My hybrid car experience

[Hot Georgia]

Hi.
From 1976 to 2004 I drove with no economy in mind: I drove like it was stole and got about 16MPG in a Dodge Spirit 4cyl which EPA rated about 24.

When our family moved out to the rural area, creating a 50 mile commute I had to find a better way. I tried driving more efficiently but just got bored and returned to the old normal way.

We replaced our 10yr old Dodge with a Civic Hybrid CVT(AT) in 2004. I didn't buy it to "Save the planet", but because gas had recently exceeded $1.00 /g.

Intrigued because my mileage was about 50MPG, I wanted to see just how high it would go. I did a lot of experimenting and web research and began hypermiling. (Google hypermiling if unsure)

After two years of "training" I was able to reach my personal record as posted in my signature below. The long commute and off-hours were a major contributor.

Since then my hours have changed and join the other folks in terrible Atlanta rush hour freeway traffic. Although my efficiency efforts are scaled back, I still average above 60MPG using the tips here:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...66#post5752366

Today it has +120,000 miles and starts/runs/drives as new. Had zero problems with it. Tires lasted till 88,000 miles and original brakes have "Plenty" left on them.
I usually get bored with vehicles after the 1st year, but after 4 years I still love the car, love to drive it and take good care.

So how much money have I actually saved? It's difficult for me to calculate.
Being an ex Dodge patron, 2nd runner up was a Neon. I understand most folks average about 26MPG with it.
The closest comparable regular Civic (EX) was about 1,000 less with mid 30's MPG.

I say it's difficult to calculate because if I'd have bought a regular Civic or Neon, I would still have no thought what-so-ever of driving efficiently.
There is no doubt I'd be doing mid 20's MPG in a Neon or Civic- and have a beat-up wore out car again today, shopping for a replacement at 120K miles.

Also considering that I've transfered the lessons learned in the Civic Hybrid to our Grand Caravan with good success, all that I can say is that we've saved thousands in fuel over the last four years.

So what do I do in the future for battery replacement? That seems to be the most prevailing question people have.
If and when it needed replacement I could:

1. Do a new Honda replacement, which includes all the controller equipment for about $2,400

or

2. Replace it with a guaranteed used one

or

3. Just drive it with a flat hybrid battery (But reduced performance)


-Steve

[serge_saati]

Wow! 75 mpg! That awesome with a Civic Hybrid!

For your question, I suggest you to drive it with flat battery until you got tired of it. Then replace the car.

[NotoriousPhil]

Have you ever heard of the honda civic vx 92-95 gasoline engine that got 56 mpg hwy. It used a wideband o2 sensor and a low gear transmission. Pretty funny this technology has been around for so long but someone doesnt want us to have it IE big oil companies who are in bed with the auto manufacturers.

[trrho1974]

I never thought about hybrid before but that's something I have to consider now. 75mpg is amazing..