Karie and I are shopping for a new commuter car for her. On the list is the Civic Hybrid. I know the tax laws changed for 2006. Does anyone know what the state and federal tax credits are this year and are there any income restrictions? Can you use the HOV lane? She drives 500 nearly all freeway miles a week so this would be a huge benefit. Also, does anyone know if the Hybrid wheels are special to increase MPG or are they just supposed to look Hybridy? I would lose them right away if I bought this car.

Thanks,

Kirk

 

Incentive info for Fed and AZ:

http://go.ucsusa.org/hybridcenter/incentives.cfm#top

Technology of Hybrids (might answer your wheel question, but haven't looked):

http://www.hybridcenter.org/hybrid-technol...enter-home.html

 

Yes the wheels are a component of good mileage. Low mass, lower friction, thin tires: all contribute to good mileage.


Much better than the 20s you are thinking about putting on there.

Bling Bling,
-Lee

 

Earnhardt Honda has a few last time I checked.

 

i do like 1000 miles a week

 

Hybrids are at their best in the city, not much advantage on the highway. You might pickup some MPG from regeneritive breaking on the highway, and from using the HOV lane. Hybrids are also more complex to maintain, I would not count on an independent shop to troubleshoot and fix a hybrid. Don't know how replacement of the battery pack would effect resale value either. Batteries don't like 110 degree heat. All things considered including the big demand for hybrids & lack of discounts, you might lay out less money for a Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris. They each will haul four adults and their luggage

 

I know a guy with new civic getting 44.....and the motor has 5k on it.

That is really pretty good! I expect he will get close to 48 when the motor breaks in.

My dad just got a prius and he is getting 48 in town
-Lee

 

Thanks for the info. I used the benefit calculator at hybridcenter.org and figured out we would save only about $300 in gas over five years at current prices. Even with the $2100 tax break I think we'll still do better with a $16000 Fit for commuting. I assume the Fit will beat its EPA ratings with Karie driving it. She is driving a 95 Tercel right now and gets 39-40 MPG with the AC on. She drives like a granny.

It would be very nice to use the HOV lane though since there is one present for most of her drive.

Lee, what model/transmission Civic?

MR2S2K, I love Canadia.

Still thinking...

 

Lx 4 door auto.
-Lee

 

I think the hybrid is off the table. There are too many cons:

Battery life questionable
Resale value questionable
Mileage not that incredible
Initial cost premium
Hippies and liberals (redundant) drive them

Pros:

HOV lane
Tax credit

We're going to try to find a Fit somewhere to drive. It looks pretty cool for an econobox and I can fit a surfboard in it, gnarly dude!