Insurance Agent Forum

[Alston]

My wife just ordered a Prius. It's a hybrid gas/electric car. A couple of our friends have them and she has been interested in the car for a long time. When she finally did the research, she was amazed at how well regarded the car is. It ranks high on safety, comfort and of course gas mileage.

The sticker says the gas mileage is 60 in the city. It's lower on the highway, because when you go at higher speeds the gas engine works harder to assist the electric engine.

We could probably export oil if everybody had a car that got 50 to 60 mpg!

I'm not in love with the body style but my wife, who has great taste in everything besides husbands, says that it looks cool. Our friends who have them say that it doesn't go from 0 to 50 as quickly as they would like it.

But aside from the above I've heard no other negatives. It is not the extreme compromise like some of the tiny cars that get great MPG. I have a Saab 900S and the Prius is at least as roomy as my car. Plus, it's quiet. The gas engine is small and shuts off when it isn't needed. The electric engine is nearly silent.

You can also buy a bicycle to reduce our dependence on oil (and your waist). I bike almost everywhere I go by myself when the weather permits. My wife bikes too, but for her it's mostly recreation. My 25 mpg Saab sits in the driveway most of the time.

[CT Insure Guy]

There are countless other ways to end dependence on foreign oil that I won't get into at length here, but one thing I would toss out is that oil is a resource we have an abundance of and it's generally not as costly to refine/produce as opposed to some of the "cleaner" sources such as hydrogen.

Regardless, my concern with Hybrids is # 1: cost to maintain beyond the warranty period, as those batteries/hybrid electrical systems are NOT cheap to repair or replace. This cost, should someone choose to keep the car that long, could easily outweigh a cheaper, traditional economy car such as a Corolla, etc. Also, the thing that makes no sense about those that get insane with the benefits of everyone driving hybrids/more economical cars is that MPG is only PART of the equation. For example:

Say I have a Hummer H2 and you have a Prius but I drive 10K miles a year and you drive 25K( I have a relative who has a Prius and drives over 40K miles a year, ironically doing primarily "eco-activism") miles in your Prius, etc. In reality, you are using more resources than I am because you CHOOSE to drive that many miles and use more fuel, as I have chosen to drive my guzzler but use less fuel by driving fewer miles.

That's what's great about America, anyone can choose to buy/drive whatever they want and there is a decent amount of balance. The notion that people in mass want more fuel effecient cars, however, has simply not played out based on what consumers have bought since 2000, however. Plus, IMHO, the power in the Toyota Prius is so horrific that I'd rather pass a semi on I95 with my feet than that car!

I hear people love them though, so enjoy...and drive safe.

[Mr. Bill]

I saw something on TV that GM has a new "concept car" which pretty much looked like a squared off version of a Crossfire but is electric. Max length is 40 miles. Doesn't do me much good!

On the other hand, Darryl Hannah has converted her car to a bio-diesel, which runs on used oil (as in kitchen-type oil). The utmost in fuel efficiency. Good for her, at least she's putting her money where her heart is!

Good luck with the Prius, Alston, I've heard good things about them but even better about the Honda hybrids. Personally, I don't like to be beholden to a dealer, and the Prius batteries were a nightmare when they first came out.....

[Macdaddy]

Per consumer reports, the Prius actually averages 48 mpg as I recall. They are very highly regarded by their owners. Great car.

I opted for the Honda Civic LX which is averaging a hair better than 31 mpg.

[tommyk]

Look at the difference in price of the Prius and the Honda Civic. Granted the Prius will get better fuel economy, but how much gas can you buy for the difference in price vs. how long are you gonna keep the vehicle.

[Alston]

Originally Posted by CT Insure Guy

Regardless, my concern with Hybrids is # 1: cost to maintain beyond the warranty period, as those batteries/hybrid electrical systems are NOT cheap to repair or replace. This cost, should someone choose to keep the car that long, could easily outweigh a cheaper, traditional economy car such as a Corolla, etc.

It has a 10 year warranty that should cover the above.

We plan to trade it in for the flying Jetson's car in the ninth year. I'm hoping they will be in production soon.

[CT Insure Guy]

Originally Posted by Alston

It has a 10 year warranty that should cover the above.

