When I was a kid, my aunt’s boyfriend won a $1 Million by playing the lottery. Friends of friends of ours won $300 Million last year. Now they are running a promotion that is right up my alley. By playing “Set of Wheels” you could win a 2008 Chevy Tahoe hybrid package worth $79,000.

Sure, $300 Million would be interesting, but I have to be honest when I say it might be a little much, even for me. Money has a way of awaking a lot of nastiness in people. (Ahem, Paris Hilton. Anyone notice how, now that she’s not inheriting a gazillion dollars, she’s not quite so infamous?)

Have a non-winning Set For Life Iowa Lottery scratch ticket? Flip it over, and enter the serial number at ialottery.com for a “second chance” Tahoe hybrid drawing. (You would be surprised how many people lose out on prizes by not doing things like this. Someone in Osceola, IA even won $400,000 on Powerball in March that they haven’t claimed yet … probably threw the ticket away when they weren’t the top winner!)

Set of Wheels ends July 13th. Eight semifinalists will be drawn two days later with the final drawing to be held … where else, but the Iowa State Fair? The drawing will be held on August 7th. Tickets cost $20.

[Image: Iowa Lottery ]

Post from: EveryJoe

Win a Chevy Tahoe hybrid!

It makes sense to me that they’d scrap their vehicles that aren’t selling, and redesign classics to meet modern needs … but Why close a hybrid truck plant when gas prices are driving sales down? I know GM has made the Volt their #1 priority, but trucks are functional vehicles people are going to need, and they’re going to buy, but they’re not going to have better options. (Especially while they’re making hybrid SUVs that aren’t selling.)

Source: Car and Driver

Don’t forget about our contests and upcoming interview this month.

Let’s hear your questions!

[Image: Newscom]

Post from: EveryJoe

GM to Stop Making Hummers??

I have to agree with David Friedman, the research director heading up the Union of Concerned Scientists’ vehicle program, who – according to the NY Times – wonders if GM is serious about selling hybrid SUVs or just in improving their image. They aren’t easy to buy. If you live in certain areas, you might get one by special order, and advertising hasn’t done enough to help spread the world.

While hybrid models are only $4000 more expensive, many consumers just don’t know about them.
Source: Kelley Blue Book

NY Times

Post from: EveryJoe

Bad News for SUVs

Both are 4-wheel drive with 3rd rows, seating 8 with leather upholstery, heated seats, navigation that shows the vehicles’ inner components hard work. Pairing 385 horsepower, with the ability to tow up to 8,950 lbs AND operate in electric-only mode for stretches at low-speed combine for an estimated 18 mpg city/ 19 mpg highway fuel efficiency.

I haven’t seen any numbers yet, but I’m guessing comparable or slightly more than the Toyota Highlander hybrid. High 30’s-40’s.

Source: Boston Globe

Image source: Dodge.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Durango/Aspen 3rd Row SUV hybrids in 2008

Hyundai’s Elantra will come in two varieties. One version will run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) … propane. The other version will be a “traditional” gas-electric hybrid.

Following will be a hybrid version of the Hyundai Sonata in 2010, along with a Kia Optima hybrid and an SUV hybrid called the Borrego. Their existing hydrogen fuel-cell program also has plans for expansion, with the first cars for sale hitting lots in 2012.

I was surprised to learn that propane is actually 3rd, after diesel, in the world’s choice for car fuels. It lasts longer, and cars using propane tend to last longer too. It also kicks out 60% fewer emissions than gasoline. Sounds like a great choice for a hybrid.

Post from: EveryJoe

Electric-Propane hybrid? Hyundai’s Elantra in 2009, Kia hybrid 2010

Little Seats makes DIY kits for installing a variety of third-row seats. All of which are removable, and which comply with federal safety standards. They even have a buy-back option so they can offer used kits to families who really need something affordable.

New, you’ll drop anywhere from $700 to $1200 for most. Used start around $500.

Post from: EveryJoe

3rd Seat for Escape, Tribute, etc

While the gas versions of the 2009 Escape and Mariner did improve in gas mileage – by a whopping 1 mpg – the hybrid revisions did not. Not even 1 mpg. Both models are available with a new 2.5-liter engine that will output* 170 horsepower.

Receiving more of a focus are Ford’s (and Toyota’s and GM’s and …) plans to release a plug-in hybrid (or several) by 2010.

Sources:
Associated Press

* Note: I have no idea if “output” is the appropriate term to use in this situation. I have a feeling it’s not …

Post from: EveryJoe

2009 Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner Hybrids at Washington Auto Show

Yeh, I know. It’s a little obvious when I’ve got a crush on a new hybrid. Sorry Prius, but my needs have changed. It’s not you. It’s me …

AND, of course, the new 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid with all it’s delicious techie-gadgets and oh-so-comfortable ride.

