Journalism Student Inquiry on Hybrids

[CRXican]

Hello all, I'm a journalism student from California State University Northridge and I'm planning on writing a story for one of my classes regarding the trend towards buying hybrid vehicles. I did a google search and found the forums and have to say they're very helpful. I figured this would be a good place to find some help before get desperate and have to go chasing after hybrid drivers on the street.

I have come up with a list of questions that are pretty basic. For example, "What were you driving previously and why did you decide to replace it? What factors made you decide on a hybrid as the replacement?"

There are a dozen or more questions but none too complex. If you're at all interested and would like to answer the full list of quetions I would really appreciate it.

If you would like to help me out then post a reply to this thread and I can email you the questions. Either that or you can send me an email and I'll reply with the questions.

Hope that wasn't too long or confusing. Thanks in advance.

[Wolfman]

Why not just post the questions on the board? This has been done before, and you'll get plenty of responses.

[CRXican]

Ok, here are the questions. If you do reply, please state what vehicle you drive (likely a Prius I know) and the year. I will also need your first and last name for quoting purposes. Thanks for the help!

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?

2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?

4. When did you actually make the purchase?

5 What were you driving previously and what made you decide to get rid of it?

6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway)

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?

9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

10. What sort of maintenance is required? Is it any different from your former vehicle? More or less expensive?

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle? Warranty on parts?

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations? MPG claims?

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?

[Godiva]

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?

Can't remember. Probably on television. I'm sure also on the internet. I was interested in the high mileage and low emissions but wasn't ready to replace my car at the time. I really didn't pay much attention to the first gen. Prius because they were just....ugly. And small. I wasn't interested in a compact car. I wanted a car comparable to the Saturn coupe it was replacing...only I wanted an automatic this time. When I started car shopping I actually test drove a Saturn Ion back in November as that was the closest model they had to the Coupe. I wasn't impressed. I started looking at Hybrids on the internet in March. That's when I started looking at the comparisons. I took the Insight out of the running as it's small and a two-seater. Likewise one of the Honda's I also disqualified as it was only available in a manual. That left the Prius and the Civic. The Civic was more expensive. So I went to test drive the Prius first. And that was it. High mileage, low emissions, good size, good power, fair price, available, love the hatchback, good styling, great technology.

2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?

Once I decided on a Prius, I used cars.com and another site and put in requests to the dealerships over the internet. Two dealerships actually allowed me to search their inventory online. I had five replies within an hour with several colors and option packages available. I wanted black package 1 with gray interior. I ended up with black #1 ivory interior. I could have had gray had I waited or wanted a more expensive package but it wasn't that important to me. So...plenty readily availble if you're not fussy.

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?

I read up on the internet. Don't remember where.

4. When did you actually make the purchase?

April 6, 2005

5 What were you driving previously

1996 Saturn SC2 Coupe Ltd Ed. Anniversary, black with tan leather interior, manual trans.

and why did you decide to replace it?

It was 9 years old. Less than 50,000 miles. I'd eventually have to replace it or start paying for repairs. The longer I waited the less it would be worth.

6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?

Price of gas increasing mostly. But I also am very attracted to the low emissions.

I decided on the Prius because:

Automatic Transmission
Clean emissions.
Best mileage for size
Good size, equal to or greater than my previous car.
Hatchback
MSRP reasonable, price comperable to my 1996 Saturn.
Test drove and intrigued by technology.
By 2005 I figure most of the bugs are ironed out and improvements made.

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway)

Mostly city. But a few times a year I do make a long trip of over 100 miles one way.

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?

No. This is the second generation of Prius in this country, the third for the Toyota corporation. I figured if they didn't have the technology ironed out by now they wouldn't still be selling the cars. And I would have heard something on the news. Also, this Prius is in the second year of this design, so any bugs from the 2004 were taken care of with improvements to the 2005. I also feel that since Toyota is placing so much faith in this technology, they are going to make sure nothing goes wrong. I expect it to outperform beyond warranty. I also think Toyota will stand behind their car. They can't afford any negative publicity.

9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

No.

10. What sort of maintenance is required?

Occasional oil change and tire rotation. Even more infrequent filter changes.

Is it any different from your former vehicle?

Yes.

More or less expensive?

Should be less since I won't have to have maintenance done as often.

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle?

Well, the hybrid part is guaranteed for 8 years/100,000 miles.

Warranty on parts?

They are pretty standard to other cars. I did buy an extended warranty for 7 years, 75,000 miles.

I expect to have the car about 10 years and then replace it. I buy a new car about once every 10 years. I do expect this car to hold it's value more than an average car, even after 10 years. And I don't put much mileage on so it will probably have about 50,000 miles on it when I decide to sell. The only reason I might consider replacing it earlier is if the next generation of Prius has some great improvements. But....it will have to still have the hatchback. Otherwise I'm keeping this one as long as possible.

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations?

Yes.

MPG claims?

Depends on who's making the claims. The EPA numbers for ALL cars are inaccurate to real life driving. And they'll vary from driver to driver as well as part of the country you live in. But I am getting consistently over 45mpg and up which is what Toyota says the car will do. My best was 56 mpg. So I am very pleased with the mpg. It's twice what my old car was getting. And its better than most of the cars on the freeway AND it's cleaner at the same time.

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?

Not so far. But my friends and family are pretty conservative. I'm known for being a bit avant garde. But I also make some pretty good, logical decisions. When gas goes to $5 a gallon, suddenly I'll be smart instead of weird.

[jkash]

As a graduate of CSUN, I am happy to answer your questions.

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?

I first found out about the new Prius the first day any information was released on them. There was a small add on my.yahoo I believe. It showed the car and talked about it. I was hooked from day one.

2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?

Only the Prius and the Insight were available when I decided to buy the Prius.

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?

I had already decided the buy the Prius months before it was available, but I did read everything I could on it. I read the Yahoo boards, and started with PriusChat the day it was begun.

4. When did you actually make the purchase?

I bought my car on February 26, 2004.

5 What were you driving previously and what made you decide to get rid of it?

1995 Honda Civic VX. I wanted a larger car with more room, and the AC in the car was horrible. I live in the San Fernando Valley. It gets quite hot in the summer. I didn't think I could spend one more summer sweating all the way home.

6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?

Environment, mileage, hatchback, features - keyless entry, side air bags, smoothness of ride, etc.

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway)

My daily driving is all on city streets, 12 miles on way to school. We take my car anytime we go any place, so about 1/3 of my mileage is on L.A. freeways.

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?

Sort of, but I did buy the extended warranty which seems to make sense given the newness of the technology.
9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

I had to have the multi-display replaced, other than that, not a thing.

10. What sort of maintenance is required? Is it any different from your former vehicle? More or less expensive?

Maintenance is less. Oil changes every 5,000 instead of 3,000, tune-ups next to never (I think it is 110,000 miles), no timing belt, breaks should last longer as well.

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle? Warranty on parts?

I don't know specifics, but I plan on keeping the car for at least ten years.

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations? MPG claims?

Yes and yes. I waited six months to get the car. It was not fun. Considering the painful wait, expectations were high. The car has exceeded every one. As for mileage, I knew not to expect the 60 mpg. I had the Honda Civic VX as I said earlier. It was listed as 44 in the city and 51 on the highway. I averaged 40 mpg for the life of the car. I am very happy to be averaging 52 mpg so far in the year and three months I have had the Prius.

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?

One member of our staff at school is on the waiting list for the Prius, and our principal just bought a Ford Escape Hybrid. I know I was in part responsible for both.


Jeff Kash
West Hills

[rflagg]

Name: Matthew O'Leary
Previous Car: 2000 Dodge Neon
Current Car: 2004 Toyota Prius (BC package, purchased Feb 28, 2004)

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?
It's a tough question to answer, because my memory does fade on the subject. However, around early 2003 was when I first learned of the Honda Civic Hybrid, and even test drove one. At the time, I couldn't afford to buy one right then, I knew it'd be at least another year before I could really look into purchasing a new car to replace the Neon. I loved everything about the Honda Civic Hybrid and couldn't wait to own one. Then that summer, I heard about the new Prius coming out, and started really researching it in late 2003 - mostly through john1701a.com's site, and also finding this site. I read as much as I could about the car online, and I saw it was truly going to be the car of my dreams.


2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?

At first, there was just the Insight and the Civic that I knew of - of course, there was also the first generation Prius, but I was unaware of it until they announced plans for the second-gen prius. Supply was somewhat available for the HCH, and the Insight I didn't look into because it was too small for my personal needs. Supply was very limited when I looked into the 2004 Prius, and was expected to wait somewhere between 6 and 8 months.

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?

john1701a.com, priuschat.com, car and driver, edmunds, owners of 1st generation Prius, loads and loads of car sites previewing the Prius. I was truly obsessed with the car for about 4 or 5 months before I finally got one.

4. When did you actually make the purchase?

9:00pm, Feb 28th, 2004. (Just 1 mile showing on the Odometer!)

