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Old 07-14-2014, 08:06 PM   #20 (permalink)
figit090
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Northern California
Posts: 89

Black Bovine - '86 Toyota Supra N/A base
90 day: 16.86 mpg (US)

Grey Sandy - '03 Toyota Rav4 Sport Package
90 day: 21.3 mpg (US)

Panda - '03 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon GLS
90 day: 44.17 mpg (US)
Thanks: 18
Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ecky View Post
Most Insight batteries can be resurrected with a grid charge, you'll get a few more years out of them, and a basic grid charger can be built for about $25. As for engines... if the engine is blown, you can get a replacement for <$100, there are literally warehouses full of Insight engines that nobody wants because they simply don't fail. The car is usually wrecked before the engine goes out.

The mileage will be the same or possibly slightly better with the hybrid systems disabled (just slower), but even a 90% dead battery will still provide auto-stop and idle-smoothing.

It's very difficult to get less than 50MPG out of one. You can drive like an asshat and still get 50. I got 84 on my last extended trip.

EDIT: I wouldn't recommend buying something you wouldn't want to drive though. Get a car you like.
Good to know! I think I will take your advice and get a car I like more, the civic. I don't love them but they look ok, and I don't remember hating the drive last time I was in one.
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