Importing a hybrid vehicle in Trinidad

[eliteauto]

A.M. Marketing is offering brand new hybrid X trails with a starting price of $250k and a 2 year/ 100,000km warranty. I think that's a step in the right direction for hybrid sales

[GeneralHonda]

A.M. Marketing is offering brand new hybrid X trails with a starting price of $250k and a 2 year/ 100,000km warranty. I think that's a step in the right direction for hybrid sales

I wonder why not a 3yr/100,000km warranty like standard new vehicles. Can it be these vehicles are new unsold stock in Japan and the company here does not want take the risk that in the third year issues may arise? If you buy a year old model from the firm in TT you still get your full warranty.

[Kronik]

A.M. Marketing is offering brand new hybrid X trails with a starting price of $250k and a 2 year/ 100,000km warranty. I think that's a step in the right direction for hybrid sales

I wonder why not a 3yr/100,000km warranty like standard new vehicles. Can it be these vehicles are new unsold stock in Japan and the company here does not want take the risk that in the third year issues may arise? If you buy a year old model from the firm in TT you still get your full warranty.

Well if you prefer the extra year warranty, you pay the firm price. You can't expect them to sell something for cheaper than the firm and still give you everything that the firm charges you a higher price for, that's bad business.
I'm sure if you had the option for the 3 years warranty but had to pay what the firm charges, you would say to hell with that.

[GeneralHonda]

A.M. Marketing is offering brand new hybrid X trails with a starting price of $250k and a 2 year/ 100,000km warranty. I think that's a step in the right direction for hybrid sales

I wonder why not a 3yr/100,000km warranty like standard new vehicles. Can it be these vehicles are new unsold stock in Japan and the company here does not want take the risk that in the third year issues may arise? If you buy a year old model from the firm in TT you still get your full warranty.

Well if you prefer the extra year warranty, you pay the firm price. You can't expect them to sell something for cheaper than the firm and still give you everything that the firm charges you a higher price for, that's bad business.
I'm sure if you had the option for the 3 years warranty but had to pay what the firm charges, you would say to hell with that.

You are missing the point. They are willing to give you 100,000km but not the 3rd year. They are working on the principal that you will not make 100000km before 2 years and have removed a year of risk from themselves. If the battery pack fails at 2yrs 1 month, the money you will have to shell out would then be an issue. Well I guess the money saved would cover that cost.

[Kronik]

A.M. Marketing is offering brand new hybrid X trails with a starting price of $250k and a 2 year/ 100,000km warranty. I think that's a step in the right direction for hybrid sales

I wonder why not a 3yr/100,000km warranty like standard new vehicles. Can it be these vehicles are new unsold stock in Japan and the company here does not want take the risk that in the third year issues may arise? If you buy a year old model from the firm in TT you still get your full warranty.

Well if you prefer the extra year warranty, you pay the firm price. You can't expect them to sell something for cheaper than the firm and still give you everything that the firm charges you a higher price for, that's bad business.
I'm sure if you had the option for the 3 years warranty but had to pay what the firm charges, you would say to hell with that.

You are missing the point. They are willing to give you 100,000km but not the 3rd year. They are working on the principal that you will not make 100000km before 2 years and have removed a year of risk from themselves. If the battery pack fails at 2yrs 1 month, the money you will have to shell out would then be an issue. Well I guess the money saved would cover that cost.

Well that's the thing, you pay the cheaper cost and say nothing happens in the 3rd 4th or even 5th year, you would be happy. But a lot of people are jumping on the battery pack issue, but look Toyota batteries rated for 10 years, and they running past that without problems, and I would assume battery tech would improve over time. I don't think each manufacturer gonna come up with their own battery tech from scratch and reinvent the wheel, they would use a supplier (like they do with a lot of their current consumable parts), and then eventually come out with their own in-house tech when it's ready and proven.

I not saying you not going to get problems, nothing man made that is mass produced will be without lemons. But like you said, the cost saving for buying the hybrid (initial cost plus gas for the 2 years warranty period) will more than cover a battery pack if it does come to that.

And batteries that are not in use while the vehicle is parked up awaiting a buyer, as long as the battery is not low/discharged, would not suffer any major damages. That is why it is recommended that when storing a li-ion battery, charge it to approx 50% and then store it for maximum longevity.

[eliteauto]

^^^ good perspective

[kamakazi]

I think you omitted one aspect... The batteries themselves might come from one supplier... The controller/management for the power cells (battery) might be programmed differently depending on the requests from the car manufacturer... And or their modifications

[GeneralHonda]

I see abroad they give you a 10 yr warranty on the battery pack but not the management system. Performance wise, is it the same as a petrol only vehicle?

