Quote:
Originally Posted by jyl
Its the big 260 volt battery that powers the electric motors in this hybrid car. When the Prius first came out, replacement batteries were $7K and people were afraid they'd only last 5 years. So in 2006 I talked to cab drivers who had 350K miles on their original Prius battery, looked at the 8 year warranty on the battery, and figured it was going to be okay. And it has been.
This little car gets 35 mpg in city/highway if you drive like my wife (accelerating to red lights, etc), 45 mpg if you drive like me. The car it replaced was a '96 Range Rover that got <10 mpg around town, and remember what gas cost in 2006 . . .
In 15 years the only work it has needed were new headlights (ouch HID bulbs are spendy) and a new audio amp (bought for $40 off eBay and replaced it myself). Now it is getting pretty old and we were planning to retire it soon, but I hate buying stuff when there are shortages and price gouging.
Okay, putting in the third party battery and getting another year from this car - I figure the shortages should be over by then.
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You
may want to look into diesel vehicles, versus the hybrids. Most diesel commuter vehicles will get at least the mileage you mention above...and last a whole lot longer (not to mention are actually "cleaner").