Honda Clarity plug in: World's ugliest car

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by RedDevil

To each their own - IMHO these features reduce sales more than drag.

Whether they affect sales is a matter of opinion, since we don't have any data. But those inlets feed air curtain ducts over the rear wheels, which unquestionably reduce drag.

Originally Posted by vskid3

The Clarity isn't a hatchback? I always thought it was, must have been the little window on the back. Why make a car look 90% like a hatchback, but then make it a sedan? Heck, the side view of the Model 3 almost looks more like a hatchback than the Model S.

They even went as far as putting a second window between the cabin and trunk so the driver can see out of the lower exterior window. That seems like a lot more trouble than just making it a hatchback.

[Xist]

That second window looks useless.

[MetroMPG]

I thought of this thread today when I read this take about a Clarity PHEV review...

For anyone who really wants a battery-electric vehicle but is still anxious about range, this ugly-duckling Honda looks like the best compromise out there.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/driv...c-car-without/

[Ecky]

The Clarity is honestly on my short list as soon as they get old enough to be cheap. To me it's a plus that it's ugly if it saves me money. I have a habit of buying cars others think are ugly anyway.

[Ecky]

Spurred by your post, I decided to check local listings for these cars. None for sale used.

However, it looks like you can get the "electric transmission" from one for $500 on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-HONDA-...IAAOSwvNpeaVdg

^ That's 135kw (181HP). If it's not too difficult to get running, it could be an absolute steal for EV conversions.

[redpoint5]

There's speculation about auto loan defaults and repossessions, as well as people simply selling vehicles they can't afford. We might see a glut of used cars down the road, which would push prices down.

[freebeard]

I suppose that includes Superbeetles.

[Piotrsko]

Imho, superbugs are a niche product, AND since few people know what they are anymore, not stranded like they used to be. In my conversations, if it looks like a bug, it is a bug, super or otherwise. The most important thing is to keep it looking pristine and living in a large high congestion area.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Spurred by your post, I decided to check local listings for these cars. None for sale used.

However, it looks like you can get the "electric transmission" from one for $500 on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-HONDA-...IAAOSwvNpeaVdg

^ That's 135kw (181HP). If it's not too difficult to get running, it could be an absolute steal for EV conversions.

The next Insight motor swap

[samwichse]

Update: After trashing the looks of the car here, we bought a used 2018 in white a few years later.

We went with it over the previous gen Prius plugin because:
a) PHEV range is much longer (48 vs 25 miles) and fully covers my wife's commute plus a chunk to cover winter range loss.
b) She liked the Clarity better inside. She almost immediately HATED the prius as soon as she sat in it. For exterior, she really DGAF what it looks like.
c) It's an uncommon model, so it doesn't come with that Prius price penalty.
d) It came loaded and that lane keeping plus adaptive cruise is like gold on longer road trips.

We've got 1800 miles on the Trip B odometer now... tracking the gas tank. There's still about a little less than a half tank (weirdly holds only about 7 gallons total).

Sam