We're needing something good on gas, yet has some power at takeoff and looks stylish at the same time! So we think we've found the perfect car, the 07' Nissan Altima Hybrid. the reviews have been great, from what I can tell. We're planning on owning it 3 years max. But I'm wondering if the repairs will be costly? Also, if you currently own this car are you satisfied? Basically, what's the good, what's the bad. I want it all! =)
If you have another car suggestion that would also be appreciated!
Thanks so much! 
FYI………………………….
Hybrids are expensive to construct because the manufacturer needs to develop and install two motors instead of one. Plus, the complex vehicles also contain a regeneration system that is used while the driver breaks, gathering energy generated as the vehicle is brought to a stop. These three components are intricate and costly.
The cost of constructing a hybrid car is reflected on the sticker price. Hybrids are considerably more expensive than traditional cars that run solely on gasoline. They are also more expensive to repair. The three systems that comprise the hybrid’s inner workings interact together. When one system fails, they all fail. Since the cars are relatively new to the market, owners can expect to pay hefty repair costs.
The government is trying to offset the high cost of the hybrid car by offering a tax incentive to individuals who buy the vehicles. However, the tax incentive is not enough to cover the difference between the hybrid and the traditional gasoline-run car and it is only offered on a certain number of hybrid vehicles sold by each manufacturer.
Movement.
October 9th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
FYI………………………….
Hybrids are expensive to construct because the manufacturer needs to develop and install two motors instead of one. Plus, the complex vehicles also contain a regeneration system that is used while the driver breaks, gathering energy generated as the vehicle is brought to a stop. These three components are intricate and costly.
The cost of constructing a hybrid car is reflected on the sticker price. Hybrids are considerably more expensive than traditional cars that run solely on gasoline. They are also more expensive to repair. The three systems that comprise the hybrid’s inner workings interact together. When one system fails, they all fail. Since the cars are relatively new to the market, owners can expect to pay hefty repair costs.
The government is trying to offset the high cost of the hybrid car by offering a tax incentive to individuals who buy the vehicles. However, the tax incentive is not enough to cover the difference between the hybrid and the traditional gasoline-run car and it is only offered on a certain number of hybrid vehicles sold by each manufacturer.
References :
923
October 9th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
If you're only planning on having it for 3 years I wouldn't bother with a hybrid. You will not see a return on your initial investment until year 4 or 5. They don't get the mileage they advertise anyway…just buy a regular Altima.
References :
October 9th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
While hybrids, especially those designed to deliver maximum fuel economy, can deliver superior fuel economy it does not automatically mean they are less expensive to own. For example, the '07 hybrid Altima will cost you about $2.2K ($700/year for 3 years) more to own than the non-hybrid Altima with the same engine/transmission combination.
Repair cost in the first three years should be low and this is confirmed by the edmunds.com model.
Owner reviews of the hybrid are slightly higher than the non-hybrid version of the Altima with some owners being quite passionate about the hybrid.
I would suggest you drive both the hybrid and non-hybrid version and create your own impression. Then you can decide if the higher cost of ownership is justified.
References :
edmunds.com "true cost of ownership" model