Looking at buying FEH have questions
Active Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 200
From: Detroit, MI
Re: Looking at buying FEH have questions
You have to find your own comfort level on the 4WD but I have a long driveway and we had 135 inches of snow this year and never felt the need for 4WD in the Escape. I've driven 2008 V6 Escapes (rentals) a good bit and I really don't see a big difference in the driving experience. There is a difference in brake feel that takes a day or two to get used to. I have to think about it to notice the transmission difference.
Based on our experience, I think you will see a significant savings with the FEH. (If you can get one.)
Based on our experience, I think you will see a significant savings with the FEH. (If you can get one.)
I have a FWD car and the AWD FEH. When there is a fresh 4-7 inches of snow on the ground, either will get me where I'm going, but I'll tell you I prefer the AWD.
Side note: Who the heck designs a driveway with a 90-degree bend on a 20 degree incline in northern Michigan? That's just asking for an off-roading experience.
Hybrid and Ethanol Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,616
From: All over the Central U.S.
Re: Looking at buying FEH have questions
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 720
From: Southeast Coastline
Re: Looking at buying FEH have questions
Your car insurance company may offer a reduction in your premiums for owning a hybrid. Mine gives me a 10% discount across my entire policy (not just the FEH).
Also, the transmission (eCVT) has a longer warranty than the transmission in a non-hybrid since it is considered an emissions component (same goes for the battery and high-voltage electronics).
If you're not hit by the AMT at tax time, there's still a $2200 tax credit for the 4WD and $3000 for the FWD. I'm not sure but Oregon may have some state level tax benefits as well. My state has a $600 tax credit. Between the two, I got $3600 in tax credits which all but offset the "hybrid" premium.
I expect others here can add a few more "hidden benefits" for the hybrid that I'm forgetting at the moment.
Also, the transmission (eCVT) has a longer warranty than the transmission in a non-hybrid since it is considered an emissions component (same goes for the battery and high-voltage electronics).
If you're not hit by the AMT at tax time, there's still a $2200 tax credit for the 4WD and $3000 for the FWD. I'm not sure but Oregon may have some state level tax benefits as well. My state has a $600 tax credit. Between the two, I got $3600 in tax credits which all but offset the "hybrid" premium.
I expect others here can add a few more "hidden benefits" for the hybrid that I'm forgetting at the moment.
Last edited by MyPart; Apr 23, 2008 at 07:58 AM. Reason: Modified incorrect fed tax credit amount for 4WD
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 720
From: Southeast Coastline
Re: Looking at buying FEH have questions
You're right... I was working from memory and it failed me (again
)...updated post.
)...updated post.
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 720
From: Southeast Coastline
Re: Looking at buying FEH have questions
Thanks, cbibbs... I was out of town and couldn't respond.
Krista: If you're at or near the Alternative Minimum Tax level, I'd highly recommend talking with a tax professional before "counting on" that $2200.
Krista: If you're at or near the Alternative Minimum Tax level, I'd highly recommend talking with a tax professional before "counting on" that $2200.
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