5 What were you driving previously and what made you decide to get rid of it?

I didn't get rid of my 2000 Neon, but it certainly isn't doing well. The brakes are going bad, the auto-window mechanism has died for the driver side door, pieces breaking, and all after only 3 years of ownership (I bought it new). I knew it would never last the full 5 years especially with long commutes as being my main mode of transportation. I still have it and my partner uses it as he needs for work, errands, or whatever while I'm at work.


6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?

Very simple - savings. Sure, saving your cost of gasoline is great, and that was a major factor for me - my Neon got, at best, 25mpgs. Doubling my mileage meant halving the cost of gas for me, so that was definately something I was happy about. But more importantly, I was looking to help save our environment, even if it's a small step in the big picture. Being at the forefront of technology was also a major factor. I think another reason is that it truly seems to be an intelligent car designed for intelligent people (mostly, anyways).

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway)

My daily commute consists of maybe 30-40% highway, and 60-70% city. I drive 30 miles one way into work around the DC area. Without daily traffic the commute would take me 30 minutes - but with daily traffic it's usually an hour plus.

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?

Not really. My partner and I love technology, and while occasionally there are problems with brand new items on the market, it's been worth the 'risk' more or less. Since we're talking about a major car company, I knew there would be very few concerns on my part - because if they messed up on this car, it would be the end of their company - or at least put a very large warning out about them. Toyota has been known for it's quality, and I was hopeful since all I've owned in my life has been mostly Dodge vehicles which break down quite quickly.

9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

No more than when I got my new 2000 Dodge - I'd say equal amount of 'recalls' and patches applied to this car as there was with my Neon - though my neon recalls were for more serious issues than with the Prius. I did get a cracked windshield recently, but that was from a thrown stone from a truck tire, and it was repaired and no cost for me through my insurance, but that's the most serious problem I've encountered.

10. What sort of maintenance is required? Is it any different from your former vehicle? More or less expensive?

Less oil changes, less spark plug changes, less brake changes, less everything on this car. I have no concerns about comfortably driving this car for well over 100,000 miles, where as my Neon is still sitting at 86,000 and has the problems previously mentioned.

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle? Warranty on parts?

I've got the basic bumper-to-bumper warranty (3yrs/36k), plus I added the 7yr-100k warranty, and I believe the hybrid is warrantied for 8yr-100k or something like that. Certainly I have no worries about the car outlasting this warranty.

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations? MPG claims?

It has greatly surpassed my expectations. I love demo-ing it off to people, and often it's hard for my partner and I to remember all the cool features that we can show off to everyone. I've let more people than I can count drive it, and have only heard one complaint about it (some teenage girl thought it was ugly - then I told her all the cool features, and she finished with 'I want one!'). My mileage is starting to exceed my expectations as well. The past year I've averaged 52mpgs total - usually getting around 54-55 in the summer, and 47-50 in the winter. However, I believe I've encountered another 'break in' at around 25-26,000 miles because the car is currently getting 56+mpg, and my last tank I was able to go for 670+ miles at 59.4MPG!

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?

Not friends, but people I've met either test driving the Prius, or wanting to know more about it. My first encounter with another Prius at a gas station happened just a few months ago, and they were actually test driving it, so I let them know my mileage and how I liked the car, and they seemed pretty convinced on it to get that one that evening. But I can't claim full responsibility for that one, afterall, they had already test-driven the car.

Let me know if you need any more info, sorry for the long answers!

-m.

[CRXican]

No need to apologize for long answers, they are the best. I can't quote one word answers. I'll read through and will def ask more questions if necessary.

Thanks to all that have contributed.

[malibucarl]

My Daughter graduated from CSUN Last year.

1. Started to actively research about 6 mos ago. Attracted to Prius by generally excellent reports/comments Also the technology/mileage and a new car I wanted for just over 20K.

2. I was able to get exactly what I wanted at Oxnard Toyota in 3 days. #1 pkg/white

3. Yes. Mainly internet reasearch through sites like Edmunds etc. When I thought it was a good idea I rented a Prius for 4 days. That clinched it.

4. March 18, 2005

5 Lexus LS400-- Still have them both. Am trying (kinda) to sell the 1990 that I've had since new

6. Technology, price, put "money where mouth is" re. enviornment.

7. About 2/3 highway 1/3 city

8. No.

9.None so far.

10 Oil/filter every 5k or warranty is void. Other is much less than other cars. Ie. No Belts etc.

11. For vehicle-none that I no about--really open ended. Emmission parts 10 yr/ 150K miles. Rest standard, but can purchase extended warranty at additional cost.

