[migratory birds]

Since there are (reports of) many Japanese cars in NZ...have Toyota and Honda's relatively new hybrids made it there yet? Any showing up on the used market?

I know this came up recently but I wasn't thinking cars at the time...

[IanW99]

Yep, you can get them in NZ e.g. Prius (http://www.toyota.co.nz/NewVehicles/Model/Prius/ZbfYNVGg8A0r95fWrUZVnw/1)

And plenty second hand e.g. trademe (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/CategoryAttributeSearchResults.aspx?search=1&mcat=0001-0268-&sidebar=1&5=&14=Toyota&15=prius&18=0&18=0&24=0&24=0&searchregion=100)

Ian

[Super_BQ]

If you're talking 2nd hand Japanese imports (imported from Japan after 7 years use), you probably won't find any. Typically used 2nd hand cars from Japan sell for a lot less than a NZ new car that is being sold after 7 years.

[dilanium]

And plenty second hand e.g. trademe (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/CategoryAttributeSearchResults.aspx?search=1&mcat=0001-0268-&sidebar=1&5=&14=Toyota&15=prius&18=0&18=0&24=0&24=0&searchregion=100)

Be careful with second hand hybrids. From what I've heard they often need quite expensive maintenance (like new batteries that start as low as $120 here in the US).

I'm not sure how true that is for all of the hybrids. The prices may have dropped recently, as I was warned of this several years ago. Just make sure you do your research. :)

[james the mechanic]

Hi guys,
In some ways, general maintenance is probably less of a problem than in traditional vehicles. There are normally few if any drive belts to check and rarely an alternator or power steering pump to worry about. As hybrids often use what it know as regenerative braking (using the transmission to slow the vehicle while using the kinetic energy to charge the batteries) there will consequently be less wear on the brakes.
However, this requires complicated electrics for the motors which get very hot and have their own dedicated cooling system. The transmission is also very different to either a traditional manual or automatic. Both of which could be very costly to repair in the event of problems.
The batteries are supposedly meant to last nearly as long as the life of the vehicle and some come with very generous warrantees, 10 years / 100k miles are not unheard of. In fact warrantees in general seem very generous with many of the hybrid related components covered for 8 years /100k miles. However I have concerns about the validity of these warrantees for vehicles that are not NZ new. Although I could be wrong, I would urge anyone considering buying one to look into this.
Serious troubleshooting, diagnosis and repair of this system could cost you an absolute fortune if you were unfortunate enough to have to foot the bill yourself. And I feel that at this point in their relatively short production; it is unlikely that you would have much joy anywhere but the main dealers.
Q; Would I consider owning one?
A: Only if it were a gift.:laugh
James

[dilanium]

I'm planning on owning a hybrid eventually. It's not a question for me. I'd rather spend the extra money and have a more fuel efficient car.

Cars are only for really long trips to me. My day to day transportation is done by bike, or the old fashioned two footed method.

;)

[phatsharpie]

How prevalent are diesel cars in NZ? I've been thinking of getting one of the newer generation diesel cars because of their high MPG - thus lessening their environmental impact.

Brian

[dilanium]

How prevalent are diesel cars in NZ? I've been thinking of getting one of the newer generation diesel cars because of their high MPG - thus lessening their environmental impact.

But I thought diesel engines released other compounds into the air nullifying the potential benefits of a better mpg (environmentally speaking).

Time for a google search...

yea, diesel engines emit more sulfur in their exhaust.

So I guess it's one of those pick your poison moments.

[IanW99]

Diesel small / family cars are not too common in NZ, most car companies still don't sell their diesel models yet.

There are plenty of big 4x4 types though.

The main reason seems to be due to Road User Charges (RUC) for diesels i.e. you are not taxed at point of sale for diesel.

The quality of the fuel was also an issue (was low grade) which is important for the common rail diesel engines, not sure if this has improved yet?

There have been other threads on diesel if you want to do a search.

Ian

[andrewandjane]

theres a car dealer in auckland that just sells hybrids, i think its the clean green car company or something like that a google search for hybrids auckland will pick it up they start from around 15-17 000 dollars.

[incredible hulse]

If you're talking 2nd hand Japanese imports (imported from Japan after 7 years use), you probably won't find any. Typically used 2nd hand cars from Japan sell for a lot less than a NZ new car that is being sold after 7 years.
There are plenty of Hybrids on the Jap auctions at the moment that can be imported - from practically brand new to about 6 years old

[The Hodges]

i think its the clean green car company or something like that

You mean this one http://www.cleangreencar.co.nz ? :D