Tin Warranty

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:03:51 +0000

Tin Warranty

Safety of hybrids?

I'm in the market for a new car and trying to evaluate whether hybrids provide the same safety features as standard cars. I'm really interested in getting a hybrid for enviro reasons (or a plug-in as we have a solar PV system) but my top priority is safety for my family--in terms of crash test ratings, safety features, and accident avoidance (nimble handling/responsiveness). Reliability would be a close second. Price is not an issue.

I currently drive a 2002 VW Passat sedan that I purchased based on Consumer Reports' rating back in 2001 and for its safety and handling. I do love it, but my extended warranty is going to run out next year so I'm thinking ahead.

I used to drive an 89 Honda Accord and an 88 Volvo 240DL before that, and I found I liked the VW and Volvo better because they felt "solid." The Honda felt like I was driving a tin can. I'm afraid the hybrids will be too light, like the Honda was. Do you have any recommendations for me? Thanks!

There currently aren't any commercially available plug-in hybrids. Some Priuses have been converted to plug-in, but this voids the warranty and almost certainly decreases the battery life significantly. Plug-in hybrids will begin to be available in the next 3-5 years with the Chevy Volt and Prius plug-in model.

In the meantime, hybrids are quite similar to regular cars. In fact, many are simply altered versions of regular models (Civic, Camry, Altima, etc. hybrids). Personally I own a Prius (greenest car on the planet by the way: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070727/sc_nm/cars_pollution_dc ) and it doesn't feel like a tin can at all.

It's quite good in crash tests due to the many airbags (side, front, passenger, etc.), scoring "good" and 4 out of 5 stars:

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/safety.aspx?year=2007&make=Toyota&model=Prius

I would highly recommend the Prius. It's safe and reliable, has lots of room due to the hatchback design (I can fit 2 bicycles inside with the back seats down), and as environmentally friendly as you can get.