Hi! I've searched but haven't found much. I'm on the hunt for an affordable non-compact daily driver. My 1964 daily driver non-efficient corvair has been acting up so I've been driving my 8.1 liter Silverado pickup to work... not an ideal commuter. I understand most people on this site are anxious and concerned about my commuting habits.
That being said - Chevy Malibus seem to have depreciated nicely, so I'm currently thinking about an 08' or 09'. I like American cars, and Malibus are cheap and big and seem to get decent mileage. I love manual transmissions but I think I'm old enough to be ready for a nice couch on wheels for my boring eight mile straight-line commute. I enjoy mild hypermiling techniques but it's hard/annoying to effectively FAS with a cup of coffee in your hand.
Questions / options:
1) 2.4 liter four cylinder with the six speed tranny. Rated 22/33 mpg.
2) 2.4 liter "hybrid" BAS with the four speed tranny, rated 26/34 mpg.
I understand it's a mild "hybrid," mostly capitalizing on engine-off at stop and restart capability.
Questions - I've heard of folks returning better than EPA ratings when driving them nicely. Would I benefit from the hybrid for my short flat commute with seven stop lights? What is the expected life of the BAS battery and associated components? Cost to repair/replace? Conversely, would I appreciate the potential smoother shifting and the lack of automated start/stop of the hybrid?
I've seen these cars in either flavors in the 5-7k range... seems acceptable for a decent looking mid size commuter with good mileage. I know there are other cars offering better mileage, but I'm good with the math I think:
10k miles/year divided by 12mpg at $2.50 a gallon = $2,083 (truck)
10k miles/year divided by 35mpg at $2.50 a gallon = $714 (Malibu)
10k miles/year divided by 45mpg at $2.50 a gallon = $555 (compact)
10k miles/year divided by 60mpg at $2.50 a gallon = $416 (civic / insight)
For the couple hundred bucks a year I'll take with the larger, quieter, more comfortable, and arguable safer large car. I'll keep the truck to pull our camper and do truck stuff, but it makes me happy to think about it sitting there paid off and ready to do truck stuff while realizing additional savings by way of tires/maintenance/etc.
Love to hear any input or recommendations!
Thanks.
