Any comments on hybrid vehicles

I filled my RX300 on August 12th, and it cost me almost $45.

After watching the hybrid market for the last 18 months, I decided it was time to make the jump and picked up a Honda Civic Hybrid 4 days later.

Anyone else looking or jumping into this kind of thing?

(now, before you quote articles and the recent newscasts that no one saves money with a hybrid car - I got a great price on my trade-in and I'll be 'saving' money in under 2 years if fuel prices stay the same, and I make it back faster if the pricie continues to move upwards - my investment is pretty sound in my opinion - for many, though, this is not the reason to make the jump in and of itself)

Right now, the 'display' is telling me I am averaging 38.6 mpg for the last 230 miles (and I still have almost 2-3rds of a tank left). I estimate that I'll get ~520 miles per tank based on 43 mpg (which is lower than EPA of 47-48). With my current driving, this will be every ~2 weeks and should cost about $32.00 based on 12 gallons and $2.68 plus 1 per gallon.

My first 'fill' cost me $11.40 and was for 170 miles or $0.067 per mile. I am looking forward to my next fill.

For my RX300, it was $44.50 and 305 miles or $0.1459 per mile.

The sales person (and service person the next day) stated that people don't normally see the full potential on their new Civic Hybrid vehicles until ~5000 miles, so I'll be watching things closely just to see what happens.

I am not unhappy at 38.6, though. Far better than my average high of 21.5 on my RX300.

What will I miss with the new Civic?

quietness - the RX300 was awesome for cabin noise ride smoothness - the Civic is a cheap car :) amenities - there are almost none in the Civic AWD - this winter will be interesting center display - a wealth of info for me

What will I not miss about the RX300?

turning radius - how many feet? 43? Eeek gas mileage - it just never reached 24 (EPA), even on long trips size - it was a decent sized vehicle, but not a lot of carryroom popularity - everyone had one :) (and for good reason)

Things that would have been nice on the Civic:

all windows - one touch up and down cup holders - better placement, add some to the rear seats heated seats - could be a nice 'adder' for those that wanna pay leather - yah, I like leather for seating and I would pay for

Cool factors:

clean dash - lots of blue! Almost distracting... econ mode - turning the car off when you stop it is a Honda - should last a long time stereo - it does not totally suck (could be nicer) engine compartment - lots of room to add another motor :)

-- ipHouse - Welcome home!