Lamenting the fact that the mileage is a piddly 27 mpg, I was very happy to read more about the factory-installed EV button (a popular mod in the Prius, which switches the car to electric-only mode for a mile or so … but with the nasty side-effect of voiding the warranty) and Econ Mode.

What? What is that feature which sounds so impressive and interesting?

Econ Mode allows the engine to run more efficiently by pushing the engine less. It addresses the biggest hits to fuel economy – stomping on the gas and needlessly wasting fuel by accelerating more ferociously than need be – and in doing so, will make a real difference in the miles per gallon seen in real world usage.

I’m a fan of quirky writing, and here is the oddest review of a car I’ve read in awhile, declaring the HiHy to be “Schizophrenic, but in a Good Way“.

Post from: EveryJoe

Toyota’s Gone Econ w/ 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

You can see my previous post on the Current Offers and Rebates tool to find deals in your area.
If you’re in the market for a new 2007 or 2008 model, these are the most fuel efficient cars currently for sale:

2007/2008 Subcompact, compact cars

2007/2008 Family sedans

2007/2008 Wagons & Crossovers

2007/2008 SUVs

2007/2008 Minivans

2007/2008 Trucks

I apologize in advance, because the following may be a flood of related posts. I hope no one will be too aggravated. :)

Post from: EveryJoe

Best Fuel Efficiency 2007 & 2008

Best SUVs for 2007 & 2008

I thought I’d never be a fan of SUVs, but ooooo, the Highlander Hybrid I test drove yesterday – despite the freezing temperatures – purred awake. It was the most comfortable car I’ve ever driven. Seriously. However, fuel efficiency is down from last year, making the act of walking away MUCH easier.

High 5, Toyota.

A surprising number of changes happened between 2007 and 2008 models. More SUVs hit the market, although some in limited numbers and only in California. More than one popular model was redesigned, though the Escape (and Mariner) got better on gas while the Highlander (and RX 400h) got worse?? Aggravating.

To be fair, I should test drive an Escape to see how they’re doing on comfort. *adds to to-do list*
2007 Models

Ford Escape FWD
4 cylinder, 2.3 L engine, Automatic
31 mpg city/ 29 mpg hwy

Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD*
4 cylinder, 2.3 L engine, Automatic
28 mpg city/ 27 mpg hwy

Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD*
4 cylinder, 2.3 L engine, Automatic
28 mpg city/ 27 mpg hwy

Lexus RX 400h 2WD**
6 cylinder, 3.3 L engine, Automatic
28 mpg city/ 25 mpg hwy

Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2WD**
6 cylinder, 3.3 L engine, Automatic
28 mpg city/ 25 mpg hwy

Lexus RX 400h 4WD***
6 cylinder, 3.3 L engine, Automatic
27 mpg city/ 25 mpg hwy

Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD***
6 cylinder, 3.3 L engine, Automatic
27 mpg city/ 25 mpg hwy

Saturn Vue Hybrid
4 cylinder, 2.4 L engine, Automatic 4-speed
23 mpg city/ 29 mpg hwy

2008 Models

Ford Escape Hybrid FWD*
4 cylinder, 2.3 L engine, Automatic
34 mpg city/ 30 mpg hwy

Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD*
4 cylinder, 2.3 L engine, Automatic
34 mpg city/ 30 mpg hwy

Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD*
4 cylinder, 2.3 L engine, Automatic
34 mpg city/ 30 mpg hwy

Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD**
4 cylinder, 2.3 L engine, Automatic
29 mgp city/ 27 mpg hwy

Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD**
4 cylinder, 2.3 L engine, Automatic
29 mpg city/ 27 mpg hwy

Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD**
4 cylinder, 2.3 L engine, Automatic
29 mpg city/ 27 mpg hwy

Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD
6 cylinder, 3.3 L engine, Automatic
27 mpg city/ 25 mpg hwy

Lexus RX 400h 4WD
6 cylinder, 3.3 L engine, Automatic
27 mpg city/ 24 mpg hwy

Jeep Compass 2WD
4 cylinder, 2 L engine, Automatic
23 mpg city/ 27 mpg hwy

*,**,*** same gas mileage stats

**** I know it’s frustrating, but I don’t consider manual transmissions because they aren’t usually on the lots. The purpose is to help you control or at least guide impulse purchases. Stats from FuelEconomy.gov

Post from: EveryJoe

Best SUVs of 2007 & 2008: Escape/Tribute/Mariner hybrid, Highlander/RX 400h hybrids, Vue hybrid and Compass