New '05 Hybrid
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: North of Boston MA
New '05 Hybrid
Just picked up the Hybrid - got a red and silver one.
So, all you other Hybrid owners, lets hear how great it is, your average mileage, tips, tricks, problems, etc.
Only gripe so far is that by putting the shifter on the floor, there is a huge loss in storage for sunglasses, garage remote, etc. compared to the '04. Funny, when I got the '04 I was complaining about the "old fashioned" column shifter.
I like the four wheel disk brakes and the rear center shoulder belt - now I can put the rug-rats car seat in the center so he will stop kicking the back of my seat.
Ray
So, all you other Hybrid owners, lets hear how great it is, your average mileage, tips, tricks, problems, etc.
Only gripe so far is that by putting the shifter on the floor, there is a huge loss in storage for sunglasses, garage remote, etc. compared to the '04. Funny, when I got the '04 I was complaining about the "old fashioned" column shifter.
I like the four wheel disk brakes and the rear center shoulder belt - now I can put the rug-rats car seat in the center so he will stop kicking the back of my seat.
Ray
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
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From: North of Boston MA
Originally Posted by echoy97
the ni-mh battery won't last forever. Let us know someday when your battery need to be replaced.
Ray
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Congrats!
Originally Posted by Nitramjr
Just picked up the Hybrid - got a red and silver one.
So, all you other Hybrid owners, lets hear how great it is, your average mileage, tips, tricks, problems, etc.
Only gripe so far is that by putting the shifter on the floor, there is a huge loss in storage for sunglasses, garage remote, etc. compared to the '04. Funny, when I got the '04 I was complaining about the "old fashioned" column shifter.
I like the four wheel disk brakes and the rear center shoulder belt - now I can put the rug-rats car seat in the center so he will stop kicking the back of my seat.
Ray
So, all you other Hybrid owners, lets hear how great it is, your average mileage, tips, tricks, problems, etc.
Only gripe so far is that by putting the shifter on the floor, there is a huge loss in storage for sunglasses, garage remote, etc. compared to the '04. Funny, when I got the '04 I was complaining about the "old fashioned" column shifter.
I like the four wheel disk brakes and the rear center shoulder belt - now I can put the rug-rats car seat in the center so he will stop kicking the back of my seat.
Ray
Keep it easy on the accelerator. Use your brakes evenly and sometimes more often than you're used to, since they recharge the battery. Don't let some of the worst drivers in the nation try and overtake you (Mass, especially in a rotary and I don't mean a Mazda engine)
You'll love the truck. I found a clip for my garage remote so it's on the sun visor.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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I read somewhere that the A/C compressor runs off the gas engine, and that it can get warm inside the car on long stretches of "electric motor only" usage. Is that correct? I am considering a hybrid, but the Texas climate requires heavy A/C usage.
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From: North of Boston MA
Originally Posted by flairside-ut5
I read somewhere that the A/C compressor runs off the gas engine, and that it can get warm inside the car on long stretches of "electric motor only" usage. Is that correct? I am considering a hybrid, but the Texas climate requires heavy A/C usage.
Unless you are doing stop and go or slow speed driving, the engine runs anyway. It still freaks me out stopping in traffic to dead slience. Pretty strange having power steering with the engine off (it is electric).
By the way, using the window defroster keeps the engine running as well.
I am on my second tank and have gone 195 miles. The gauge says 205 to empty. Sure beats the gas mileage on my '04 but still a ways to go until I hit the numbers Ford advertises.....
Ray
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Texas
Originally Posted by flairside-ut5
I read somewhere that the A/C compressor runs off the gas engine, and that it can get warm inside the car on long stretches of "electric motor only" usage. Is that correct? I am considering a hybrid, but the Texas climate requires heavy A/C usage.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
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From: Kansas
Originally Posted by Nitramjr
Fortunately (and I never thought I would say this), i live in Massachusetts where the warranty on the n-mh battery is 10 years or 150,000 miles. Ford will get the call when/if the batteries croak. After that, I'll give you a shout.
Ray
Ray
We had one go through pre-delivery inspection in our shop. Looks like a pretty interesting vehicle. I noticed that that 50% of the parts are made in Japan.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Originally Posted by Kruse
As you stated, Ford puts a warranty on it until 150K miles. After that, it costs the consumer $8K dollars. After 150K miles, I can see the value of your Escape dropping about $8K dolllars...
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: North of Boston MA
I drive approximately 15k-18k miles a year on my primary vehicle. That will give me about 8 years before the warranty on the batteries is up. It is impossible to tell what any vehicle will be worth 1, 2, or 10 years from now. Five years ago, who would have thought the price of gas would be what it is now and still rising exponentially. Is a Hybrid the way to go? Time will tell. Fuel cell vehicles could be around in a few years or all electric could be the thing.
What swayed the decision for me is that I wanted to drive an Escape because I really like my '04 that my wife claimed by eminent domain. I wanted another Escape and had the option of getting one that burns a lot less gas. To me it was worth the extra 5 or 6 grand. It's a hell of a long payback period but whatever.
When I really get the urge to burn some expensive gas, I break out the '65 Mustang with the 289 or the '97 F250 with the 351W. For my commute though (95% of my driving), I'll go green.
I was a little disappointed with the percentage of foreign made parts
. Other than that, I love it.
Ray
What swayed the decision for me is that I wanted to drive an Escape because I really like my '04 that my wife claimed by eminent domain. I wanted another Escape and had the option of getting one that burns a lot less gas. To me it was worth the extra 5 or 6 grand. It's a hell of a long payback period but whatever.
When I really get the urge to burn some expensive gas, I break out the '65 Mustang with the 289 or the '97 F250 with the 351W. For my commute though (95% of my driving), I'll go green.
I was a little disappointed with the percentage of foreign made parts
. Other than that, I love it.Ray
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 100
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From: Deer Park
Well, as for the foreign parts...it's because Ford is getting the battery and most of the charging/electrical system parts from Toyota. It at least makes me feel good knowing that Toyota's parts have been around and working for a few years in public use without major issues.