We plan to trade it in for the flying Jetson's car in the ninth year. I'm hoping they will be in production soon.

Make sure you read the warranty CLOSELY because a pal in LA that bought a Lexus Hybrid is having problems with less than 20k miles and Toyota/Lexus is trying to tell them that certain parts of the "Hybrid system" are not covered. Essentially saying that certain features are "wear parts" and not covered under warranty. I have not heard any horror stories on the Prius specifically but just be informed (especially seeing that it's the same company that writes the Prius warranty).

At the end of the day, all that really matters is that you love your car...

[James]

Or you could come to the realization that it wouldn't matter a hill of beans when it comes to oil usage and production.

[midwestbroker]

I buy extra gas and pour it out my window when I drive.

When I run out of gas I spray hair spray freely. I leave all the lights on in my house, and all my bulbs are the regular old type. I light cigarettes and let them burn so I can second hand smoke. I also eat trans fat.

If American was that worried, we would have refineries under construction, oil rigs pumping oil off our land for our use, and our politicians would not have private jets.

My advise : Buy Exxon and Toyota stock. Best of both worlds...

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

"we would have refineries under construction"

You bet. Heck...they should have been completed by now!

[midwestbroker]

That is right.

If the government cared about high gas prices they could cut the .30-.50 cent tax per gallon.

If they were that worried about dependence on foreign oil, we would become self reliant. We have the ability to, but the eco-nut jobs say "Don't drill here!"

We would also have nuclear power up and running more so then now. Sure, 3 mile island happened, but that is like comparing the modern car to the pinto. Plants have evolved a great deal in efficiency and safety.

[exofficio]

Hybrid gas/electric cars are an interesting choice -- and I am not being flippant -- I would love to have a more economical car. But those batteries don't last forever. What do you think will happen when the batteries lose their capacity in 10 years? Replacing them won't be cheap... and the old ones? Into the landfill they go.

[Winter]

Originally Posted by Alston

My wife just ordered a Prius. It's a hybrid gas/electric car. A couple of our friends have them and she has been interested in the car for a long time. When she finally did the research, she was amazed at how well regarded the car is. It ranks high on safety, comfort and of course gas mileage.

The sticker says the gas mileage is 60 in the city. It's lower on the highway, because when you go at higher speeds the gas engine works harder to assist the electric engine.

We could probably export oil if everybody had a car that got 50 to 60 mpg!

I'm not in love with the body style but my wife, who has great taste in everything besides husbands, says that it looks cool. Our friends who have them say that it doesn't go from 0 to 50 as quickly as they would like it.

But aside from the above I've heard no other negatives. It is not the extreme compromise like some of the tiny cars that get great MPG. I have a Saab 900S and the Prius is at least as roomy as my car. Plus, it's quiet. The gas engine is small and shuts off when it isn't needed. The electric engine is nearly silent.

You can also buy a bicycle to reduce our dependence on oil (and your waist). I bike almost everywhere I go by myself when the weather permits. My wife bikes too, but for her it's mostly recreation. My 25 mpg Saab sits in the driveway most of the time.

See if your wife will let you get a motorcycle. Good mileage there and lots of fun too.

Winter

[bartimus]

I have a boss who owns the Prius and makes regular trips from Nashville to Kentucky every weekend, he has said that his gas purchase is about 1/4 of his previous bill. Personally, I am never the first one into new technology. I generally buy vehicles used and pay cash.

When you consider the savings a cash purchase can provide plus the lack of a monthly car payment along with the reduced insurance cost, the high cost of gasoline is really not that big a deal to me. My friends who are making two car payments each month are complaining though.

[Mr. Bill]

OKay, now how's this for DUMB? a freshman at U of Hawaii has a job, so has asked mommy and daddy for a car. In HAWAII???? Gee, he had to walk home one night from work - 10 blocks! I told 'em get him a Vespa.

[midwestbroker]

I know that Toyota's have a long history of reliability, but the system they use in the Prius is very very complex.

There are diesel autos in Europe that get 40ish miles per gallon. The average MPG on a Prius is 45? Some where in there according to Motor Trend. Why do we not have those cars here?

Now, if you buying a Prius to save on gas, then I am all for it. Esp in the insurance market where some people make house calls.

[James]

Originally Posted by midwestbroker

I know that Toyota's have a long history of reliability, but the system they use in the Prius is very very complex.

There are diesel autos in Europe that get 40ish miles per gallon. The average MPG on a Prius is 45? Some where in there according to Motor Trend. Why do we not have those cars here?

Now, if you buying a Prius to save on gas, then I am all for it. Esp in the insurance market where some people make house calls.

Diesel, I think something about a bad reputation. As in not all gas stations have diesel, loud and black exhaust plus warm up time. Now I know the Europeans made some great progress with Diesels and likely will become more popular here in time. Plus I see more and more cars having the "Flex Fuel" stamped on them. One thing I really like about the electric car, quiet! I really like that.

See if your wife will let you get a motorcycle. Good mileage there and lots of fun too.

Winter

As much as I have enjoyed motorcycles in my youth, I really can not stand the loud ones today! Should be some kind of law, where is Big Government when you need them?

[Alston]

Originally Posted by midwestbroker

I know that Toyota's have a long history of reliability, but the system they use in the Prius is very very complex.

There are diesel autos in Europe that get 40ish miles per gallon. The average MPG on a Prius is 45? Some where in there according to Motor Trend. Why do we not have those cars here?

Now, if you buying a Prius to save on gas, then I am all for it. Esp in the insurance market where some people make house calls.

Insurance agents make house calls??? Hmmm, I'll have to get fancier underwear!

Bill Bradley says in his latest book that if we got our average MPG up to where it is in Europe (in the low 40s, I think) we would not need to import oil.

I don't know why we don't have more diesel cars. Maybe it is an emission issue.

The car sticker says 60 mpg in city driving and 55 on the highway. This is based on professional drivers in optimal conditions, so we may not achieve those numbers. (Although, I put more fuel efficient tires on my 1998 Saab and beat the mpg I was supposed to get when it was new.)

By the way, if we did 100% financing, we would save at least half of the car payment in gas savings. Since we are putting down a substantial down payment, the savings in gas should cover the note. We will have to dig into our pockets for increased auto insurance payments, though.

[djs]

A long time ago (mid-80's) I used to have a Chevy Sprint (think Geo Metro). It got over 50 miles to the gallon, flew around town, etc. Prius is a step back compared to it from an eco perspective, and you would think in 20 years, they could do better in MPG. Plus, I got over 50 on the highway, I think just slightly under in city traffic.

I support those who get hybrid cars. I'd like to see us use more renewable energy, less reliance on non-renewable stuff. I'm not an eco-whacko, just like to apply some common sense.

Nowadays, I drive my Jaguar. 3 miles a day on a heavy commute day. Price of gas only hurts me because people can't afford to pay their auto insurance premiums after buying gas to run to the mall to get new clothes, run to starbucks to to a half-caff half-decaf double mocca chocolate latte or whatever, and concert tickets for the weekend. Life is tough.

Nuclear power hasn't made the advances many think it has, since not to many people work on it anymore. Of course, it was never as bad as most people think. 3 mile island wasn't terrible, Chernobyl was an oops, but lets try training some reactor operators in common sense.

Dan

[Alston]

Originally Posted by djs

A long time ago (mid-80's) I used to have a Chevy Sprint (think Geo Metro). It got over 50 miles to the gallon, flew around town, etc. Prius is a step back compared to it from an eco perspective, and you would think in 20 years, they could do better in MPG. Plus, I got over 50 on the highway, I think just slightly under in city traffic.

Dan

I'm sure that if the same technology that is used in the Prius were used in a car as small and light as the Chevy Sprint, the MPG would be much much higher.

The thing is that although we may not get any better gas mileage with our Prius than you got with your Sprint, the car is saleable. Most people don't want to drive in a tiny car like a Sprint. It doesn't matter that most of the time people are driving alone and could drive a less capacious car; people are not going to trade in their SUVs for "a little toy car."

The Prius is a good sized car. It has more leg room than my Saab and a good sized trunk. We couldn't travel in a Sprint with a baby.

Also the Prius has an excellent crash rating. I doubt that if it were made small enough to compare with the Sprint that it would be as safe.