willsyaya57

Okay, I am a newbie, so be gentle. (I'm still shopping) What is a TSB?

I have had several different vehicles in the past, Chevy Caprice that I bought from my dad for $1 to take to college, an "X car" gads!, a minivan for driving little kids everywhere, 2 Ford Explorers (both got handed down to kids), and my midlife car: 2000 Ford Mustang convertible. I love it to death, but it's 14 years old. I have refurbished it with a new top, headlights, windshield, buffed paint, etc, but she just doesn't make me feel like it used to. Now I am a grandmother (Ya-Ya), and need a safer car, 5 passenger, and I want to reduce my carbon footprint. Plus, I am ready for some a little luxury! I called my local dealer today (I live in rural Arkansas), and the salesman launched into a laundry list (dirty laundry) of why I don't want a hybrid, much less a plug-in hybrid. He says I'll have to drive less than 45 mph to keep the gasoline engine from kicking in, and that I should save my money and buy a regular gasoline engined car that gets almost the same mileage. He said he knew a guy whose just-out-of-warrenty car's battery pack died and he had to pay $8000 for a new one. He even told me of a man who was arrested at his child's school while attending a basketball game because he had plugged in there. There may be some truth to that, I do live in Arkansas, and we're behind the curve a bit on ecology issues. But I am passionate about it, and I want to lead the charge, rather than follow. The salesman said they won't even bring a car to their lot unless it's pre-sold. I will have to go the Little Rock to test drive the car. I commute 2 miles to work and run errands in my small town, but often travel to the grandchild's house (119 miles). This just seems perfect for me. I have been to the website and "built" my car, and it's beautiful! Sexy, sporty, and just the right shade of blue. I have briefly visited this forum of Fusion Energi enthusiasts and I know you'll help me sell this to my husband who is also seeing the pricetag. Just showing him your forum will help a bunch. I need to know: ARE there downsides to hybrids? this car? Do batteries die over time? Thanks.