BearCat Report post Posted May 13, 2009 I have been researching moving to a hybrid. I am a black and white guy and an avid DIY'er. I own a 91 Toy MR2 with a motor swap and a Toy Rav4. I am looking to replace my Nissan Maxima (01 5 spd). While I love my "row on your own", concessions need to be made for the next car. I keep my cars a long time and do all the maint myself. Knowing that the "low" (pains me to say that the oil companies have us trained) cost of fuel right now is limited time offer, I have created spreadsheets to really understand the cost of hybrid ownership. Where I am having issues filling the gap in on is Hybrid maint. I have read "rumors" (unsubstantiated verbage) stating that even the "lights" on the Ford Hybrid have chips to communicate voltage draw to the main CPU. Normal parts only being available from the dealer (spark plugs, filters so on and so forth). Granted, these are not "fact" sites, but its pays to do ones homework. I dont understand this. Voltage use/draw can be monitored via wiring and not an "on board" chip on the light assembly. I need to make sure that the "non-hybrid" parts are go to the local auto shop and get type stuff. Also, why cant the Hybrid get some more "fun" colors? I love the red and yet, not an option. :finger: One last question: The tax incentives end this year, correct? They dont "reset" for next year, correct? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites