How Much Is That Hybrid In The Window...and How Much Would You Pay?

[mkaresh]

Well, I've now uploaded the pricing for the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids to my site. The EPA ratings of 21/22 under the new system are impressive. But the prices are a shock. If you similarly equip a Tahoe LT and Tahoe Hybrid, and then adjust for rebates and remaining feature differences, the Hybrid costs over $9,000 more.

 

Are many people willing to pay this much? If not, how much would you pay?

 

Vehicle price comparisons

[ktg]

No way. I they were priced about equally then maybe. My 2006 Tahoe gets 14/21. Not enough difference to justify the cost.

[-Devil-]

hmmm well i would go 4 to 6k more at the most .. but the numbers would have to be better then that in the milage ...

[mkaresh]

No way. I they were priced about equally then maybe. My 2006 Tahoe gets 14/21. Not enough difference to justify the cost.

 

That's about right. GM claims 50% better in the city, but only 10% better on the highway.

 

I did see a Yukon Hybrid on the road today. I'm in Detroit, so it might have been a manufacturer car, but it didn't have manufacturer tages. Huge "HYBRID" decal on the lower bodyside

[NathanL]

If they dropped the price to 50% of a gasoline powered one I "might" consider it. Other than that - no thanks.

[omegafiler]

While I do think that is relatively inexpensive, I wouldn't buy one for any additional $$$. The mileage is great for an SUV, but still horrible compared to the other alternatives. If people really want better mileage, they need to suck it up and buy a mini-van or some other more practical vehicle. Well, at least the vast majority who don't really need a full-size SUV.

[mkaresh]

The Tahoe Hybrid should do at least as well as the minivan around town. On the highway a minivan might still have a small fuel economy advantage.

[rogerf]

Well, I've now uploaded the pricing for the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids to my site. The EPA ratings of 21/22 under the new system are impressive. But the prices are a shock. If you similarly equip a Tahoe LT and Tahoe Hybrid, and then adjust for rebates and remaining feature differences, the Hybrid costs nearly $10,000 more.

 

Are many people willing to pay this much? If not, how much would you pay?

 

Vehicle price comparisons

The decision to buy one of those beasts won't be based on economics. At $10K more, wouldn't it be a better choice to get the regular Tahoe and own a small run-about? The second consideration is the type buyer that can truely afford a new Tahoe/Yukon in most cases won't panic if gas prices spike. It's more likely this type of drivetrain won't really catch on until subsidized or dictated by our government.

[omegafiler]

Exactly. Or just buy a smaller, way cheaper, and more fuel efficient non-hybrid vehicle. And once people finally realize that gas prices WILL continue to rise, that trend should continue.

 

But I still think it's a great that GM has this high-tech hybrid SUV... and you know they are still going to eat a lot of the cost just to get people buying them.

[chitownpete]

Pretty impressive. A full size SUV that can get better mileage than some pass cars. The price will come down in the future but its too much right now. I do wish I got better mileage.

[NathanL]

I think the squeaky wheel gets the grease, even if there's nothing wrong with it other than squeaky.

 

In the paper this month the top selling vehicles in order were the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado (and Im sure when you add in GM they total up to more than the Ford). There are plenty of vehicles out there that get better mileage, and yet these are the top selling vehicles.

 

People gripe about gas prices at $3/gallon and yet they still go out and buy those vehicles. Look at hummers - what kind of mileage do they get and I see more of them everyday. If I've ever seen a hybrid I didn't know it, sure don't know anyone who owns one.

[unit731]

Even left wing Consumer Reports states that the resale value of the hybrids is less than comperable gasoline models. Hmmm . . . .

 

Well, I'm all for it anyway. Got to start sometime someplace. Our dependence on Middle East oil is reprehensable.

[xccelagator]

Even left wing Consumer Reports states that the resale value of the hybrids is less than comperable gasoline models. Hmmm . . . .

 

Well, I'm all for it anyway. Got to start sometime someplace. Our dependence on Middle East oil is reprehensable.

 

 

I agree Unit and that is one of the main reasons I bought mine with E85. It is a small start in the right direction.

 

The "on the road" Hybrids the plan is the batteries have to be replaced in 10 years and current one are around 3-4 grand to replace. Most are going to sell at that time. We have a lot of small Hybrids here and the climate is not the climate that warrants it.

[Zembonez]

They are way overpriced for their return.

 

BUT - Like it or not... we HAVE to somehow start removing us from 100% Arab oil control. Hybrids are at least a tiny step.

 

I like the idea of the Hybrid sytems. They are designed to provide excellent power and good fuel economy. The problems I have with them are their complexity and as yet unproven reliability over the long run. That, and the fact that they cost more than you can justify with the fuel savings.

 

Over time, the hybrid systems should become more like diesel over electric trains. The engine used as a generator for an all electric drive. If we combine that with high quality batteries, we might just start getting somewhere.

[hoorders]

Well, I've now uploaded the pricing for the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids to my site. The EPA ratings of 21/22 under the new system are impressive. But the prices are a shock. If you similarly equip a Tahoe LT and Tahoe Hybrid, and then adjust for rebates and remaining feature differences, the Hybrid costs over $9,000 more.

 

Are many people willing to pay this much? If not, how much would you pay?

 

Vehicle price comparisons

You can buy alot of gas for 9K.............no way I would by one for that money and not really impressive milage.