I had an '03 Focus ZX3 with a 2.0 liter Duratec and a 5 speed manual trans. The best I ever got was about 30 mpg.

 

I've never looked into the warranty side of it, guess I assumed too much. But I would've thought that the battery wearing down would be considered normal wear item and not fall under the warranty.

I tell one thing those batteries weight a lot. I've had to handle a couple of at work that are for the MY09 &010. Everytime I see a Hybrid project come through the door I try to get as far away as possible

 

He could have been full of crap too, I dunno.

 

I've had to remove a couple batteries before to perform a recall on them. I thought I'd be Billy Badass on the first one, "It doesn't look that heavy," and wrestle it out of its hole by hand.

Yeah, right. :o Later I found out they weigh like 370 lbs. I use the engine hoist and eyebolts with chains now.

 

Hybrid battery warranties currently range from 8/80 to 10/150. Full replacement is between 2 and 4 grand.

 

Double post.

 

I bought a Hyundai elantra to drive to and from work. It gets average of 33-36 mpg which is pretty good. I bought it in 2004 for 10495 and it was stickered just under 14K. It's been ok, but with 74K it's definitely showing it's age now. The passenger headlight get misted, one light in the dash is not as bright as the others, and the passenger rear strut needs replaced.

 

I estimated my second tank on my new elentra and I got 28 mpg. I really shouldn't drive so agressively but it's hard to get in the mind set of using less pedal when you have like 3" of travel there.

 

I believe the new Ford Focus gets 35 mpg. How about a voltswagon rabbit diesel. Gets about 1000 kilometers to the tank! Thats better than any POS hybrid.

 

Get a Honda 4-banger. Either a Civic, Fit, or even Accord, depending on your budget. Either will have great mileage, reliable, fun to drive, and high resale value in the future. May cost more upfront, but worth it in the end.

Also, watch out regarding mpg quotes of European spec cars. Those quotes usually use Imperial Gallons with is 20% larger than US Gallons.

 

Toyota RAV4 4x4 4cyl. auto 30mpg, its just a perfect lillte suv and the best at mileage mpg. It has all the traction you need and 160 hp's (oh well) but it impressed me where else you going to get 30mpg with a 4x4 16" wheels It looks a bit gay but hell i just grew a BEARD.

 

get a mini...

 

People get 30mph in Jeep Patriot/Compass and Dodge Caliber. 30mpg vs. 20 that he gets currently is not worth buying a new vehicle. For driving 700+ miles per week, you really want 50+mpg, whic his a big step.

 

ya I'm really looking for 40+ mpg. the civic hybrid says 40 city 45 hwy.

I don't know if those are the 2007 EPA estimates or the 2008 ones.

They finally cracked down on the auto companies putting outrageous MPG ratings and they all have to go by the new rules for the 08's.

I guess if i can get 35 from a Ford that would be the best bet though. Since I have a great dealer here in town.