The hybrid equation: Gas + electric = viable market?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TimBikes @ Sep 21 2006, 03:05 AM) [snapback]322716[/snapback]</div>

Hi Tim,

For a buisness publication, I found the evaluation of Hybrids in this article somewhat non-rigorous. There was no mention of the savings in brake maintenance with Hybrids, and with the HSD no mention of the savings in transmission, starter and alternator repairs that a conventional car would require over its service life. And there was also no mention of the higher quality of the drive with the super smooth HSD. These are all tangibles above and beyond fuel economy and one would think a buisness publications would do a thorough investiongation of such things.

 

QUOTE: "For 2007, Kelley estimates the list price will be $22,755, and mileage is advertised as 60 mpg in the city and 51 on the highway. Whether dealers continue to tack on a premium remains to be seen, but unless others rise up and challenge it, that practice could go on for some time."

Looks like Kelley and the author of this article could simply check online (toyota.com) for the correct information. The base price for the 2007 Prius is $22,850 which includes among other things side air bags on all Prius. Seems these authors are too lazy to confirm their information before publishing. This would imply that purchasers who rely on such authors' articles are at the least gullible. I'd say, "Ask someone who owns one."

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(donee @ Sep 21 2006, 03:58 AM) [snapback]322734[/snapback]</div>

They just report numbers and fine other reports as sources. You expect them to know how to open the hood or crawl under the car too? They are reporters, not mechanics. :lol: