Trading in a hybrid dud: What do dealers owe early adopters?
Is your IMA light on again?While hybrid vehicles have been around for a decade, they are still an emerging technology, especially for every automaker other than Toyota. Thus, some early adopters of hybrid technology have to deal with new problems. For example, excessive tire wear is a common problem with many Toyota hybrids.
According to Honda Civic hybrid testimonials, many first generation Civic hybrid owners have experienced problem-free vehicles. Unfortunately, others have experienced SRS lights that never shut off, for instance. Fortunately, that's more of an annoyance than a real problem. Still, many other 2003 Civic hybrid owners have had bigger issues with their IMA lights, often leading to a complete replacement of the costly IMA system.
Fortunately, for most, these issues have been covered by warranties, but owners have found it very difficult to sell these first generation Honda hybrid vehicles. If traded in on new Hondas, especially new Honda hybrids, shouldn't Honda dealers offer these Honda hybrid early adopters special trade in deals? Doesn't Honda owe that to early adopting Honda hybrid advocates?
Labels: honda civic hybrid, Hybrid Vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
9:03 AM
8 Comments:
Indigo Incarnates
The problem I had with my 2003 HCH was that the catalytic converter failed every 25k miles or so. Honda did replace it twice for free even after the warranty expired. But I had to trade the car in when the IMA, catalytic converter, and air conditioner all failed at the same time ( at 6 years, 142k miles).
I've heard nothing but good things about the later Honda hybrids, however.
I certainly wasn't trying to pick on Honda in anyway, this issue just came up via civic hybrid testimonials.
I think you've stated that you bought another Honda, or was it a Scion? I can't remember.
Do you think Honda owed you something extra for being an early adopter of a car that ultimately had a few bugs? Shouldn't your risk be worth something? Or, am I reaching?
Indigo incarnates
I have a Scion xD now and I totally love it. I have no hard feelings for Honda. My next car will either be Honda or Toyota. I like the looks of the new Insight quite a bit and will probably replace my partner's accord with an Insight in 2012. Oh, my old Civic also survived six car accidents.
maybe i am reaching.
i just don't like car dealers and salespeople very much i guess.
If Ford would latch on to Toshiba's new SCiB battery, which charges up to 90% in 90seconds, it could very well be a winner.
That's cool, but it doesn't fit this topic well. There was a Ford battery post just a few posts down, it would have fit there much better.
heres another 'hybrid' idea ....if you did what i have done....got a used great condition SCION 05 XB...tons of room for tiny car!, averages 31MPG, ac works great and cruises all day with cruise on at 72mpg EVEN up hills, XM radio gets me super cool music even out in vast wastelands of Texas, comes with factory tint on 50% of windows, fun to drive, great visibility and cost me at time only 12k ! Point ? Some non hybrid one owner used cars ie toyota 08 corolla etc can be AWESOME cost effective alternatives to 23k hyrbids that you will pay and pay and pay and pay seemingly forever for....
just an idea :)
it's not a bad idea, but it's not one that lasts into the future. it's a good short term solution for some consumers, but it's not one automakers can bank upon into the future.
last i heard it would take an average fleet fuel economy of around 50 mpg to end OPEC dependency. couple that with the fact that congestion is increasing, and the need for batteries becomes even more important.
then there are CO2 emissions, if that's important to you.
while i have a hybrid, i rarely drive it. instead, i take the subway almost everywhere, even when a car would be more convenient and less time consuming, but i'm a little crazy about my oil foot print.
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