Anyone own a hybrid escape?

[tamtam]

If you do how do you like it?

[lakemonster11]

1. I like it a lot.

I used to drive a Jeep Cherokee, and it's very comparable. Any specific questions?

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. How is the gas milage?

[lakemonster11]

5. It's okay.

I have the four-wheel drive model, which lowers the gas mileage significantly. Right now I'm getting about 27-28 mpg on average, but I do mostly highway driving. The worse traffic is (the more stop-and-go), the better mileage it gets, which certainly makes one happier during traffic jams. Like the Prius, it's a full hybrid, which means that it runs entirely off of the electric engine at low speeds and while idling.

The EPA estimate on the two-wheel drive model is 37 city/31 highway.

[tamtam]

3. Thank you for replying

I own a Nissan Pathfinder and I really want to get rid of it.
How is the power om the Escape? Does it accelerate at a good rate? I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to hybrids.

[lakemonster11]

6. The power is great.

Maybe not quite what a Pathfinder has (I'm trying to remember---I've driven my brother's), but definitely good enough for me. I live in Western Washington and have driven it over the mountains a few times with no trouble at all.

It does tend to roll back on hills, which is a bit startling when you're not used to it, but it's not really a problem.

[tamtam]

7. Thank you for the insight

I don't drive my pathfinder that much. Once a day to work which isn't very far. I fill up once every two weeks. The dealer that called me quoted 31 grand for a 06 model.

Even though I don't drive my pathfinder much I feel so guilty. This war is all about oil and I feel like I'm part of the problem.

I'm going to see the dealer tomorrow. Maybe I can get the price down on that escape or maybe get the 05 model.

[lakemonster11]

9. Check out if there's a tax credit for buying hybrids, too.

I thought that they had already been phased out, but I ended up getting a $2000 tax credit for buying my '05 Escape. It's not a huge amount next to 31K, but it's a start.

[Booster]

4. I was advised by a dealer, of all things, that if I can wait a couple

of years then I should because he said the price will come down considerably. I don't drive much and he said it would be silly to buy one now. I think it depends on how much you drive.

[phylny]

8. I have no choice but to wait - can't afford one right now.

I'm buying a used car to use for work. I drive a gazillion miles doing early intervention (from house to house) and I'm looking at a RAV4 because the mileage will be an improvement over my minivan. I figure when we no longer need the minivan and I replace it, it'll be with something hybrid.

So, piggybacking, any RAV4 owners around?? Edited to say that while I could use the 4x4 around here (hilly/snowy Hudson Valley), I'm going to get the front-wheel drive to maximize the mileage.

[Booster]

10. Just so happens I have a RAV4 and I really enjoy driving it. It's

like driving a little sports car - no wait, it's like people a long time ago who had the early VW bugs. Zips around like crazy and probably annoys everybody else on the road. It doesn't have much guts, but it has a little "zoom" button that when you push it, you get a boost of speed. You'll like it; certainly roomy enough for a little car, but on long trips it's really not that comfortable. Get the RAV4 and then wait a couple of years for a hybrid. The RAV4 holds it's value pretty good.

[phylny]

11. Thanks spenbax!

:hi: