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1. If anything, the hybrid vehicle handles better than your typical car, because the weight distribution is more even. (batteries in the back balance out the engine in front.) I don't think a dirt road will be problem. Just show the same good sense you would with any passenger vehicle.
2. The mileage in the cold weather is distinctly worse. However, this can be mitigated if you have a long commute (20+ miles.) The honda civic hybrid actually as a vent from the passenger compartment directly to the batteries to help keep them warm during winter driving. Warm batteries are more efficient than cold batteries. (ever turn on a flash light that you left in a below freezing garage, and you'll know what I mean) Heating has not been a problem where I live, where winter temperatures are typically between the 20's to 30's F.
3. The mileage would be affected no matter what car you were driving. Should not matter.
4. No idea.
----- Original Message -----From: David C. KingSent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 10:03 PMSubject: [Hybrid-Cars] Thinking of buying
I'm interested in buying a hybrid as I agree we all need to move
towards less oil consumption and less green house gas emmission. But
I have some questions for those of you who have been driving hybrids,
especially for those of you who have gone through the winter with a
hybrid.
1. How does the car perform in snow or on dirt roads?
2. How does the car perform in the cold?
(Also does it do an adequate job of heating the passenger
compartment?)
3. If I put my kayaks on the roof is performance and mileage going to
drop precipitously? For that matter will the racks alone hurt
performance?
4. I love my Accord and I keep hearing that a hybrid is in the future
but does anyone actually *know* when?
Thanks for your help.
Dave
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