I sell a fair few Hybrids. Prius, Camry, Fielder, Aqua They have proven to be darn reliable and rather fuel efficient.--AS you expect. BUT equally the average road user takes 3-4 years before the fuel savings compared to a conventional petrol vehicle of the same size become effective. Just to explain that. Currently the price difference between a petrol car and a hybrid car it competes with size wise and spec wise is between $1000 and $4000. so working on $2500 difference that's an awful lot of petrol. In most cases its a full years running
tygertung,
Feb 15, 4:48am
Would have to check the fuel consumption compared to the smallest possible car such as a Suzuki Alto. The Alto should theoretically be lightweight and have a smaller engine so might not use that much anyway.
curlcrown,
Feb 15, 5:36am
If you do the maths and costs are your only concern I doubt that it would make econimical sence even if the Mazda used three times the petrol of the Toyota when you consider the amount of moeny it will cost you to go from the mazda to the toyota, At 10km per day fuel consumtion difference is a negligable cost compared to the cost of changing cars.
curlcrown,
Feb 15, 5:46am
Sorry just read it again, even a 60km per day you would have to do the maths.
reb53,
Feb 15, 6:30am
Aren't you meant to factor in the chance of having to one day replace the battery ? Wouldn't that pretty much negate all your fuel savings ? You hear the horror stories of battery cost but not sure if it's just scare mongering.
wayned,
Feb 15, 7:01am
I have a Honda Shuttle Hybrid, replaced a manual Toyota Fielder. Real world running was/is 10km per litre in the Toyota, 15km per litre in the Honda. @ 50km per day that would save 609 litres a year or about $1200. Prius is probably a bit better on gas, so maybe a little more savings.
greeny,
Feb 15, 7:54am
2019 Prius prime here 3.5 litres 100km running on hybrid mode 28km Per litre As always depends on driving style. Nz new Prius have an 8 year 160000km warranty on battery https://www.toyota.co.nz/owners/warranties/
sw20,
Feb 15, 8:04am
See if you can get a Lexus CT200h for that money. It's a Prius underneath but doesn't look like you drive drunk people home from the pub on weekends or deliver McDonalds during lunchtime.
I got my mum into a 2013 NZ New Lexus CT200h Ltd for $18k. Full leather, parking sensors, radar cruise control, backup camera, NZ GPS, electric seat etc.
tygertung,
Feb 15, 8:25am
My friend had an old 3 cyl Alto and it went from Christchurch to Oamaru for only $20 petrol.
gph1961,
Feb 15, 8:34am
get a better quality friend
sw20,
Feb 15, 8:38am
Standing on legos costs nothing and is equally as painful.
s_nz,
Feb 15, 10:52am
These are meant to be very nice. Be aware that it is the exact same powertrain as a Prius, but weights quite a bit more due to all the sound deadening, electric seats & other luxury stuff. As such, they will accelerate slower than a Prius.
tgray,
Feb 15, 6:26pm
I just sold a third gen 2010 Prius for $6500 with 145k, so they are becoming very affordable. Reliable as hell and equally boring as hell. The perfect car for non car people.
gblack,
Feb 15, 6:58pm
Aqua are relatively low cost, very economical even on open road get decent fuel economy.
One thing is that Toyota Hybrids (non PHEV models) don't have Li-on batteries so don't get hit with battery degradation as badly.
Op, summary is that if your Mazda is in good nick and trustworthy then, assuming low miles, not really worth you spending that money. Equation changes if your planning on a higher mileage retirement.
3tomany,
Feb 15, 9:34pm
Being retired does not mean you can not drive a Mazda any more.
kazbanz,
Feb 15, 9:40pm
My guess is that OP is thinking to change vehicles no matter what. Ie her Axella is 2006
kerikeri13,
Feb 15, 9:51pm
Not sure where you get your "horror stories" from. Have driven a BMW i3 (2017) for just over a year now. Brilliant car that gives me about 180-200Ks on a trip. I am 80+ and have no issue with all electric. Previous vehicles were Suzie GV, Hi-Lux, Citroen DS21. Believe.
tgray,
Feb 16, 12:10am
It's only just turned 4 years old. The horror stories begin in a few more years.
cjohnw,
Feb 16, 12:33am
Yep! Sell it now.
kazbanz,
Feb 16, 1:09am
My Secret- are your figures correct ? Ie 50 km for work and 10 km personal use every day.= 60km per day. That means you do 21840km a year are driving a fair bit above the national average. (14000) If they are correct then you are the sort of driver a Prius works for
toenail,
Feb 16, 1:45am
A 2012+ Camry Hybrid is roomier and gives a more plush ride. Once you have compared this to this Prius, its unlikely you want to go back.
gph1961,
Feb 16, 1:53am
there must b a few not listed eg austin abcess?morris marina?vauxhall steakette? et all
saki,
Feb 16, 2:31am
Also be aware the 2.3 Mazda is supposed to run on 95 or better due to the compression ratio.
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