Y Does Hybrid Vehicles Sells So Soon?

[osanda19]

Hi guys!im planing to buy a prius hybrid 2008 model.but now im bit disappointed about it.bcoz there are many registed prius for sale by owners..why are they selling that so soon? is there any hidden problems?pls help me!!

[jdnet]

Hi guys!im planing to buy a prius hybrid 2008 model.but now im bit disappointed about it.bcoz there are many registed prius for sale by owners..why are they selling that so soon? is there any hidden problems?pls help me!!

because they decided it's not a suitable car for them? because they an now make a profit since the taxes are higher? Because they want to?

Why do people sell 2010 Hiluxs? 2009 BMWs? 1954 bullock carts?

[tiv]

because they decided it's not a suitable car for them? because they an now make a profit since the taxes are higher? Because they want to?

Why do people sell 2010 Hiluxs? 2009 BMWs? 1954 bullock carts?

Any particular reason for the Hilux thing?

[irshadi2]

Hybrid Car Problems

http://www.allhybridcars.com/hybrid-car-problems.html

[irshadi2]

Problems with Hybrid Cars

If you are considering the purchase of a hybrid car, there are a few factors you will need to examine prior to purchase. While hybrid cars do offer many advantages, their disadvantages are often overlooked. Many of the disadvantages of a hybrid won't affect your wallet, but a few of these considerations can be quite costly.

Lack of Power

To increase fuel efficiency, hybrids have much less powerful engines, resulting in cars with a considerable drop in power. Both acceleration and pulling power are affected by this.

Cost of Repairs

Engines in hybrid cars are a newer technology that many mechanics are not yet familiar with. This and their more complicated design leads to much higher repair costs.

Battery Life

The average hybrid car battery lasts around 80,000 miles before needing replaced. While that seems like quite a long shelf life, keep in mind that these batteries cost $5,000 to $8,000.

Size

Because the engines produce less power than a typical car, hybrids are much smaller to help improve acceleration and gas efficiency. For this reason, many hybrids have drastically less storage space than their non-hybrid counterparts.

Weight

For more efficient operation and better performance, hybrids are typically much lighter than a normal car. These lighter materials tend to make the car more susceptible to damage.

Edited July 23, 2011 by irshadi2

[racerx]

I dont think any of the hybrids in sri lanka have a warranty. That is very expensive if something goes wrong.

[Magnum]

Problems with Hybrid Cars

If you are considering the purchase of a hybrid car, there are a few factors you will need to examine prior to purchase. While hybrid cars do offer many advantages, their disadvantages are often overlooked. Many of the disadvantages of a hybrid won't affect your wallet, but a few of these considerations can be quite costly.

Lack of Power

To increase fuel efficiency, hybrids have much less powerful engines, resulting in cars with a considerable drop in power. Both acceleration and pulling power are affected by this.

i wouldn't really agree with this, coz the RX400h is powerful than the petrol RX330(should be the same with Harrier) and i have heard the Prius is powerful than the allion/premio as well

[varunatech]

i wouldn't really agree with this, coz the RX400h is powerful than the petrol RX330(should be the same with Harrier) and i have heard the Prius is powerful than the allion/premio as well

In the first place, a low power engine does not mean low fuel consumption. The correct power should be there to operate efficiently.

Let us compare the Prius and a similar engine from Toyota.

Prius 2008

Horsepower 110 @ 5000 RPM

Torque (lb-ft) 82 @ 4200 RPM

Allion 1.5L 1NZ-FE

Horsepower 110 @ 6200 RPM

Torque (lb-ft) 103 @ 4200 RPM

We do not get a good comparison, because the Allion produce 110 at 6200 and it does better on Torque at 4200.

Ina addition consider that, when the Prius need more power, it operates both engine and battery power together. Hence even if we see that Prius engine looks low in power, that is intentional. The remaining is powered by the battery.

I cannot agree with that lighter materials are not safe. Firstly there can be lighter material which are higher in strength and good is energy absorption. Actually the "papadam feature" of the modern day cars save our lives. Life is more important that heavy metal body and less damaged car. The soft materials will absorb the energy and minimize the damage for passengers and also to the other vehicle or pedestrian.

Other issues, I cannot comment as I have no first hand experience or factual data.

[varunatech]

In the first place, a low power engine does not mean low fuel consumption. The correct power should be there to operate efficiently.

Let us compare the Prius and a similar engine from Toyota.

