Another hybrid sales article

thats because there were no many different hybrids available... this year you have plenty of options to upgrade from prius for example, from Camry, Fusion to ES300h...

 

I wouldn't get too worked up on that polk survey being trotted out again. IIRC 90% of prii ever manufactured are still on the road, not too suprising since most were built after 2005, and the average car is now 11 years old.

When you realize that only 10% of prius drivers are included in this stat, and the bulk that are included bought before the 2008 EPA revision, so didn't get nearly the promised mileage, you can put stock in this at the end of the article

When people start trading in 2008 and later models then the low stat would be bothersome.

 

I'm curious. It would be more telling if they knew which "hybrids" were more likely to be traded in for a non hybrid car.

My estimation - Owners of mild hybrids would be much more likely to forgo getting another hybrid than owners of non mild hybrids. I think there was a post about this roughly a year ago (Prius drivers were more likely to purchase another hybrid....and when they took Prius drivers out of the equation, the number of hybrid drivers that would re-buy another hybrid was terribly low)

 

One downside to many hybrids is reviews that say it's best to avoid the hybrid version of a model, when buying used. Honda Civic Hybrid is a case in point: the hybrid premium when purchasing new is almost a liability when buying used. Their batteries do not have a good track record, and Honda has their collective head in the sand on this issue. Some would say they have their head somewhere else...

 

Another thing the article doesn't address is that most people don't even buy the same make and model of car that they just traded-in/sold. I was listening to a re-run of Click and Clack (from the late 90's) and they were talking about this. People drive a car for a few to several years and then want to have a "new" driving experience.

 

You really don't want to rehash this again do you? F150 owners are the most loyal.

Only 35 Percent of Hybrid Owners Buying Hybrids Again, says Polk - Polk - Company - News

Only 10% of prius drivers or less have traded in there car. Most of these were pre 2008 models

 

So far I would have no problem buying another hybrid in the future, most likely a Prius, but by the time I am ready to replace my car, who knows what models may be available. I’m still not sold on the BEVs yet though.

 

I doubt I'll ever trade in either of my Prii ('05 and '09) short of a full electric with the range and capacity for carrying mail...and yeah...being able to drive from the passenger seat. The RAV4EV looks tempting but the range isn't quite where I want it yet, not to mention initial cost is a bit more than I care to put out. If I recall it's priced decent for what it is but I'm "frugal" Ok...I'm cheap...lol. I can't speak for any other type hybrid like Volt, Fusion etc. but my Prii deliver a year round average of 50 mpg on the route or on the highway. Right now I push between 55 and 60 mpg on both. Now, if I had a hybrid that got 40 mpg I'd wonder why even bother when I can get a full gasser that gets that much, and probably at a lower cost. If I ever DO trade rather than they die with me I'd likely go Prius again though.

 

I'm one of the apparent 65%. Wouldn't buy another hybrid or plug-in on the market. Maybe Cam Hy XLE at huge discount.

Then again, cars like Acura, BMW are looking correct inside to me, but would need to be used TSX.

Sat in 2013 Leaf recently. HATED it. How sad. Altima is nice though. Must a been sniveling new college grads laying out Leaf seating. Dreadful.

 

I think we'll see a diesel in small van or SUV first that meet your possible needs first. The Transit Connect is getting a 1.6 ecoboost and a 6 speed auto. Being targeted mostly to fleets and businesses, the cost of a hybrid is a concern. Plus, you don't want to intrude too much into the cargo area for the battery. Then, considering the aerodynamics, would a hybrid that meets price and packaging needs yield much better results than an auto start system in the cost equation.

Many people want to see a Toyota hybrid minivan. Keeping Highlander hybrid pricing in mind, I don't think many will pay for it.

 

Just saw a $48,000 plus shipping for a RHD Japanese import.

It appears to be smaller than the Sienna, and uses the HSD from the HiHy. Smaller size, and price near the HiHy is likely what is keeping it out of the states. Perhaps with the next Sienna.

Under the learn something new file:
"Toyota is the first automaker to offer a factory installed auto-access seat for disabled people. The one-touch rotating, power ascending/descending lift-up seat can lower to within 19 inches (48 cm) of the ground."
Toyota Sienna - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

So are we to believe Hybrid loyality is not doing well?