Hybrids and FlexFuel revisited: recommend <strong class="lj-user"><a href="/read/user/banazir">banazir</a></strong>'s next car!: banazir

banazir

Mar 25, 2006 23:09

Poll What would Bana drive?

Some notes:

SUVs: When it comes to SUVs, I'm leaning towards holding out for an E85 hybrid. Even the Ford Escape Hybrid E85 (whose prototype was unveiled in January, 2006) isn't out yet.
Since I don't have a wife or kids yet, I figure I should wait until Toyota unveils a Higlander Hybrid E85 - those things seat 6-7 people!
The Ford Taurus sedan and station wagon, which I was considering, come in an E85 non-hybrid variety, but it was discontinued for commercial sales in 2005 and is being sold exclusively to rental fleets this year.
FlexFuel (E85-compatible) Cars: The Lincoln Town Car is in the above list because it comes in an FlexFuel version that can take E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), which I forgot to mention. I don't know the claimed mileage, though.
Hybrid mileage: There has been some controversy over inflated mileage claims for hybrids1, as you may have read.
Hybrid battery life and replacement costs: The cost of a hybrid battery replacement can run about $3000-4000, according to many sites.2, 3 I've heard $3500 and I've heard $5000. I think the estimates far over $4000 are exaggerations, courtesy of the anti-hybrid lobby. Can anyone confirm or deny this?