Quote:
Originally Posted by 09Sentra
Arent you supposed to get better mpg in the city with hybrids?I was gonna buy a prius.
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For the average driver on the average daily trip, yes. For me, no. Because:
- My city is about 5 miles wide, with zero points of interest, stores, schools, etc. outside of that 5 mile wide circle.
- It is cold here nearly year round, already dropping down into the 40's °F at night. Try starting up at -40 °F several nights/mornings in a row with a wimpy block heater that won't bring the engine up past 0 °F even when left on all night.
- My work is not just one place, but several small stops all over town, where the engine has a couple hours to cool back down each time, especially during the cold winters when I work nights.
Most people just get in, drive 7 or 8 miles to work, which in stop and go traffic means they're warmed up by the first mile or two, then the hybrid system can do its thing the next 6 miles. Then they get back into their car on a nice warm/hot afternoon after work, so it takes half a mile to warm up, then the hybrid system does its thing all the way back home.