[treeneeboi]

I personally have a 2010 civic hybrid. I did my research before purchase and seeing as there are no avenues for hybrid battery regeneration/servicing i acquired a grid charger and a discharger that wires stock into the hybrid pack and every couple months i cycle it for maximum longevity. I pay $130 to fill the tank and get 600-700 km on that. I on my second year now and have no complaints except that when the pack is not charged and the ima doesnt assist the 1.3L engine seems a bit sluggish by itself but again, this is to be expected.

To anyone looking to buy a hybrid, do the research and esp if u goin roro, be prepared to shell out big in case the battery fails. Mine would cost roughly 13k to replace and i'm cool with it, nobody likes surprises tho.

[scotty_buttons]

I see abroad they give you a 10 yr warranty on the battery pack but not the management system. Performance wise, is it the same as a petrol only vehicle?

Most cases it's as good or better.

[pete]

I personally have a 2010 civic hybrid. I did my research before purchase and seeing as there are no avenues for hybrid battery regeneration/servicing i acquired a grid charger and a discharger that wires stock into the hybrid pack and every couple months i cycle it for maximum longevity. I pay $130 to fill the tank and get 600-700 km on that. I on my second year now and have no complaints except that when the pack is not charged and the ima doesnt assist the 1.3L engine seems a bit sluggish by itself but again, this is to be expected.

To anyone looking to buy a hybrid, do the research and esp if u goin roro, be prepared to shell out big in case the battery fails. Mine would cost roughly 13k to replace and i'm cool with it, nobody likes surprises tho.

I have a question. Does the engine start for the air condition to work or does the battery power the AC compressor? Do you do a lot of driving in traffic or is it more highway driving?

[nick639v2]

A.M. Marketing is offering brand new hybrid X trails with a starting price of $250k and a 2 year/ 100,000km warranty. I think that's a step in the right direction for hybrid sales

I wonder why not a 3yr/100,000km warranty like standard new vehicles. Can it be these vehicles are new unsold stock in Japan and the company here does not want take the risk that in the third year issues may arise? If you buy a year old model from the firm in TT you still get your full warranty.

Well if you prefer the extra year warranty, you pay the firm price. You can't expect them to sell something for cheaper than the firm and still give you everything that the firm charges you a higher price for, that's bad business.
I'm sure if you had the option for the 3 years warranty but had to pay what the firm charges, you would say to hell with that.

You are missing the point. They are willing to give you 100,000km but not the 3rd year. They are working on the principal that you will not make 100000km before 2 years and have removed a year of risk from themselves. If the battery pack fails at 2yrs 1 month, the money you will have to shell out would then be an issue. Well I guess the money saved would cover that cost.

Well that's the thing, you pay the cheaper cost and say nothing happens in the 3rd 4th or even 5th year, you would be happy. But a lot of people are jumping on the battery pack issue, but look Toyota batteries rated for 10 years, and they running past that without problems, and I would assume battery tech would improve over time. I don't think each manufacturer gonna come up with their own battery tech from scratch and reinvent the wheel, they would use a supplier (like they do with a lot of their current consumable parts), and then eventually come out with their own in-house tech when it's ready and proven.

I not saying you not going to get problems, nothing man made that is mass produced will be without lemons. But like you said, the cost saving for buying the hybrid (initial cost plus gas for the 2 years warranty period) will more than cover a battery pack if it does come to that.

And batteries that are not in use while the vehicle is parked up awaiting a buyer, as long as the battery is not low/discharged, would not suffer any major damages. That is why it is recommended that when storing a li-ion battery, charge it to approx 50% and then store it for maximum longevity.

Finally a lil sensible man.. That's exactly how I look at it also...


Suppose we go cng and hybrid maximumest money saved eh.. Think bout that fellas

[treeneeboi]

I personally have a 2010 civic hybrid. I did my research before purchase and seeing as there are no avenues for hybrid battery regeneration/servicing i acquired a grid charger and a discharger that wires stock into the hybrid pack and every couple months i cycle it for maximum longevity. I pay $130 to fill the tank and get 600-700 km on that. I on my second year now and have no complaints except that when the pack is not charged and the ima doesnt assist the 1.3L engine seems a bit sluggish by itself but again, this is to be expected.

To anyone looking to buy a hybrid, do the research and esp if u goin roro, be prepared to shell out big in case the battery fails. Mine would cost roughly 13k to replace and i'm cool with it, nobody likes surprises tho.

I have a question. Does the engine start for the air condition to work or does the battery power the AC compressor? Do you do a lot of driving in traffic or is it more highway driving?

I never checked if the ac compressor is run on hybrid power actually but to me it is. I do more traffic that "highway driving" technically is traffic on the hway on mornings from couva to st joseph (I understand how fuel consumption works between the two as well so i know why its pertinent to ask that quest) plus the car has a gauge option instead of rad temp to show fuel consumption in real time so u can adjust ur driving to suit.

I will double chk the ac question an let u kno

[orangelancer]

I have no mechanic, i do my stuff myself, but i heard of R ramai servicing centre, they said they are certified in hybrid vehicle repair and maintenance

Any1 can say they are certified.check credentials to make sure.i have my doubts.but that's jus me.

[pete]

Regarding the AC, from searching online it appears the AC compressor is powered by it's own electric motor from the battery supply. Also the blower uses AC instead of DC and is more efficient.

[DJ Q]

Regarding the AC, from searching online it appears the AC compressor is powered by it's own electric motor from the battery supply. Also the blower uses AC instead of DC and is more efficient.

At the time, the Prius was the only vehicle I knew of that did this.
It was the first mass produced belt-less engine.

Good to know others are following suit.

[greggle71]

Some good info here. Hybrid and Electric motors are the future. Good to see some tuners taking the early adopter approach and yes it will have its teething problems as with any other new tech locally although it's been operating in other markets under different conditions.

[baby hulk]

In the accord hybrid there are no drive belts, the engine at idle only comes on based on battery charge

[baby hulk]

https://youtu.be/fmMb45PPrmg

[baby hulk]

https://youtu.be/d9cky-Vm6Yw

[baby hulk]

https://youtu.be/vibnrTxe5ds

[baby hulk]

https://youtu.be/ICvjxLeqyw8

[pugboy]

Is the gas engine by itself marginal powerwise without electric assist ?
I would thing 1.3L should be ok for a civic.

Your battery is 7years old ?
That is pretty good.

cycling the battery will surely extend the battery life.

I personally have a 2010 civic hybrid. I did my research before purchase and seeing as there are no avenues for hybrid battery regeneration/servicing i acquired a grid charger and a discharger that wires stock into the hybrid pack and every couple months i cycle it for maximum longevity. I pay $130 to fill the tank and get 600-700 km on that. I on my second year now and have no complaints except that when the pack is not charged and the ima doesnt assist the 1.3L engine seems a bit sluggish by itself but again, this is to be expected.

To anyone looking to buy a hybrid, do the research and esp if u goin roro, be prepared to shell out big in case the battery fails. Mine would cost roughly 13k to replace and i'm cool with it, nobody likes surprises tho.

[scotty_buttons]

Took the plunge on a BMW 330e.
Would relay my experience here when I get it.

[nick639v2]

Took the plunge on a BMW 330e.
Would relay my experience here when I get it.

Niceee... What a gorgeous car it is too

[Gladiator]

Where are you getting the servicing done?

Took the plunge on a BMW 330e.
Would relay my experience here when I get it.

[Morpheus]

Took the plunge on a BMW 330e.
Would relay my experience here when I get it.

Congrats and looking forward to your experience...

[scotty_buttons]

Thanks fellas. Hoping it's a rewarding one.
I seeing some ECU tuning options for the 330e too. Would most likely head that way sooner than later

Where are you getting the servicing done?

Took the plunge on a BMW 330e.
Would relay my experience here when I get it.

Maska has supposedly the only certified tech in the Caribbean to deal with euro hybrids. And he has access to all the updates etc as well.
So most likely would be servicing there.
From what I've learnt, the firm locally would do routine servicing as well.
Also, after speaking with multiple dealers, if there's a problem with the electric part, the petrol would take over. You'd probably just get an annoying error notification or something.
But once the vehicle won't be a brick until the problem sorted, I happy.

[Tile Expression Ltd.]

the firm is not going to touch any part of the bmw hybrid.
They will tell you upfront they don't have the equipment yet to deal with these vehicles...

you will definitely have to find somewhere outside to service...but most techs who deal with BMW say its easy for them to handle because of the electric and gas are totally separate modules, meaning the vehicle can operate fully on gas or fully on electric if needed.

[drchaos]

Is the gas engine by itself marginal powerwise without electric assist ?
I would thing 1.3L should be ok for a civic.

Your battery is 7years old ?
That is pretty good.

cycling the battery will surely extend the battery life.

I personally have a 2010 civic hybrid. I did my research before purchase and seeing as there are no avenues for hybrid battery regeneration/servicing i acquired a grid charger and a discharger that wires stock into the hybrid pack and every couple months i cycle it for maximum longevity. I pay $130 to fill the tank and get 600-700 km on that. I on my second year now and have no complaints except that when the pack is not charged and the ima doesnt assist the 1.3L engine seems a bit sluggish by itself but again, this is to be expected.

To anyone looking to buy a hybrid, do the research and esp if u goin roro, be prepared to shell out big in case the battery fails. Mine would cost roughly 13k to replace and i'm cool with it, nobody likes surprises tho.

"Cycling" or completely discharging and recharging a Li based battery is a very very very bad idea indeed.
Li based batteries (found in all new hybrids) like to be recharged frequently and love sitting somewhere between 50 to 70%
Deep discharging often and fully recharging often will shorten the lifespan of your battery and its capacity. So dont do this with a newer hybrid/electric vehicle. The older hybrids with nickle metal hydride batteries can tolerate this.