Outlaw trucker vs. one time use car
As residents of Houston we are familiar with the vast distances that must be covered in order to reach our destination of choice. We as consumers have many choices at our disposal when faced with commuting. The choice which tends to appeal to the vast majority of Houstonians would be that of the car. As with anything designed, marketed, and tested in focus groups, we have a dizzying array of choices when it comes to our cars. Two of consumer-driven America’s newest choices in cars are also the oldest. The “newly-rediscovered” Diesel-powered car and the previously-relegated to pulling a Caboose” Hybrid system are yet another option that we consumers must consider. Odds are that most consumers would deem themselves unfamiliar with the technologies yet many may in fact have been transported by these methods in before. Any consumer who has ridden a Greyhound bus or traveled on an Amtrak train has entrusted their transportation needs to these systems. We are now being offered similar systems in an albeit smaller capacity. Fuel efficiency is the name of the game and Madison Avenues finest are betting their Hummer H2s that you care about the environment.
Having your cake and eating it too in a car purchase is getting what
you want and being surprised the Feds still allow you to have it. For
cars appealing to environmental and money conscious consumers, Volkswagen,
Jeep, Honda, and Toyota offer models utilizing these new fuel systems.
The single commonality that serves as a catalyst for greater exploration
is the high fuel efficiency. The journey to this destination starts off
with similar goals but is reached vastly different methods. When looking
for an economy car a consumer might look for factors beyond efficiency.
Are the cars comfortable? Are they well built by known and trusted manufactures?
Will these cars drive and operate like existing cars? Are these new systems
reliable? Are these systems convenient to use in everyday life? How will
I be viewed as a driver of such a car?
A collective sigh of relief can be realized as the answers to these questions
make up the commonalities of both systems. Both Diesel and Hybrid cars
are manufacture by firms such as Volkswagen and Toyota. The very fact
that they are offering these innovations is a testament to previous success
amongst consumers. Who better to bring cars exuding peace, love and environment
than manufactures with histories dating back to WWII era Germany and
Japan? While much has changed since then the consumer will be happy to
know that the operation of these cars does not require deciphering. Both
diesel and hybrid cars operate as normal cars do. All roads, weather
conditions, driving styles, and speed limits can be utilized or ignored
as has been previously. In a further sense of déjà vu,
both also have tires, mirrors, headlights, radios, and steering wheels!
The daily operation and convenience is not only similar to each other
but also of all other cars in existence. All gas stations carry gasoline
which power hybrid cars, and most major stations offer diesel. The next
similarity amongst the two systems is one that is sensitive and I promise
to tread lightly on. Many a consumer who is attracted to the left-of-center
eco-tendencies of these cars may be a bit gun-shy after a less than illustrious
vehicle choice some time ago. Without mentioning a certain proletariat
leaning car from Yugoslavia, it can be guaranteed that you will not be
the laughingstock amongst comrades with these cars. Quite frankly, these
cars are cool cars. The Toyota Prius has become the Hollywood darling
and a vehicle in the effort to “appear” more caring and less
bourgeoisie. In a similar sense the Volkswagen Jetta TDI represents the
euro-cool of the early adopter. Trés chic!
Where these cars differ is the proverbial fork in the road of this topic.
While both systems could be externally identical if so designed, what
resides under the skin could not be miles apart. Diesel cars are powered
by a traditional motor, but instead running on diesel fuel. Its methods
are tried and true, with its benefits resulting from continuous refinement.
The Hybrid system is, well a hybrid. It represents a meld of yesterday’s
pragmatism with the science fiction of tomorrow. The Hybrid system contains
a small, traditional gasoline engine, and an electric motor to charge
its batteries. When at low speed or idle the hybrid runs completely on
batteries. Only when faced with that rare break in Houston traffic will
the gasoline engine crackle to life. In contrast the diesel powered car
is constantly running regardless of speed. These two factors alone represent
the key significant differences in design philosophies. There are also
subtle philosophical differences amongst the systems that may appeal
to or dissuade certain consumers. The hybrid system in the Toyota Prius
follows traditional vehicles in the method that it is fueled. Quite simply
if you are on empty you fill the car up as you normally would. This can
be very appealing to a consumer who enjoys the stress-free life of a
Japanese car owner. To this type of consumer one part of the car runs
on gasoline, and the other on witchcraft or something. One only wants
the time, not how the watch is built! Where the diesel car differs starts
when you pull into the station. It is a different car which requires
a different fuel. Premium gasoline in a Hybrid is wasteful, premium in
a diesel is fatal. Along with this difference come the inevitable generalities
posed as questions. An owner will soon learn to memorize the answers
to questions concerning smoke, noise, and smell. Given the lineage of
today’s diesel cars, drivers could be considered more as good will
ambassadors rather than car owners. Owners of diesels are a club of sorts,
they have history on the road, hybrids don’t. And with an eye on
the past, we have serious questions about the hybrid’s future.
The hybrid is a vehicle of science fiction. One can only wonder what
sort of episode an owner will encounter when hybrid-drive refuses to
kick in. Unfortunately the future cannot be seen in order to answer several
begging questions. Where the diesel is proven, questions remain regarding
the longevity of the hybrid’s electric motor and batteries. Personally
I consider the hybrid to be a “one time use car.” In essence
you are the last owner. Why is this you ask? Well, have you priced the
cost to replace those high-tech batteries and assorted components? Also,
who will be qualified to fix the car 10 years from now when the warranty
has run out? Interested buyers should also talk with current owners of
high-mileage hybrids about their fuel economy once the batteries lose
their ability to hold a charge. It is quite dismal. With all of this
you have to wonder if there will be a used market for cars past their
warranty period. But today the public stands willing to trade the certainty
of high MPG at the pump for uncertainty of a de facto “maintenance
balloon note” in the future. In contrast the diesel owner banks
on minimal inconvenience at the pump for a long-term future with known
results. Given this the choice should be as clear as day.
Diesel car pro and cons
Pluses:
Fuel efficient
Cleaner
Durable
Reliable
Convenient
Stylish
Quiet
Plentiful sources for fuel
Roomy
Cheaper to maintain.
Made by a manufacture with a history of diesel motors.
Proven method in the long term
Can run Biodiesel
A normal car
Minuses:
Must remember to use diesel not gas
Not as fast off the line
Misperception as smoky and smelly
Misperception as unreliable
Fuel not available at every gas station
Misperception as loud
Consumers unfamiliar with maintenance and care differences.
Not available new in all markets.
Hybrid car pro and cons
Pluses:
Fuel efficient
Environmentally sound
Cheaper fuel costs
Quiet when in electric mode
Positive public image.
Positive image of manufactures
Hybrid transition from gas to electric is seamless
Uses gasoline
Fuel available everywhere
Convenient
Ideal in urban and low speed environments
Stylish
Perception of Eco-Friendly caring owners
Minuses:
Must be serviced at the dealer
Long-term cost of operation is unknown.
Replacement costs of batteries are high
Few owner serviceable/repairable parts
Long-term reliability is unknown
Long-term residual value is unknown
Concessions of comfort and normalcy made for efficient operation
Resale value is unknown
Long-term durability unknown