Prius 2008

Horsepower 110 @ 5000 RPM

Torque (lb-ft) 82 @ 4200 RPM

Torque rises to 105 lb-ft at 5200 RPM

Allion 1.5L 1NZ-FE

Horsepower 110 @ 6200 RPM

Torque (lb-ft) 103 @ 4200 RPM

We do not get a good comparison, because the Allion produce 110 at 6200 and it does better on Torque at 4200.

Ina addition consider that, when the Prius need more power, it operates both engine and battery power together. Hence even if we see that Prius engine looks low in power, that is intentional. The remaining is powered by the battery.

I cannot agree with that lighter materials are not safe. Firstly there can be lighter material which are higher in strength and good is energy absorption. Actually the "papadam feature" of the modern day cars save our lives. Life is more important that heavy metal body and less damaged car. The soft materials will absorb the energy and minimize the damage for passengers and also to the other vehicle or pedestrian.

Other issues, I cannot comment as I have no first hand experience or factual data.

[Magnum]

In the first place, a low power engine does not mean low fuel consumption. The correct power should be there to operate efficiently.

Let us compare the Prius and a similar engine from Toyota.

Prius 2008

Horsepower 110 @ 5000 RPM

Torque (lb-ft) 82 @ 4200 RPM

Allion 1.5L 1NZ-FE

Horsepower 110 @ 6200 RPM

Torque (lb-ft) 103 @ 4200 RPM

We do not get a good comparison, because the Allion produce 110 at 6200 and it does better on Torque at 4200.

Ina addition consider that, when the Prius need more power, it operates both engine and battery power together. Hence even if we see that Prius engine looks low in power, that is intentional. The remaining is powered by the battery.

I cannot agree with that lighter materials are not safe. Firstly there can be lighter material which are higher in strength and good is energy absorption. Actually the "papadam feature" of the modern day cars save our lives. Life is more important that heavy metal body and less damaged car. The soft materials will absorb the energy and minimize the damage for passengers and also to the other vehicle or pedestrian.

Other issues, I cannot comment as I have no first hand experience or factual data.

did u add the power produced by the electric motor to the power of the Prius engine??

[ShintaroX]

And what about freshness, did you take that into account???? Each Prius has a 'best before' date lol.

http://www.autoholics.org/toyota/what-you-can-do-when-your-toyota-prius-battery-life-expires.html

[--GeNeX--]

Problems with Hybrid Cars

If you are considering the purchase of a hybrid car, there are a few factors you will need to examine prior to purchase. While hybrid cars do offer many advantages, their disadvantages are often overlooked. Many of the disadvantages of a hybrid won't affect your wallet, but a few of these considerations can be quite costly.

Lack of Power

To increase fuel efficiency, hybrids have much less powerful engines, resulting in cars with a considerable drop in power. Both acceleration and pulling power are affected by this.

Cost of Repairs

Engines in hybrid cars are a newer technology that many mechanics are not yet familiar with. This and their more complicated design leads to much higher repair costs.

Battery Life

The average hybrid car battery lasts around 80,000 miles before needing replaced. While that seems like quite a long shelf life, keep in mind that these batteries cost $5,000 to $8,000.

Size

Because the engines produce less power than a typical car, hybrids are much smaller to help improve acceleration and gas efficiency. For this reason, many hybrids have drastically less storage space than their non-hybrid counterparts.

Weight

For more efficient operation and better performance, hybrids are typically much lighter than a normal car. These lighter materials tend to make the car more susceptible to damage.

Sorry, I disagree with some of the stated disadvantages that need to be considered. Reasons:

Battery Life

The average hybrid car battery lasts around 80,000 miles before needing replaced. While that seems like quite a long shelf life, keep in mind that these batteries cost $5,000 to $8,000.

These batteries are designed for the lifetime of the car. Usual manufacture lifetime denotes 100,000 miles (~160,000km) or 10 years. Even in gasoline only vehicles the main component failure will require repair or replacement after this time, costing similarly to what you have stated. Like in an engine, you can do localised repairs for the battery. i.e. individual defunct cells can be replaced. This removes the need to consider battery life as an argument for hybrids.

Size

Because the engines produce less power than a typical car, hybrids are much smaller to help improve acceleration and gas efficiency. For this reason, many hybrids have drastically less storage space than their non-hybrid counterparts.

Engines used in hybrids are also used in the manufactures gasoline-only vehicles! If you meant they use underpowered engines for the vehicle size, I would still argue the electric motor adds the rest of the power to bring it on par to or in most cases, exceed the power of gasoline only vehicle counterparts. Although in some hybrids the sheer size of the battery reduces luggage space. I guess if this matters, you will have to decide on a vehicle that was designed to be a hybrid rather than 'converted' to a hybrid.

Weight

For more efficient operation and better performance, hybrids are typically much lighter than a normal car. These lighter materials tend to make the car more susceptible to damage.

This is a moot point. as someone has already stated, lighter materials means better crumple zones adding safety to the vehicle. Even so, a hybrid is usually on par with or a bit heavier than vehicles of the same size category due to its extra components. If you want a car that is not susceptible to less damage look for a vehicle made of iron in the 80s. Don't drive too fast, because a small bump on another car will have your head rolling on the dash board (literally!).

It seems like I have disagreed on most of what you have stated except on cost! Fact is hybrids have more parts, and even more complex parts. Thus overall making it a costly affair at the moment if something was to go wrong.

In regards to the OPs question, I quote JDNET because it can't get any more simplified!

because they decided it's not a suitable car for them? because they an now make a profit since the taxes are higher? Because they want to?

Why do people sell 2010 Hiluxs? 2009 BMWs? 1954 bullock carts?

[ShintaroX]

Hi guys!im planing to buy a prius hybrid 2008 model.but now im bit disappointed about it.bcoz there are many registed prius for sale by owners..why are they selling that so soon? is there any hidden problems?pls help me!!

Could be dust mites.

http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/dustmites.php

They might be selling to prevent itchy bums.

Edited July 24, 2011 by ShintaroX

[varunatech]

did u add the power produced by the electric motor to the power of the Prius engine??

The electric motor is separate. Following are the specs of the Electric motor.

Electric Motor

Motor type

Permanent magnet AC synchronous motor

Power output

80 hp (60 kW)

Torque

153 lb.-ft. (207 N/m)

[varunatech]

The compression ratio of the Engine is high compared to 1NZ-FEs and 2ZR-FEs (121, Vios, Belta, Allion, Premio engines). I believe higher Octane fuel will be required. Given that 10:1 1NZ-FEs and 2ZR-FEs need RON 91 and above. Prius will need anything more than RON 91. This is no advantage or disadvantage point. It is the design of the vehicle.

[Watchman]

Problems with Hybrid Cars

If you are considering the purchase of a hybrid car, there are a few factors you will need to examine prior to purchase. While hybrid cars do offer many advantages, their disavantages are often overlooked. Many of the disadvantages of a hybrid won't affect your wallet, but a few of these considerations can be quite costly.

Lack of Power

To increase fuel efficiency, hybrids have much less powerful engines, resulting in cars with a considerable drop in power. Both acceleration and pulling power are affected by this.

Cost of Repairs

Engines in hybrid cars are a newer technology that many mechanics are not yet familiar with. This and their more complicated design leads to much higher repair costs.

Battery Life

The average hybrid car battery lasts around 80,000 miles before needing replaced. While that seems like quite a long shelf life, keep in mind that these batteries cost $5,000 to $8,000.

Size

because the engines produce less power than a typical car, hybrids are much smaller to help improve acceleration and gas efficiency. For this reason, many hybrids have drastically less storage space than their non-hybrid counterparts.

Weight

For more efficient operation and better performance, hybrids are typically much lighter than a normal car. These lighter materials tend to make the car more susceptible to damage.

First its self-proclaimed hybdrid gurus who support them and now experts who bash them... whats the world coming to..

Most of the facts this dude, preaches has already been proven otherwise many moons ago..

[--GeNeX--]

The compression ratio of the Engine is high compared to 1NZ-FEs and 2ZR-FEs (121, Vios, Belta, Allion, Premio engines). I believe higher Octane fuel will be required. Given that 10:1 1NZ-FEs and 2ZR-FEs need RON 91 and above. Prius will need anything more than RON 91. This is no advantage or disadvantage point. It is the design of the vehicle.

You are correct. Prius manual states RON 95 or higher. Allion manual states RON 91 or higher. I have been pumping RON 90 to a 08 Prius and noticed a great reduction in power. It may be my imagination, but I fear the engine has become more noisy. Hope this isn't destructive knocking occurring!

[da coolest]

There were a lot of people who has bought the prius. Some people wants to sell their cars after few years specially when there are newer versions coming out etc. Maybe thats why you find a lot of advertisement here and there. And also, if its acceleration that you want, get a car with v6, v8, v12 engine. You know why you are buying a prius. the acceleration is not that bad. I have driven a lots of worse cars (super seriously underpowered ones that you can find in the sl market) and prius is not that bad. 0-60 would be around 10 seconds. I think top gear is not always a practical guide for us living in a country like Sri Lanka. If you can talk directly to prius owners, instead of taking advices from those who has just watched top gear and have started giving advices here.

