Questions Looking at an '08 Hybrid

EnderTheThird · 15th March 2008, 00:40

I currently own a '98 Chevy S-10, which aside from having 115k miles on it, also gets a measly 16-17 mpg. I'm considering a hybrid, and seeing as I drive ~1200 miles per month, that would result in about 42 fewer gallons per month, or ~$150 per month less on gas (at current prices here of ~3.50). That's half a car payment!

Anyway, onto the questions. What are your guys' thoughts on the hybrids? From my reading, the batteries aren't much of a problem anymore, as they're designed to last 150k-200k+ miles (per hybridcars.com), and most people haven't had trouble with them crapping out early. But what are your thoughts? Have you noticed anything extra with maintenance? I'd have to pay for that after the warranty; I'm no car guy. Most of what I've seen online talks about how extra costs are rare, but I'm sure they love to point to the sunny side.

I figured I'd splurge on the model with navigation and optional kitchen sink seeing as I'm going to have the thing for a while. So what's an extra $20 or $30 per month as long as I'm happy with the purchase!

Aside from that, do you have any other pointers for me? Because Honda's sell so well, I hear it can be difficult to get the dealer to work with you pricewise (I'm in Toledo, OH if that makes a difference). Any advice as far as that goes? I'm in college now, and will be going off to med school in another year. Anything I can do to minimize that payment would be nice!

Sorry to throw all this stuff out there. If you need any more information, please let me know. I'm going to check out a couple dealers tomorrow, but probably not walk away with anything. I just thought it'd be good to know what kind of interest rate I'd be looking at with my mom co-signing and whatnot. But if they can get me in at $250-275/mo. with a $7k down-payment, I'm sold! That's basically a $100 car payment for me considering the difference in fuel economy! Thanks in advance for any help!

EnderTheThird · 16th March 2008, 01:57

Just a quick update, even though no one's replied yet!

I stopped by a local dealer today for a test drive. This thing drives so ridiculously smooth, wow! I was thoroughly impressed, and the navigation system is very slick. I wasn't a big fan of the interior/exterior color combinations, but unfortunately those are the only options they have. I'll probably be stopping in again on Monday night to test it out on the highway, and if all goes well, call it at that.

I've found myself in a bit of a dilemma though. They don't have my specific color there, and would have to do a dealer exchange to get it. The funny thing is that the other dealer is actually closer to my apartment. Would it be... unethical... to go to that dealer instead to see if they can match/beat the other dealer's offer? Realizing that they can't do much about the price, the best I could do was get them to offer $2000 trade-in on my truck (fair, but not a great value) instead of the initial $1000 they offered (which is pathetic). I don't wish to be a jerk, but I still feel I could get another $500 or so for my truck, which is why it's tempting to check the other dealer. That and I'm wondering if they're hesitant to give me much more for my truck or get me a better deal because they lose a bit of money by having to do the dealer exchange for me.

I'd love to hear some opinions. I'll probably stop by that 2nd dealer on Monday before heading to the 1st one, just in case they can do more for me because the car I want is on their lot. And if they offer me something better, I'll see if the first guy can match it. Doesn't hurt to try, right?

FWH · 16th March 2008, 09:22

Hi,

Most of us on here are on the other side of the pond which is probably why no-one has had any input on the dollar costs.

ASH · 16th March 2008, 10:12

It's not unethical to go to another dealer to compare their offers. Dealers operate as individual business and　every right to set their own　prices, even in US.

civicman1 · 16th March 2008, 10:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWH

Hi,

Most of us on here are on the other side of the pond which is probably why no-one has had any input on the dollar costs.

And the fact that most of us were in bed

I would definately see what the other dealer can do. You are the buyer so you have the power. I would not worry too much about tissing the other dealer off too much. It is your cash at the end of the day.

FWH · 16th March 2008, 10:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by civicman1

And the fact that most of us were in bed

...or out on the town.

cb550 · 16th March 2008, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnderTheThird

Just a quick update, even though no one's replied yet!

I stopped by a local dealer today for a test drive. This thing drives so ridiculously smooth, wow! I was thoroughly impressed, and the navigation system is very slick. I wasn't a big fan of the interior/exterior color combinations, but unfortunately those are the only options they have. I'll probably be stopping in again on Monday night to test it out on the highway, and if all goes well, call it at that.

I've found myself in a bit of a dilemma though. They don't have my specific color there, and would have to do a dealer exchange to get it. The funny thing is that the other dealer is actually closer to my apartment. Would it be... unethical... to go to that dealer instead to see if they can match/beat the other dealer's offer? Realizing that they can't do much about the price, the best I could do was get them to offer $2000 trade-in on my truck (fair, but not a great value) instead of the initial $1000 they offered (which is pathetic). I don't wish to be a jerk, but I still feel I could get another $500 or so for my truck, which is why it's tempting to check the other dealer. That and I'm wondering if they're hesitant to give me much more for my truck or get me a better deal because they lose a bit of money by having to do the dealer exchange for me.

I'd love to hear some opinions. I'll probably stop by that 2nd dealer on Monday before heading to the 1st one, just in case they can do more for me because the car I want is on their lot. And if they offer me something better, I'll see if the first guy can match it. Doesn't hurt to try, right?

Go for it-tell dealer 2 you want 2800 for your vehicle to give you both negotiating space.

This is only the way I'd do it-no guarantee it'll get a result:If he goes to 2000 but won't budge from there,tell him dealer no1 has already offered that and you prefer his colour car(even though you really want dealer 2's colour) Tell him if he(dealer 2) can beat that 2000 offer you'll go for his car and accept the '2nd choice' colour-obviously its the colour you actually want

.

Good luck however you do it

gray52 · 18th March 2008, 22:18

i lke the gas price of $3.50 and they are moaning, we are paying over $10!!!

15th March 2008, 00:40	#1 (permalink)
EnderTheThird Valve Cap Join Date: 14th March 2008 Location: Toledo, OH Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Looking at an '08 Hybrid I currently own a '98 Chevy S-10, which aside from having 115k miles on it, also gets a measly 16-17 mpg. I'm considering a hybrid, and seeing as I drive ~1200 miles per month, that would result in about 42 fewer gallons per month, or ~$150 per month less on gas (at current prices here of ~3.50). That's half a car payment! Anyway, onto the questions. What are your guys' thoughts on the hybrids? From my reading, the batteries aren't much of a problem anymore, as they're designed to last 150k-200k+ miles (per hybridcars.com), and most people haven't had trouble with them crapping out early. But what are your thoughts? Have you noticed anything extra with maintenance? I'd have to pay for that after the warranty; I'm no car guy. Most of what I've seen online talks about how extra costs are rare, but I'm sure they love to point to the sunny side. I figured I'd splurge on the model with navigation and optional kitchen sink seeing as I'm going to have the thing for a while. So what's an extra $20 or $30 per month as long as I'm happy with the purchase! Aside from that, do you have any other pointers for me? Because Honda's sell so well, I hear it can be difficult to get the dealer to work with you pricewise (I'm in Toledo, OH if that makes a difference). Any advice as far as that goes? I'm in college now, and will be going off to med school in another year. Anything I can do to minimize that payment would be nice! Sorry to throw all this stuff out there. If you need any more information, please let me know. I'm going to check out a couple dealers tomorrow, but probably not walk away with anything. I just thought it'd be good to know what kind of interest rate I'd be looking at with my mom co-signing and whatnot. But if they can get me in at $250-275/mo. with a $7k down-payment, I'm sold! That's basically a $100 car payment for me considering the difference in fuel economy! Thanks in advance for any help!

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This thread is about: Looking at an '08 Hybrid, it's in Buying, Dealers and Servicing at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; I currently own a '98 Chevy S-10, which aside from having 115k miles on it, also gets a measly 16-17 mpg. I'm considering a hybrid, ...

16th March 2008, 01:57	#2 (permalink)
EnderTheThird Valve Cap Join Date: 14th March 2008 Location: Toledo, OH Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Just a quick update, even though no one's replied yet! I stopped by a local dealer today for a test drive. This thing drives so ridiculously smooth, wow! I was thoroughly impressed, and the navigation system is very slick. I wasn't a big fan of the interior/exterior color combinations, but unfortunately those are the only options they have. I'll probably be stopping in again on Monday night to test it out on the highway, and if all goes well, call it at that. I've found myself in a bit of a dilemma though. They don't have my specific color there, and would have to do a dealer exchange to get it. The funny thing is that the other dealer is actually closer to my apartment. Would it be... unethical... to go to that dealer instead to see if they can match/beat the other dealer's offer? Realizing that they can't do much about the price, the best I could do was get them to offer $2000 trade-in on my truck (fair, but not a great value) instead of the initial $1000 they offered (which is pathetic). I don't wish to be a jerk, but I still feel I could get another $500 or so for my truck, which is why it's tempting to check the other dealer. That and I'm wondering if they're hesitant to give me much more for my truck or get me a better deal because they lose a bit of money by having to do the dealer exchange for me. I'd love to hear some opinions. I'll probably stop by that 2nd dealer on Monday before heading to the 1st one, just in case they can do more for me because the car I want is on their lot. And if they offer me something better, I'll see if the first guy can match it. Doesn't hurt to try, right?

16th March 2008, 09:22	#3 (permalink)
FWH Super Moderator Civinfo master Join Date: 3rd June 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 5,990 Thanks: 14 Thanked 66 Times in 61 Posts iTrader: (0)	Hi, Most of us on here are on the other side of the pond which is probably why no-one has had any input on the dollar costs.

16th March 2008, 10:12	#4 (permalink)
ASH Wheelnut Join Date: 29th September 2007 Location: London Posts: 84 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	It's not unethical to go to another dealer to compare their offers. Dealers operate as individual business and　every right to set their own　prices, even in US.

18th March 2008, 22:18	#8 (permalink)
gray52 Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 23rd November 2006 Location: peterborough Posts: 937 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts iTrader: (1)	i lke the gas price of $3.50 and they are moaning, we are paying over $10!!!