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Went shopping for a Civic Hybrid today. There are none available for a test drive, although I have driven my son's 2006 Civic LX and found it very comfortable. Are there any specific likes or dislikes among current Hybrid owners, or any common problems to watch for? I am trading a BMW 330Xi, and I realize the performance will be no match, but neither will be the fuel bill. Thank you.

 
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hehe big performance drop thats for sure.. just read the forums here, a few people have had issues.
Most people seem to recommend the Prius, as much as I hate driving people away from Honda.
Definitely take a test drive of both before deciding.

 
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That's the problem. There are no demos at any dealers, Honda or Toyota.

 
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How long will you have to wait for a demo?
Thats nuts, they want to sell a car but no demos??

 
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The dealers say no demos will be available any time soon, as everything is sold out for several months, but I'm assurred that everybody that bought one likes it. I have somewhat of an idea after driving my son's '06 LX, but still...

 
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Its all sold out for several months?
So they are not keeping up with demand?

I thought it was the other way around actually.. not enough demand and too much stock

 
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It's true - demand has been high for the HCH2 since they came out. HCHs are not in stock typically. Some dealers take $100 deposit, when shipment comes in, they call you. (You're under no obligation). Others just take your name and call you.

Here in LA, last spring, the wait was about 5-10 weeks, but lately, it's come to about 2-6 weeks. (depends on what you want, of course.)

I recently decided on a 2006 HCH2, magnetic pearl w/o Navi or accessories... and got lucky 2 days ago. Paid MSRP (22,150 + 595 destination) - but had to drive from LA to Bakersfield to get it. It was well worth the trip. I got a chance to see what it can do on the I-5 steady incline pass, and the acceleration and handling definitely surprised me. I really like the regen brakes and engine assist. Plus the gauges are great.

(In the LA / Ventura areas, HCH2s are going for $2000 - $5000 above MSRP.)

How did I get it so soon? I was ready to put a deposit on one when I called a dealer in Bakersfield to get a better deal than I could locally - (a recommended dealer by 2 users from one of the forums below).

The model I wanted had come in 2 days before, it was prepped and checked & the person who had put a deposit on it was called on Saturday said it had come in too early so passed on it, someone in the showroom was filling out papers for it as I was talking with the sales rep. Oh, well. I gave him my cc for a deposit for the next shipment to be coming in in 4 weeks.

Ten minutes later, the salesman called & said the second buyer's deal didn't work out (for some reason). I bought it over the phone. ( I did test-drive it for 10 minutes under no obligation.)

I have been researching this on and off for a year, and pretty solidly the past 3 months. The comparison b/t HCH & Prius = for me, looks, cost and safety were the factors - not to mention I did not like driving the Prius at all.

I tried a friend's 2005 Prius 2 months ago. I couldn't see behind me at all - nor to the sides. (I like the telescopic positioning of the steering wheel as well as being able to elevate drivers seat in HCH - cannot do in P) Plus, the interior of HCH seems much more "car-like" and plush compared to Prius.

for info / feedback on performance, etc, be sure to check other online forums. though I just joined this one today, there seem to be an unusual number of negative accounts against HCH on this forum. (maybe just doesn't have a lot of members yet?)

try:

Honda Civic Hybrid Forum - GreenHybrid
Honda Civic Hybrid - CarSpace Automotive Forums

each of these are helpful and very informative.

hth

s