Do Hybrids Really Make Sense?

[RedDevil]

I had a '98 Nissan Almera before i bought my Insight.
The Almera is the European version of the Sentra, different model, same specs.

Three years ago at 280.000 km (170.000 miles) is was falling apart.
I spent over €1000 a year on repair bills alone.
AC failed twice in a couple of years. Warped front brake disks twice.
Fuel filler pipe leaked. Exhaust fell off (right after a refit!) but that was the garage. Etcetera.

If I set the depreciation at 0 for the Almera and €2000 a year(*) for my new Insight, and looking back over the costs for the last 5 years the Insight cost me almost €1000 a year less than the Almera.
I was not really hypermiling the Almera at first so that would be less if I had. But I was also doing less miles a year then, working only 3 days a week; that should even it out.

If I'd do all the maintenance myself the cost balance might tip. But I'd save time with the Insight then.

(*) That makes it repay for itself within 8 years.
The Almera was the youngest car I had to date, sold it at only 14 years old.
My other cars got 19 years; the '98 Suzuki Alto is still being driven by my mother in law.
I expect the Insight to last well over 10 years too.)

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

I remember one Z car from over 30 years ago that was rejected when the Chevy V8 was installed without the factory air injection system and air pump. Seen a pickup driver ticketed by a trooper for illegal dual exhausts added after manufacture.

Is that a problem with the cars, though, or with your state legislature?

[P-hack]

and there are priuses that were converted to full EV and never bothered by the EPA again. (though I do keep an eye out for pre 96 vehicles for the same reason)

[user removed]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Is that a problem with the cars, though, or with your state legislature?

At the time all emissions controls that were present in the transplant in the same year (1973) had to transfer to the recipient vehicle.

regards
mech

[IamIan]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Jasper is 3 years 100k miles on engines and transmissions and includes labor.

You're making the case that the HEV battery rebuild has a better warranty than these ICE or Transmission rebuilds.

3 years unlimited miles is better than 3 years 100k miles.

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Longer miles than almost every OEM.

But not all OEM warranties .. and far inferior to HEV component OEM warranties .. and inferior to even rebuilt HEV battery warranties.

If warranties are an indicator .. the HEV system is about 3x more durable / reliable / etc ... than those other components ICE / Transmission / etc... even aftermarket rebuild warranties of the least durable component (the battery) you are still showing examples of it being covered by superior warranties than those other components.

You're showing examples of why you should be more concerned about all those other parts than you should be concerned about the HEV parts.

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Your hybrid has numerous other components that conventional vehicles do not have to wear out or break.

#1> As your own source shows above .. Those other components have warranties that suggest they are about 3x more reliable and durable.

#2> My specific HEV ... the Gen1 Insight ... Can easily be modded to run without those other HEV components is needed / desired ... I get all their benefits .. I can opt to run without them easily and cheaply.

#3> Try looking up the other HEV components (not the battery) failure rates .. you'll find the HEV motors / electronics / etc ... have extremely good MTBF rates... There is a point where a component has such a good MTBF that it is not reasonable to worry about it much.

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Does the internet help finding parts for very rare cars? Absolutely. It also means those who have the parts charge more for them due to increased demand.

Exactly the opposite actually.
It makes parts cheaper .. because it opens up more routes of competition ... I am not forced to only use the local guy 10 miles away for a part ... I can see if it's cost effective to get it from the guy 100 miles away .. or 1000 mile away ... I can easily on-line ask for a quote to have things fabricated for me to my specifications even on the opposite side of the world from people who don't share my language.

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Read the fineprint on used electrical part purchases very very carefuly and look out for things like, no returns, or instore credit only.

Always a good idea to read the agreement (fine print) for any agreement you make .. That's not exclusive or unique to electronic parts.

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

As far as swapping out another engine in a shell, good luck with extinguishing the CEL and battery failure lights.

Numerous people have already done so... with a variety of different ICEs in the Gen1 Insight specifically and numerous other vehicles as well.

ICE swapping is not new .. there are companies and people that do this kind of thing all the time for a variety of vehicles ... nothing new here or unique to HEVs... even using one as a shell for another project.

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Around here they do not do emissions testing but if either of those lights is totally inop or continuously illuminated then it's a failed inspection.

Sooo just like any other car that does an ICE swap .. nothing new here or unique to HEVs.

[user removed]

HYBRID HONDA

Here ya go, with a replacement battery no less.

I'll pass

regards
mech

[user removed]

01 Honda insight

I'm shocked this one has not sold, low miles, needs some paint on the hood and roof.

regards
mech

[P-hack]

At my current station, a two seater isn't worth the parking space it would take.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

01 Honda insight

I'm shocked this one has not sold, low miles, needs some paint on the hood and roof.

regards
mech

Maybe people are turned off by the fact that the car comes with Manuel. If it came with José or Alejandro it'd be gone for sure.

I'm selling a 2001 Honda insight runs great!
Gets unbelievable fuel economy 52mpg avg hybrid.
5spd Manuel
Ice cold ac
Good looking interior
Overal a great running car

[RedDevil]

Here most Hondas come with a bilingual instruction manual/manuel du conducteur.
Manuel the ticket collector