Traded the HHR.......
04-09-2008, 07:03 PM
#11
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Join Date: 10-24-2006
Location: The Show-Me State
Posts: 1,761
I've been looking at the Malibu Hybrid since it also has the Ecotec engine. But, even though Chevy offers great colors in other models, the Malibu Hybrid has some very bland choices. What were they thinking? Do only boring people buy hybrids? Not necessarily! Why would Toyota offer the Prius in bright red and lime green?
04-09-2008, 07:28 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-31-2008
Location: So Cal
Posts: 179
I loved the Malibu we got from the dealership while the Equinox was in for repairs. I was going to buy that instead of the HHR, but when I got trapped in the damn thing a couple times and realised the egress was difficult for someone my size I crossed it off the list.
BTW, I am 6'9" so the fact that I can even fit in the HHR is astounding!
BTW, I am 6'9" so the fact that I can even fit in the HHR is astounding!
04-10-2008, 12:37 PM
#15
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Join Date: 08-17-2006
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 1,851
04-10-2008, 03:36 PM
#17
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Thread Starter
Join Date: 05-03-2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 71
I'm not sure about the Hybrid "hype". What is going to happen when the $5000.00 battery goes out. Also, who in there right mind would buy a used hybrid knowing that the $5000.00 battery is only good for a limited amount of time (100k miles or 5 years on the prius I think).
With an engine you can pretty much tell what kind of shape its in by listening to it run and, the gas engine life is directly related to how well it's maintained.
With an engine you can pretty much tell what kind of shape its in by listening to it run and, the gas engine life is directly related to how well it's maintained.
04-10-2008, 08:29 PM
#18
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Join Date: 05-26-2007
Location: ...
Posts: 1,554
Well, if diesel prices would become sane again, the new 2009 Volkswagen CRD's (Common Rail Diesel) would be a great choice for efficiency and good power, along with 50 state clean emissions. The 2009 Jetta is slated to return low to mid 50's for highway mpg, while meeting California emissions, and all with 235 lb-ft of torque on tap through a 6-speed dual clutch automatic. Jetta's are pretty well appointed, too, as amenities go. But the problem right now is the huge scam that's being perpetrated against the country with diesel prices. You refine for gasoline, you get diesel first-- its the first cut off the distillation tower, all that need be done is desulphur it, apply an additive package and its ready to sell. Many more steps in the refining process are req'd before gasoline is ready to sell. Both from the same barrel of crude oil. So tell me again why diesel is costing almost a dollar more in some parts of the country? HHO (Home heating oil) accounts for 10% of the distillates market whereas on-road diesel accounts for 40%. So the HHO seasonal excuse is built on a faulty foundation from the get-go. The product with the larger market share drives the market, not the other way around.
04-11-2008, 07:47 AM
#19
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Join Date: 10-24-2006
Location: The Show-Me State
Posts: 1,761
Again, your fuel prices are a component of oil prices, which are driven by the weakened US dollar. If we can't pay off our debts that everyone else owns, the cost of fungible goods is going to keep going up! Also, the distillates market is shared by off-road diesel and other fuels like jet fuel. Notice all the flights that are being canceled right now. In fact, the only industry that isn't scaling back right now is rail just because they locked in their fuel prices years ago.
04-11-2008, 07:53 AM
#20
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Join Date: 07-21-2006
Location: Ft Walton Bch FL
Posts: 1,708