Helping my parents out as they, within the next year, will likely be purchasing an SUV and they really like their hybrid cars. Also, with Covid concerns, trying to develop a short list so they can go look at specific vehicles rather than wasting time on one that won’t work for them.
A lot of the impetus for this is now that they are having grandchildren, the only vehicle they have that can fit all of the paraphernalia is a 2005 Toyota Avalon that is still going strong with about 87K miles. Their other vehicle is a hybrid sedan (their third since they purchased the Toyota) and the batteries eat up too much of trunk space, plus interior really is only good for 4 adults (child seat and both of my parents in vehicle wouldn’t leave another room for grandchild’s parents). Another reason my parents are looking at SUV’s are because by the time it would come time to replace the vehicle (assuming it lasts as expected) both will be approaching 80 and they are already starting to see some issues getting into lower riding vehicles.
Even though most if not all of their driving will likely be within the range of a pure electric vehicle especially if charging while they are doing activities (furthest round trip they’d likely do is LI to Philly unless they decided to drive to family in DC), putting on less than 8k miles per year in all likelihood, especially after retirement, not sure it is worth the investment to convert home to support ev charging.
Thanks for taking time to read my rather long post!
I had the RAV4 hybrid and it was good, 37/38 MPG but my wife’s non hybrid CRV gets 27 mpg so still very good and the car is cheaper. Also one less thing to wear down over time.
Also retired and driving very few miles.... 400 in the last 7 weeks. 3K last year with a '15 CRV.
IMHO, doesn't sound like your parents need a hybrid. Using the ECO setting, you should be able to get 30 mpg with the CRV. If you want a little zip, the standard turbo will provide it.
EX is the best trim level. All the safety features and some nice extras.
No matter what car you choose, I recommend a adding a plug in trickle charger.
There are a bunch of battery draw things happening when modern cars are sitting idle for long periods or are only used for short hops.
Good luck
but i would go all electric and get a rivian r1s
but i would go all electric and get a rivian r1s
Whoa! I'd never heard of the Rivian before but just Googled it... very compelling.
Quote:
is a great car
but i would go all electric and get a rivian r1s
Whoa! I'd never heard of the Rivian before but just Googled it... very compelling.
full disclosure, RJ, the founder of the company, is a fraternity brother from college, but he's got a great product and has amazon and ford heavily invested in it. if you are going electric, it should be at or near the top of your list (although the r1t is more my bag - trying to get my wife to agree to adding the built in camping kitchen)
R1T camping kitchen - ( New Window )