Hybrid car question

3175375 said:

You guys are under a different model. I keep cars for over 15 years and leasing is foolish.

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I only tried a lease once. At the time it seamed like a good option since the down payment and monthly rent was reasonable. I was limited to the miles I could drive or I had to pay a penalty. They are also pretty picky about any dents and dings. At the end of my lease it was cheaper to buy the (truck) than to give it back. I will never lease again. With that being said if a person stays under the mileage cap and nothing ever happens to the car it might be a way for some to go. I personally put too many miles on a car to make a lease an option for me.

3175375 said:

You guys are under a different model. I keep cars for over 15 years and leasing is foolish.

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I agree... but I've only had mine 48 years.

Given the current pace of automotive technology relative to hybrids and plug in electrics, my sense is that one does not want to own/use one beyond a few years. On some, the battery replacement alone can be a crippling cost and the old battery is considered hazardous waste. As for lease/buy, it is a matter of preference and the ability to tailor your lease to your anticipated use is something one usually does at the time of acquisition. Some low cost leases contemplate only 7500 miles per year whereas some folks typically drive 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. Once can build the mileage into the monthly lease payment or choose to pay a lump sum at the end when the contract mileage is exceeded or just buy the lease out and deal with the high mileage. I am skeptical that current models will be viable used car choices when they hit 15 years. Just consider the planned obsolescence of personal computers and the the lack of support after as few as 5 to 7 years.

crustycurmudgeon said:

I bought a 2015 Mazda 3 as a commuter car based on the advertised 41 mpg highway. My overall fuel economy is right around 37 mpg. A hybrid would not be a good choice for my situation. The new second generation Skyactiv engine for 2018 is supposed to provide even better fuel economy (approaching 70 mpg). A high compression gasoline engine that works like a diesel (no spark plugs)! https://www.autoevolution.com/news/...romises-30-better-fuel-efficiency-114652.html

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How is that different compared to the "Direct Fuel Ignition" that has been around since 1902?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline_direct_injection

And more importantly, will they sell the motor with controls as a separate power module for those of us that like old vehicles with modern drivetrains?