[jami]

most of the prius owners selling there vehicle due to the tax increase, so they will get a benefit of 1.0M extra money, how bad they do this....

rather than going for a second hand you should go for a new one 2010/2011

[varunatech]

You are correct. Prius manual states RON 95 or higher. Allion manual states RON 91 or higher. I have been pumping RON 90 to a 08 Prius and noticed a great reduction in power. It may be my imagination, but I fear the engine has become more noisy. Hope this isn't destructive knocking occurring!

Prius designed for RON95 or higher.And has a high compression engine than 1NZE-FE (which are even designed for RON91 or above). When you pump RON 90 on Prius, the noises may be Preignition knocks, or Preignition detonations. Because lower the RON number, faster the fuel cloud burns. It will not wait for the correct compression point. Dude, this is not good. Switch to RON95, unless you will have issue in future.

[--GeNeX--]

Prius designed for RON95 or higher.And has a high compression engine than 1NZE-FE (which are even designed for RON91 or above). When you pump RON 90 on Prius, the noises may be Preignition knocks, or Preignition detonations. Because lower the RON number, faster the fuel cloud burns. It will not wait for the correct compression point. Dude, this is not good. Switch to RON95, unless you will have issue in future.

Yes I understand. Although I will feel cheated if I pump expensive petrol for a vehicle bought due to fuel economy! Never the less, it has to be done.

[--GeNeX--]

There were a lot of people who has bought the prius. Some people wants to sell their cars after few years specially when there are newer versions coming out etc. Maybe thats why you find a lot of advertisement here and there. And also, if its acceleration that you want, get a car with v6, v8, v12 engine. You know why you are buying a prius. the acceleration is not that bad. I have driven a lots of worse cars (super seriously underpowered ones that you can find in the sl market) and prius is not that bad. 0-60 would be around 10 seconds. I think top gear is not always a practical guide for us living in a country like Sri Lanka. If you can talk directly to prius owners, instead of taking advices from those who has just watched top gear and have started giving advices here.

I don't think Top gear is any sort of guide to buying a vehicle! it's just pure entertainment!

[Dinuk]

There were a lot of people who has bought the prius. Some people wants to sell their cars after few years specially when there are newer versions coming out etc. Maybe thats why you find a lot of advertisement here and there. And also, if its acceleration that you want, get a car with v6, v8, v12 engine. You know why you are buying a prius. the acceleration is not that bad. I have driven a lots of worse cars (super seriously underpowered ones that you can find in the sl market) and prius is not that bad. 0-60 would be around 10 seconds. I think top gear is not always a practical guide for us living in a country like Sri Lanka. If you can talk directly to prius owners, instead of taking advices from those who has just watched top gear and have started giving advices here.

Yes. Absolutely correct..... Specially the thing about Top Gear viewers....

Prius is better than a Vitz or a Belta. And performance vice it is same slot with 121.

[imrankhan4]

Hi guys, this is my first post so here goes!

I think a lot of the info on hybrids are taken out of context on misinterpreted here. There are Prius forums where some have claimed to have done in excess of 300,000miles (around 450,000km) without any problems with the battery.

Also the 1.5 litre engine is similar to that on the older Allions i suppose as i can't see Toyota designing a whole new engine for the Prius. The one thing i do know is that the Prius engine runs at its optimum power band through a CVT, thereby increasing its efficiency. Much like a scooter constantly at its power band i suppose.

About the luggage space etc the car is very good as we have been using one for the last few months and its been worth the money as it was a no brainer for us as it cost what a Vitz would these days. So a 5 seat saloon for the price of a compact.

Crash structures: the Prius is pretty good although i have no idea of what the NCAP ratings etc are. But its got 8 airbags which seems to be standard on cars built by Toyota in this era. And the papadam theory is correct. I guess with the speeds folks are doing these days, a papa dam car is the best choice!!! Give some space for those impact energies to go through.

If anyone is interested, i have the complete repair manual for Prius Gen 1, 2 and 3. So PM me if you ever need one. I also have the english user manuals plus pictures of stripped down Priuses in case you wanna know where and how any of the parts fit etc during a repair.

One more thing, hybrids are here to stay boys..........dont know about SL but every manufacturer out theres working like crazy to get the hybrids out and as soon as lithium battery prices come down sufficiently it'll all be electric!

Take it easy guys!

[ShintaroX]

Yay your first post! So, in your opinion, "Y Does Hybrid Vehicles Sells So Soon?"