Hybrid fans

[hybridbear]

It's safe to say that all of us on here are fans of hybrid cars. How many of you have found hybrid fans in "real life" and not just in this virtual world?

 

On Monday I stayed late at the office waiting for my wife to pick me up after work because it was too cold to walk. When we were driving away I spotted one of our accountants going to her car, a first gen MKZh. So today we were chatting and I commented about her car. Turns out that she is a hybrid fan. When the FFH & MKZh first came out back in 2009 she was interested. She waited and didn't buy the first year of the new technology, but bought soon after. She really likes her MKZh and was trying to convince her husband to get a hybrid when they replaced his car a few months ago. He didn't get one because they need an SUV for towing and none of the hybrid SUVs met their towing needs. We chatted for awhile at work today about hybrids in general and about the Ford hybrids. She had lots of questions about how the second gen Ford hybrids differ from her hybrid. We talked about gas mileage too, she said she fills up once a month and gets about 34-35 MPG year-round. When I told her that our first year has been 46 MPG year-round she was stunned. We also talked about grille blocking and the use of the EBH.

 

Like me, she really appreciates the hybrid driving experience and says that she could never go back to a gas only car. The smoothness of no gear shifting and the silence of driving in EV mode is something that she likewise doesn't want to ever give up.

 

She is someone that I've worked with on cross-functional projects in the past and get along with, but now I have even more respect for her knowing that she is a hybrid fan too.

 

A question for first gen owners (former owners): did the first gen hybrids in the cold states include block heaters like they do now?

 

Has anyone else had similar experiences of finding another hybrid fan out in "real life" like that?

Edited February 13, 2014 by hybridbear

[rjent]

As most know, I am an ex hotrodder (still have a few around) but I am sold on hybrids. It has made me a better driver and a more conscientious driver not to mention using a LOT less gasoline on a monthly basis. In fact, my wife and I were tallying up our "green" foot print, and it is silly how green we are now. I know I have lead a lot of people to look into the technology, but my small town has no other FFH's although it has it's share of Prius's. I have met a few at the dealership during servicing but that is 150 miles away. Anyway, I am always talking up the hybrid concept (a lot of misconceptions out there), do it every chance I get.... :)

[GrySql]

I had some plumbing work done the other day and my plumber needed some parts so I took him to the hardware store in the FFH.

He looked like a kid on his first ride on the spinning Teacups at Disneyland, said he'd never "been in one of these" and was much impressed.

I showed off a little with MFT voice activation, mpg's, golf carting on the battery alone.

He thought it was very nice looking and quiet too.

 

I was just trying to be a Jonny Appleseed and spread the joy.

[inco]

Years ago when Toyota hit the market with their first batch of hybrids, I was adamantly opposed to them. All I could see was a bunch of batteries being tossed into our waste system and a huge expense to replace them. I likened it to adding one more problem of things that could/would go wrong. Back then IIRC those batteries cost over $6,000 to replace. Ouch. :rant: :rant2:

 

Fast forward to 2014 and I have one - a hybrid that is. How did that happen? And I didn't just wander into this new/old world. I jumped big time all because of that sexy smiling face of the Fusion saying come and take me. And those mileage claims - 71/69 mpg - that was the final flaw and as a once famous boxer used to say " I was done like dinner". The dealer saw me coming and knew they could make me happy. They did and here we are. :sneaking:

 

Just don't be telling folks that I like it and that I'm very happy with my errant ways! :love_shower:

[tr7driver]

Like INCO, I thought hybrids would require more systems to maintain and be a headache. Plus my wife drove a lot of highway miles each year so the savings didn't appear worth the cost.

 

Then I started driving my sisters and was sold after about 3 months. When we bought our second one in January I stopped by my insurance agent's office to change the coverage. He asked my why I bought another hybrid and it turned into a 45 minute conversation about the fun in "gaming" gas prices and the challenge of getting the best mpg. I ran into him Monday and he is now driving a FFH.

 

Then there is my wife's uncle who has 3 Prius cars that he bought used.

 

Of course, I still have my Mustang and Triumph Toys, and an SUV so my needs are covered.

[acdii]

It's funny but once you go hybrid, you dont go back. I had my first one, a 07 PPPRIUS(still gives me shivers), traded that for a Veracruz, then realized we couldnt get by with only one car and I got a sweet deal on an 09 TCH. The difference between the gas drivetrain with the shifting and revving and shifting and revving, and the smoothness of the CVT is quite noticeable. When I traded in the TCH when it started experiencing that braking issue, for a 2010 Fusion Sport(couldnt afford the FFH at the time), the SPort was a BLAST to drive, we all loved that car,(which is why I still have it as my Avatar) but the gas was killing us. My dealer worked out a nice deal on a used 2010 FFH with 800 miles on it and gave me a really good trade price on the Sport, and now after the 44K miles we put on that car, there is no going back to a regular car. The new 2013 FFH it even better than the 2010 because its just like the old Sport in how it handles, yet is fuel efficient like the old FFH. When I drive my Flex, I can just hear that gas going out the tail pipe when I accelerate from a stop, revving up to 3K before shifting, even with a gentle touch.

 

However like tr7, gotta have a toy, thats my Flex! Even though its getting half what the FFH gets, its twice as much fun. I love to get behind the wheel and play in it.

[rjent]

You just reminded me of the Triumph. A friend of mine in the 60's had a TR3 which we tooled around in and then he bought a TR4. Loved the sports car ride and feel, but couldn't stand the European electrical and engineering. But they (Truimph) is what got me started in Corvettes. I still have 2 of them, and I am a died in the wool Ford driver, always have been.

 

Thanks for the memories! LOL

 

Like INCO, I thought hybrids would require more systems to maintain and be a headache. Plus my wife drove a lot of highway miles each year so the savings didn't appear worth the cost.

 

Then I started driving my sisters and was sold after about 3 months. When we bought our second one in January I stopped by my insurance agent's office to change the coverage. He asked my why I bought another hybrid and it turned into a 45 minute conversation about the fun in "gaming" gas prices and the challenge of getting the best mpg. I ran into him Monday and he is now driving a FFH.

 

Then there is my wife's uncle who has 3 Prius cars that he bought used.

 

Of course, I still have my Mustang and Triumph Toys, and an SUV so my needs are covered.

[GrySql]

You just reminded me of the Triumph. A friend of mine in the 60's had a TR3 which we tooled around in and then he bought a TR4. Loved the sports car ride and feel, but couldn't stand the European electrical and engineering. But they (Truimph) is what got me started in Corvettes.

My first 'sports car' was a new brand 1962 MG 1600 Mark II and I loved to race against those Triumphs. I could beat the TR-3's but not the TR-4's.

Oiling the dashpot's on the side draft carbs, the two 6v batteries and other dark ages Lucas Electrics, oak frame supports, sliding plastic side windows and tightening the wire spoke wheels led to me liking Corvettes too.

In 1976 I restored a '64 Vette convertible, my daily driver that I sold after 12 years, with a tear in my eye.

 

Edit: BTW, back then those British 4 cylinder cars were 'economy' cars, anything that got close to 25mpg's was a big deal.

Edited February 14, 2014 by GrySql

[SteveB_TX]

It's funny but once you go hybrid, you dont go back.

 

Um... not! I am currently looking at the 2014 Corvette Stingray. And, I can't wait until the next gen Shelby hits the streets. One of each would be nice, but there is not enough room in the garage! Hmmm... anyone know a good carpenter? :)

[rjent]

 

Um... not! I am currently looking at the 2014 Corvette Stingray. And, I can't wait until the next gen Shelby hits the streets. One of each would be nice, but there is not enough room in the garage! Hmmm... anyone know a good carpenter? :)

No rule says you can't have both hybrid and muscle .... :) I have, and call it therapy ....

[rjent]

 

My first 'sports car' was a new brand 1962 MG

 

:hysterical3: I thought I was old ..... :baby:

 

;)

[acdii]

 

Um... not! I am currently looking at the 2014 Corvette Stingray. And, I can't wait until the next gen Shelby hits the streets. One of each would be nice, but there is not enough room in the garage! Hmmm... anyone know a good carpenter? :)

Motorweek named it car of the year. Now that is probably the first Corvette I would actually like to drive. I drove a few back in the day and did not like any of them, especially the 70's era ones with the big fenders. It was so hard to see anything, felt like I was driving the batmobile. I wouldnt give up my HyTi for it though, even if it does claim 30 MPG highway.

[hermans]

 

:hysterical3: I thought I was old ..... :baby:

 

;)

My first sports car was a 65 Corvette fuellie.

[tr7driver]

64 GTO

[GrySql]

.. and we all still have a hotrod or two (or more) in the garage, ain't it great!

We're still FFH fans too.

I'm a tree hugger, of sorts. ;)

 

 

That's the largest Blue Spruce in the USA - Lake Quinault, WA.

Edited February 14, 2014 by GrySql

[hermans]

64 GTO

About 6 years ago I bought one with a very low VIN Number. I paid a a sizable premium for the low VIN #, but it was well worth it. In my opinion the 64 Pontiac Tempest with the GTO package started it all.

Edited February 14, 2014 by hermans

[tr7driver]

Mine was stolen in 1976 :cry: It was a good driver but was developing a rust problem. They were not quite yet collectable at the time, but I got enough from the insurance company to buy a new Camaro.

[GrySql]

My first sports car was a 65 Corvette fuellie.

What did it cost? $4,500?

 

 

:hysterical3: I thought I was old ..... :baby:

 

;)

I have decided to stay 45 y/o, no matter how long it takes. :)

[hermans]

What did it cost? $4,500?

 

I have decided to stay 45 y/o, no matter how long it takes. :)

It had some options on it...just over $4,600. I currently own a very low mileage 1968 Shelby KR500 that was just over $4,500. i have the window sticker and all of the original order documentation. The car is completely unrestored and has the factory chalk markings.

Edited February 15, 2014 by hermans

[Silver Bullet]

I've so enjoyed reading this string that I've got to add my two cents worth, at the risk of earning a "no way productive" post from hybridbear.

 

My first sports car was a 1955 Austin Healey 100, $2995 brand new. Drove it all over the country for 80,000 miles in 5-1/2 years until family growth forced a trade for a 1958 Volvo PV444. A string of sports cars eventually followed : 1954 MG-TF, 1949 MC-TC, 1955 Jag XK-140 MC fixed-head coupe, and finally the best of the lot, a 1964 Lotus Elan. There followed a lot of years of what we'll call practical transportation cars. The four Rover 2000TC's don't really count because their reliability didn't really meet the "practical" part. In 1996 I got introduced to what I'll call the Mondeo-type vehicle with the acquisition of a 1995 Ford Contour, followed by a 2003 Toyota Camry SE, then a 2008 Mercury Milan Premiere V-6. The Milan got traded in this past Christmas Eve for our special-ordered 2014 FFH SE that I firmly believe to be the finest car I've yet owned.

 

GrySql and rjent don't need to feel old.

[acdii]

Well what do you know, no back on topic emoticons.

 

Keep it on topic, please,

 

Just say Hybrid.

 

There back on topic, Resume now. :noobie:

[inco]

Years ago when Toyota hit the market with their first batch of hybrids, I was adamantly opposed to them. All I could see was a bunch of batteries being tossed into our waste system and a huge expense to replace them. I likened it to adding one more problem of things that could/would go wrong. Back then IIRC those batteries cost over $6,000 to replace. Ouch. :rant: :rant2:

 

Fast forward to 2014 and I have one - a hybrid that is. How did that happen? And I didn't just wander into this new/old world. I jumped big time all because of that sexy smiling face of the Fusion saying come and take me. And those mileage claims - 71/69 mpg - that was the final flaw and as a once famous boxer used to say " I was done like dinner". The dealer saw me coming and knew they could make me happy. They did and here we are. :sneaking:

 

Just don't be telling folks that I like it and that I'm very happy with my errant ways! :love_shower:

 

 

Just a quick aside. I have not been driving myself lately due to an eye operation, so those duties have been taken over by the other half. Yesterday I was waiting for the chauffeur to approach and the car didn't make a sound. Eerie for sure and I loved it. Sitting in the passenger seat is frustrating, but it has also allowed me to enjoy the car more as I have time to explore some of the features. Ok back to regular issues.... :)