Bleacher Bums Forum

Okay, need a little help.

My wife and I have been considering a new vehicle or newer vehicle, and one we've considered is a Fusion or another hybrid.

A mechanic tells me, you will save gas but not money because a) a hybrid starts and stops when the car does, meaning the starter will start an average of 10X per year more  than a regular car.  It will wear out 5X faster and cost $1000 all by itself and b) the batteries of a hybrid will have to be replaced about every 5 years.  When they are replaced they run about $5000.  Therefore, you will save a ton on gasoline, but in the long haul, you won't save money.

Anyone else hear this?  Can anyone refute this.  I still like the Fusion...heard good things about it.

Most dealers could tell us that, right?

Found this link, Jeff.  Comes in way under five grand:

http://www.fordfusionforum.com/index.php?/topic/2942-battery/

You must be thinking of the wrong Fischers.

...just what are you trying to say?

Cool, thanks, tico.

No no Curt.  You can't even tell if the darn thing is on or not, running or not.  'Tain't natural.  Plus I've heard of people leaving the car running because they thought it was off.  I'm also against keyless ignitions.  The valet will no doubt forget to hand the clicker to you and six blocks down the alley you'll stall out.

Couldn't you simply always have your radio on and tell if the car was running by your radio being on?

Okay, need a little help.

My wife and I have been considering a new vehicle or newer vehicle, and one we've considered is a Fusion or another hybrid.

A mechanic tells me, you will save gas but not money because a) a hybrid starts and stops when the car does, meaning the starter will start an average of 10X per year more  than a regular car.  It will wear out 5X faster and cost $1000 all by itself and b) the batteries of a hybrid will have to be replaced about every 5 years.  When they are replaced they run about $5000.  Therefore, you will save a ton on gasoline, but in the long haul, you won't save money.

Anyone else hear this?  Can anyone refute this.  I still like the Fusion...heard good things about it.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, a typical driver has to drive a hybrid over 8 years in order to break even, (gas savings vs original cost).