Pros and Cons of hybrids on STT

I don't have any hard data to back up what I'm about to say so I could be totally be wrong, but based on what little electricity I use, what my elec bills are, and how much I pay for gassing up a 4banger wrangler that drinks it like no tomorrow - I think a hybrid would be an insane idea.

Not to mention repairs and parts (batteries?) if anything breaks. I'm pretty sure those aren't kept on island and would have to be shipped in from the continent. 🙂

I do not totally understand the engineering of hybrid cars, but i like the idea. I don't know if the electric mode will climb hills, but the gas mode will for sure. As I understand the batteries , they do not plug in, but are charged by the car's engine. You would not need to access the very high WAPA electric source. If you have an all electric car you need WAPA, but not with a hybrid. Gas is high and getting higher, but that is true in the states too. On a recent trip I saw gas in California at about $4.50 for regular, $4.96 for supreme.

I will be interested to hear from someone with first hand knowledge.

I have a Toyota Highlander Hybrid on STX. Bought it new on island in 2006. I love it. No one on island seemed to want them and there were 4 sitting in the dealership. They made us a great deal. The hybrid came with a 7 year power train warranty instead of the usual 5 year warranty. The only problem that we have had in the past six years is the normal brakes, tires and shocks(struts). They go bad on all of the cars here.

The acceleration is amazing and the hill climbing ability is great. This car has the Synergy drive to recharge the batteries. You do not plug it into an outlet or charger. The batteries are charged when you coast or when the gasoline engine runs. We are still on the original set of batteries.

I have a Toyota Highlander Hybrid on STX. Bought it new on island in 2006. I love it. No one on island seemed to want them and there were 4 sitting in the dealership. They made us a great deal. The hybrid came with a 7 year power train warranty instead of the usual 5 year warranty. The only problem that we have had in the past six years is the normal brakes, tires and shocks(struts). They go bad on all of the cars here.

The acceleration is amazing and the hill climbing ability is great. This car has the Synergy drive to recharge the batteries. You do not plug it into an outlet or charger. The batteries are charged when you coast or when the gasoline engine runs. We are still on the original set of batteries.

This sounds really promising but the one thing that makes me think twice is that you're on STX. Do you go up hills a lot? You mentioned it, but I go uphill for about 2 miles straight every day on my way home, STX doesn't have that kind of driving. Do you notice any kind of power drop when you go uphill, do you drop it into low gear? I'm assuming it's automatic transmission? Is your car actually a helicopter? heeeeeeelp.

This sounds really promising but the one thing that makes me think twice is that you're on STX. Do you go up hills a lot? You mentioned it, but I go uphill for about 2 miles straight every day on my way home, STX doesn't have that kind of driving. Do you notice any kind of power drop when you go uphill, do you drop it into low gear? I'm assuming it's automatic transmission? Is your car actually a helicopter? heeeeeeelp.

I live at the top of a hill on STX. Elevation 650'. The road up to my house from the main road is exactly one mile. We drive it several times everyday. No power drop. I was amazed at the power. My suggestion is to do what I did, take one for a test drive. I first took a Prius and drove it home and up our hill. The power was OK but the clearance was a problem. The road up the hill has speed bumps and the Prius has no clearance and bottomed out on every speed bump. The Highlander is great. We loved the way it took the hill. The Highlander is All Wheel Drive as well.

My license plate frame says "My other car is a Helicopter". 🙂

I have a 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV that I brought with me to STX in 2008. Like Rotorhead's experience, mine is up to whatever task I give it. I have taken it on some pretty steep hills with no issues. The gas engine just kicks in when it needs the extra power. I average about 24 mpg. I've driven plenty on STT (not with a hybrid) and don't think the terrain would be an issue. All that being said, I'm starting to have issues with the vehicle that I'm being told cannot be repaired on island. While I do not regret my choice, I'm starting to think a more prudent choice in the future is to buy a vehicle here that is common and everyone knows how to repair (i. e. Jeep).