The so-called "hybrid premium"

I hope someone will do the "hemi premium" comparison. Then maybe I will finally figure out why someone doesn't mind paying the extra for the Hemi.

Wayne

 

This is a ballpark figure a writer thru out their years ago.

The questions to keep in mind: How much more does my hybrid cost over what I was going to get (or what I traded it in for)? How long will it take for my gas saving to make up the difference.

I tell most people about five years or 100,000 miles - your results will vary.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rtn @ Apr 9 2007, 12:24 PM) [snapback]420304[/snapback]</div>

As a hatchback, the Matrix may be a better Toyota to compare with a Prius, though it's still not apples-to-apples.

 

Uh, don't you guys know that the battery will need to be replaced in 3 years and costs $10,000? That's where the premium is. Not only that, it costs $3 a mile overall, didn't you read the Hummer vs. Prius article? You guys need to be informed.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rtn @ Apr 9 2007, 01:03 PM) [snapback]420335[/snapback]</div>

We looked at the Matrix too when shopping for a Prius. One of the main differences in price is that the base Matrix truely is base with very little features. The base Prius comes loaded with features. The Matrix we would have been interested in had an MSRP of about 21K vs. 23.8K for the Option 1 Prius that we were interested in. One test drive was all it took to convice me that the Prius was the superior vehicle in almost all aspects; particulary acceleration, handling, and even suspenson (you could feel every bump in the road in the Matrix). Factor in the tax credit and fuel savings/environmental benefit and buying the Prius was a no-brainer. It was a pleasant surprise to be able to the negotiate for the Option 1 Prius we wanted at under dealer invoice (just under 22K). Would have been more than willing to pay sticker if that's what it took.

 

rtn: are you sure those numbers are correct?

I looked at autos.yahoo.com, and the civic LX costs $17,760, perhaps you meant the EX? cause the EX with auto and nav costs $21,260 MSRP. And the civic hybrid with nav costs $24,350. Plus, the rebate I believe is 2500 not 2100. Where did you get these numbers btw?

 

In this article from today's CNN.com front page, there's now the "fuel efficient vehicle" penalty in the amount of $5000-6000 fabricated by GM :

http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/09/autos/plug...dex.htm?cnn=yes

I think I saw that somewhere else recently as well, and even in the original article there was no support for that number. If GM says it's so, then it must be true! The Hybrid Premium/Tax lives on....

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mywhitenoise @ Apr 9 2007, 12:22 PM) [snapback]420342[/snapback]</div>

If you believe Dust to Dust, then you better buy Kevin Trudeau's books ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Trudeau ) because our toxic food and tap water is KILLING US!!!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rtn @ Apr 9 2007, 04:48 PM) [snapback]420389[/snapback]</div>

son of a... I am pretty sure at the dealership they were saying 2500 back. But then again, perhaps my memory is failing :lol: . Nice job on the post.

 

I have had my Pruis for two years and already cashed in on the tax rebate but I remember when i first bought it the dealer tried to charge me a $3,000 "premium" charge. When i asked for the exact price the sales person said just add on three thousand to the price , which turned out to be a crock of crap. The dealer up the road had no premium and got me my car as soon as they found the particular package and color i requested. Any one else run into that problem?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Delta Flyer @ Apr 9 2007, 11:33 AM) [snapback]420314[/snapback]</div>

$0
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Delta Flyer @ Apr 9 2007, 11:33 AM) [snapback]420314[/snapback]</div>

0. Started saving on my first tank.

I paid the same for my '05 #1 Prius as I did for my 1996 Saturn SC2 coupe. That's what I was looking to spend on replacing the Saturn.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mywhitenoise @ Apr 9 2007, 12:22 PM) [snapback]420342[/snapback]</div>

So....why does it come with a 15 year warranty?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Apr 10 2007, 02:26 AM) [snapback]420690[/snapback]</div>

*whew*
Thanks for clearing that up for me.......early in the morning and all. Got me on that one!!

 

There was a hybrid premium and more or less still is, in that you were forced to take a Prius with all its goodies at the $22K to $26K price, instead of being able to get an inexpensive, bare-bones Corolla hybrid.

It's the same "package" situation carmakers use regularly--"oh, so you want the sunroof, well, that comes only with the leather seats and the navigation". You have to take it all, or don't take it.

You can talk about what a great deal the Prius is because of all the technology built into it and all the doodads and gewgaws, but if you don't want any of those things, you're paying a premium just to get the hybrid technology. It's all being forced on you by the automaker.

If Toyota were being responsible about all this, they'd offer a hybrid Corolla. Instead, they've put the hybrid technology into the Prius and the Camry and the various Lexus cars.

The premium is real. If you want hybrid technology, you have to buy higher end cars and spend money on features that have nothing to do with the hybrid technology itself.