Used Hybrid
Does it really make sense to buy a used hybrid car? Before
buying a used hybrid make sure you consider a few important
questions. When researching a used hybrid, compare the
maintenance expense of a used hybrid to a used non-hybrid car.
Is the used hybrid more expensive to maintain? Compare the cost
of parts on a used hybrid to a used non-hybrid vehicle. Compare
the life of a used hybrid engine to a non-hybrid engine. Does
the used hybrid last as many miles? Do you have to service a
used hybrid engine more often than the alternative? Compare the
DMV registration of a used hybrid to a used non-hybrid. Compare
the price differences of the two types of vehicles. Don't forget to
calculate the fuel savings and the tax break of a used hybrid also.
Everybody assumes that just because it is a used hybrid that it will
save them money. This is probably true most of the time, but since
there are different models available, you must compare each used hybrid
model to its all gasoline version to make sure it makes sense. One
used hybrid may blow the socks off of its sister model in every
category, but others may not. Do your homework!
Here is an article about the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid. If you are
considering the hybrid version of the Accord, this is a good starting point
for research. It won't answer all of your questions but it does
provide some helpful comparison points.
Honda Accord Hybrid 2005: The Weekly Driver Review
by: James Raia
If there are any reservations among consumers about the overall
worthiness of hybrid vehicles, the 2005 Honda Accord has done its part to
end the apprehension.
The Accord hybrid — which joined the Civic and Insight hybrid models this
year — is a high-performance, fuel-efficient, well-designed and spacious
addition to the more than two-dozen available configurations of the
exceedingly popular Accord.
The hybrid shares all of the upside attributes of the gas engine Accord.
But it also features a surprisingly quick 255-horsepower three-liter, V6
engine. And, of course, it offers the benefits of substantially increased
gas mileage via its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) and Variable Cylinder
Management (VCM) electronic systems.
My test drive for the week was the four-door sedan that included every
available Accord option, including leather seats, a navigation system and XM
satellite radio. With its nicely toned silver pearl metallic exterior,
perfectly complementary gray, leather interior, 16-inch alloy wheels and
classic Accord body style, the hybrid is one sharp-looking sedan.
For years, Accords have received high marks in many design and
functionality categories. The hybrid version only confirms the reasons for
the praise. Its front and rear-seat room is plentiful and comfortable and
its controls and instrumentation are attractive. The hybrid model does have
2.8 cubic feet less trunk space than other Accord sedans, but the available
area is still adequate.
More impressive is the hybrid's performance. During my one-week's tenure
with the car, I made many around-the-town treks in which the hybrid's quick
acceleration, responsiveness and fuel-economy high ratings were readily
apparent. The hybrid has a 7.5-second, 0-60 mph designation, for example.
And at stop signs and stop lights, the engine's gas to electric transition
idle stop function provides an appreciably quiet waiting period.
I also took the vehicle (and a friend) on a 180-mile round-trip trek from
Sacramento to San Francisco, and that's where the vehicle performed
particularly well.
In bumper-to-bumper traffic, while accelerating to change lanes or when
reacting suddenly to an erratic driver's moves, the hybrid was in charge.
It's quick, it steers with precision, and it provides a quiet, confident
ride.
With its efficient, well-designed and easy-to-use navigation system and
quality CD and satellite radio features, the Accord hybrid is matched well
against its formidable competition, including the Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan
Altima and Toyota Camry.
The Accord hybrid does not come cheap, though. The fuel-efficient option
adds a $3,000 premium to the Accord's high-end base price and pushes the
vehicle into the $30,000 price range. Its one option package is the
navigation system and that adds another $2,000.
As a result, paying more than $32,000 for a Honda Accord warrants some
additional hesitancy while comparison shopping.
But if the manufacturer's estimated yearly fuel cost of $842 and the
estimated mileage averages of 29 (city) and 37 (highway) are reasonably
accurate, the increased purchase price should be neutralized by a potential
buyer with environmental concerns and with long-term ownership plans.
2005 Honda Accord Hybrid
Safety features — Driver and front passenger dual-stage front,
side and side curtain airbags; ABS brakes.
Fuel Mileage (estimates) — 29 mpg (city), 37 mpg (highway).
Warranty — Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powerpack, 8
years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.
Base price — $30,140.00.
About The Author
James Raia is a Sacramento, Calif., journalist who writes about sports,
travel and lifestyle topics as well as the syndicated automotive column,
The Weekly Driver
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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