So I was out Prius shopping and...

No sir, not besmirching the Prius. I figure if the batteries need replacing every so often (depending on its care and feeding) it is off set by the fuel savings. My friends bought it new, and have gotten great use from it, the way it should be.

 

If it hasn’t been mentioned, check out the 2020 Corolla Hybrid.

 

Hybrid = it's electric and you still need to change the oil. Are there real benefits to a hybrid?

I don't think so unless it's something that is going to spend a good amount of time at idle. I think a good fuel efficient NA gas engine is more cost effective and has less of an environmental impact over any hybrid passenger vehicle.


Who cares about that nonsense when purchasing a vehicle?

 

Why? The regular Corolla has proven itself decade after decade.

 

As scotty Kilmer said get a 1994 celica!! It will run until the cows come home.

 

you should read up on hybrid technology since your knowledge of it appears to be very minimal at best.

 

Specifically for a Toyota hybrid, yes:
1. Historically cheaper and less maintenance of the lifespan of the vehicle. Extremely easy to maintain, even compared to non hybrid Camrys or Corollas
2. Changing the oil in my Prius takes me a whopping 15 minutes, costs me $20, and goes 10k miles between intervals. See number 1.
3. Toyota hybrid drivetrains, especially the transmissions, are exceptionally reliable. Very simple in design, yet quite possibly the most reliable passenger vehicle transmission out there right now. Service on one is the same as servicing a differential. Drain and refill. $25 and 10 minutes of my time. See number 1.
4. Many folks driving them spend time at idle or under 40mph in traffic. In my case it nets me usually about 60mpg.
5. The price of a used Prius is often cheaper compared to a corolla or Camry, even of the same year/mileage. Takes a little more shopping around, but they don’t really cost more unless you choose to pay more.
6. Majority of people I know who drive them don’t care about the environment so much as they do saving money on a daily basis.
7. Many other fuel efficient non hybrid vehicles are doing so with expensive injection systems, turbos, etc. A lot of them aren’t as reliable as they could be. Prius has had relatively few issues and has only gotten better in terms or reliability over the past 2 decades.

They’re not for everyone, but there are benefits to owning one.

 

I'm in fulltime AC on blast mode. I'm not getting anywhere near a hybrid, and if I'm wrong that's OK.


How do hybrids do in AC season?

 

Phoenix, AZ reporting here. Still regularly get about 54mpg and staying cool in Satan’s butthole.

 

I think my brother’s is still out there somewhere. We thought he was eventually going to crack a million miles with it but he sold it.

 

No humidity though the AC doesn't have to do much work.

 

you might lose 1 or 2 mpg so instead of 50 mpg you'll get 48-49.

 

Basically this. No different that any other vehicle I’ve driven. Maybe a few MPG drop. Driving it in the southeast, I didn’t notice any affect that humidity had on it. Especially that couldn’t be made up by simple driving habits.

 

Does the gas engine come on the run the AC at idle?

 

My experiences... My wife has a 2014 corolla. 99k miles with no problems, just normal maintenance. I had a 2000 Accord that we kept in the family for the kids until it had about 230k miles on it. Only issue was the transmission was rebuilt @100k miles. I have a 2017 Prius. I wanted a hatchback and something with good (great) mpgs for commuting. I average 55mpg. So far no problems and I don't expect any. Priuses (at least mine) are built in Japan.

 

1st gen prius the engine comes on. 2nd gen and on it uses the battery until it gets low then gas engine. i think that's about 20 mins or so.

 

I don't like hybrids because now there are two systems where there was only one, I'd be more inclined to purchase and use a full electric vehicle. I don't think full electrics are going to do well in real world driving conditions.

I still view hybrids as an idea and not a product.

 

i'd be on the full electric train if there were more charging stations or if i had the ability to install one in my house. until then, hybrids work best for me if i want more mpg's.

the prius has sold well for over 2 decades and other companies are following suit so i'd say it's more than just an idea. you do you though but it's best to educate yourself before writing things off. don't be scared of what you don't know.

 

I'm not scared of hybrids, if I wanted to ride in one I'd catch the bus. Prius, is the best Hybrid. Can't get over that shift lever, and zero feel of what's happening under my ass.

 

We Have 2 Prius C bought new in 2014 and they’ve been great so far . They have about 50k miles each .