12. Actually exceeded expectations. Mileage about as expected 45-49 so far.

13. Yes Several friends are checking them out--No purchases as yet

You may quote me.

Carl Straub
malibucarl@yahoo.com

Ok, here are the questions. If you do reply, please state what vehicle you drive (likely a Prius I know) and the year. I will also need your first and last name for quoting purposes. Thanks for the help!

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?

2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?

4. When did you actually make the purchase?

5 What were you driving previously and what made you decide to get rid of it?

6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway)

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?

9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

10. What sort of maintenance is required? Is it any different from your former vehicle? More or less expensive?

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle? Warranty on parts?

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations? MPG claims?

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?

[kidtwist]

Ok, here are the questions. If you do reply, please state what vehicle you drive (likely a Prius I know) and the year. I will also need your first and last name for quoting purposes. Thanks for the help!

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?

First yeard about them a couple years ago, I guess. I was interested because of the low emissions, and high gas mileage (especially low emissions).

2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?

I'd decided on a Prius when I first started looking. Yes, the supply was limited. It took a couple of months to get one.

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?

Yes, I looked all over the internet. Spent a lot of time here on Priuschat, Priusonline, and also John's website (john1701a.com). I also read some reviews though I don't remember which ones. I didn't talk to anyone though (unless you count posting questions here).

4. When did you actually make the purchase?

Bought it on April 2, 2005.

5 What were you driving previously and what made you decide to get rid of it?

I had a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. The mileage was getting up there, also it was a standard transmission and my commute is through heavy traffic and I was tired of shifting.

6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?

Low emissions.

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway)

I spend a lot of time in heavy traffic on the freeway (twenty mile commute each way).

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?

Yes, it worried me, and I'm a naturally cautious person. That's why I did as much research as I did before buying one.

9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

No, no problems yet (*fingers crossed*).

10. What sort of maintenance is required? Is it any different from your former vehicle? More or less expensive?

I haven't had any done yet (only 1500 miles on it so far).

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle? Warranty on parts?

I have an extended warranty 8-years, 75,000 miles. I've heard of taxi services with Priuses which last several hundred thousand miles. I expect to have traded it in for the next generation Prius (whenever it comes out) before I reach that many miles.

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations? MPG claims?

Yes, it's been good. Power is more than adequate. My mileage has been better (52 mpg) than expected. My research told me to expect mid to high forties.

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?

Not yet. But one has expressed an interest.

Mark McGlone

[hdrygas]

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?
Many years ago when research started. I was aware there was a gas electric hybrid at the turn of the century. After looking into the initial offerings I realized that the Prius appeared to be the best system but I waited until some long term battery data became available. I have a tendency to be a early adopter and have gotten burned and my wife has not let me forget about it, so with a 28 K purchase I wanted some reassurence.

2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?
Honda and Toyota. Yes supply was very limited last year. I had decided that Toyota was the better system. My son found me a car in 800 miles away in Helena MT. I got my car in about 3 months rather that 6-7.

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?
I had friends with a Prius and the Honda Civic. I did extensive internet and library research over 4-6 months before ordering.

4. When did you actually make the purchase?
August 13 2004

5 What were you driving previously and what made you decide to get rid of it?
A Ford Explorer with 110K on it. I still have it for towing, off road (I am a fisherman) and getting to some streams takes you to logging roads and even fording a small stream, and haling stuff that won't fit in the Prius.
6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?
Economy, Emissions and gadgets in that order

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway) I call it rural/suburban. I start my commute in a rural area and end up going through suburban small city driving. Get on the highway only going out of town.

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?
Some but I think I did my homework. I see this as the bridge to the future. Hybrids for the next 10-15 years till we get to something better.

9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

10. What sort of maintenance is required? Is it any different from your former vehicle? More or less expensive? Less maintenance less expensive. That is the amazing thing.

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle? Warranty on parts? I would say based on data 200K to 300K that is twice as long as my previous 3 cars

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations? MPG claims? Yes very much so. I had a good understanding of real world MPG claims and the proper use of the EPA figures. I have not yet gone over 60 m.p.g. but I have one tank at 59.7 and my life time average for just under 15K miles is 50.8 m.p.g.

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?
I am a Doc and 2 of my nurses drive Prii and one partner are now driving Prii, I am working on the rest. I think that I have my employer half convinced to offer a bonus and parking for hybrid drivers. I work with a large staff model HMO and they are at least discussing it. We presently give a yearly bonus to bikers, walkers and car pools. Not huge but a very nice ataboy.