) and 72% to the ring gear (final drive to wheels).
If the MG1 torque is zero, the ring gear torque is zero.
When you need to drive the ring gear by the ICE torque, you have to activate the MG1, which is a part of hybrid.

Again, you are driving a hybrid vehicle and it's ICE, MG1 and MG2 combination were working together to drive your Prius.

Ken@Japan

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveLeePrius @ Jan 23 2007, 03:59 PM) [snapback]379768[/snapback]</div>

Using the physical brakes, not possible unless you're only using the brakes going less than 5mph (or you're using the e-brake only).
[/b]

Braking hard or shifting to neutral before braking engages the friction brakes and bypasses regen.