Hybrid cars

[Nail Polish]

**** hybrid drivers. I've had 2 of them lecture me on how I'm killing Earth because my van has a V10. They were unable to get that a V10 not working hard gets better mpg than a V8 working hard to move the same load.

The 99 Cad I just sold got 28 (or so) mpg on the road..People would ask me if the mileage sucked...lol

Sometimes a smaller engine working hard will get worse mileage that a large one working not so hard...As in your case

 

[Run the ball]

Is the amount you will save in gas going to be less than your monthly payment on the car loan? If not, in the end you aren't saving money.

Now, if you have saved up for the car or you are trading the Monte in to offset the cost your loan would obviously be less. Even still you would have to factor in the loan cost (assuming you aren't paying cash).

If I read correctly the Monte only has 80k miles on it. That really isn't bad at all.

I just don't know that your reasoning that it will save you money is sound if you are more than offsetting any gas savings with a car loan.


A $100 monthly gas savings doesn't make sense when you pick up a $400 car loan you didn't originally have.

That's why I still drive my V8 4runner, it's paid for and yes it's pretty terrible on gas. But getting a "cheaper on gas vehicle" will cost me much more per month, so why bother until my ride breaks down for good.

 

[Run the ball]

Aren't fluid changes pretty expensive on hybrids?

Deisels long term is the way to go, IMO, but maintenance is key to the longevity.

 

[1COBearsfan]

Aren't fluid changes pretty expensive on hybrids?

Deisels long term is the way to go, IMO, but maintenance is key to the longevity.

Fluid changes should be pretty expensive in all cars unless you are very very diligent in your maintenance.

 

[ijustposthere]

You should get a Porsche 918. They only cost like $850K.

Oh, that's it?

 

[Run the ball]

Fluid changes should be pretty expensive in all cars unless you are very very diligent in your maintenance.

Not really, if you do it yourself. I do an oil change for less than 40$.

I just had my transmission done a while ago and it was 320$ to change the fluids, I thought that was a little much. The service guy started showing the different types of oil the hybrids take and the cost, way more than what my 4runner cost me.

 

[nvanprooyen]

Oh, that's it?

It's practically a steal isn't it? Srs though, that thing is so fucking bad ass.

 

[ijustposthere]

Not really, if you do it yourself. I do an oil change for less than 40$.

I just had my transmission done a while ago and it was 320$ to change the fluids, I thought that was a little much. The service guy started showing the different types of oil the hybrids take and the cost, way more than what my 4runner cost me.

I used to change my own oil, until I realized I was spending close to the same price on oil anyway. I haven't gone very deep into maintenance costs for a hybrid yet.

 

[1COBearsfan]

Not really, if you do it yourself. I do an oil change for less than 40$.

I just had my transmission done a while ago and it was 320$ to change the fluids, I thought that was a little much. The service guy started showing the different types of oil the hybrids take and the cost, way more than what my 4runner cost me.

Are the differences just that it takes fluids new to the market but not really specific for hybrids? I know fluids for new transmissions are far more advanced than trans fluid from just 5 years ago

And I meant that you should use the best fluid that you can afford if you do it yourself, that's why it should actually cost a little more. If you are super-meticulous about maintenance you can get away with using cheap fluids but you need to not go over the recommend mileage ever

 

[Run the ball]

Are the differences just that it takes fluids new to the market but not really specific for hybrids? I know fluids for new transmissions are far more advanced than trans fluid from just 5 years ago

And I meant that you should use the best fluid that you can afford if you do it yourself, that's why it should actually cost a little more. If you are super-meticulous about maintenance you can get away with using cheap fluids but you need to not go over the recommend mileage ever

I live in Canada and it gets freaking cold sometimes, cheap fluids will really hurt your wallet and vehicle long term. With that said, I run nothing but synthetic motor oil and whatever else is reccomended by the manufacturer for my other fluids.

The only reason I didn't do my own tranny is because I had them flush it and the fact that there is no fill tube in the engine compartment.

 

[Crystallas]

I still do my fluids. Sometimes I take it to a place, pending time constraints. Price is slightly cheaper, but I use that time to check the car. Last haul I had was a few cases of top tier oil when on sale. And a case of oil filters. Oil was $28 per case, and the case of filters was $44. I buy on sale + veterans discount. The stuff I picked up was Pennzoil Ultra, which gets rave reviews from bobtheoilguy, and my engine is indeed super clean and runs great after 220k miles. So all around, winds up being $25 for a full synthetic(and top tier fluid) change + peace of mind that some kid at a reputable place didn't forget to put the drain plug on/strip threads, or something stupid. The cheapest I have found from a reputable place, is $49 for the same thing. Walmart is $54 here, last I checked.

 

[Nail Polish]

I was shocked to find that Jeep requires the fluids be changed in my wifes Rubicon axles every 30K. They use the synthetic fluid and it supposedly breaks down faster than the old 90W gear oil we used to use in the "olden" days..Plus, Jeep says the ring and pinion are made from alloy and not iron like in the past

 

[Iwritecode]

The last two gas cars I drove always got at least mid-grade fuel from shell so I never had that drastic of a price difference. It's approximately 5 cents difference now where I'm at



That's exactly why I bought my car.

Someone from Virginia called about this car and was going to fly to Denver to buy it but I got there first. He had one with 750,000 miles on it but the body was getting shitty from living on the east coast and was looking to retire it soon

This should be the last commuter car I ever need to buy (knock on wood)

So I’ve been reading up on diesel vs gas and it seems like overall, you typically do save money on fuel costs with the greater mpg and the regular maintenance is about the same for both, but some of the savings could go away if any unexpected repairs come up. Especially if you’re not a DIY guy.

I also didn’t know they now make a diesel Chevy Cruze.

I won’t be in the market for a new car for another few years but it’s something to think about I guess.