If it’s still 2007 when you’re reading this….and if you’re searching for an eco-friendly, hybrid vehicle in Des Moines, it’s not good news.  I have been researching hybrids for the past 3 months and I am almost certain that I’ll buy one.  So today (black Friday) while my wife’s out shopping, I decided to go test drive a couple and see what they are really like.  Since I prefer to do my local research online, I started by going to websites such as ToyotaDM.com, GabusFord.com, and SaturnofDesMoines.com.  I found that a couple of those dealers had a few hybrid suvs and cars in their inventory, so I headed out for a test drive…

I started at Saturn of Des Moines, and although they had 4-5 Saturn Vue Hybrids on the lot, I really wasn’t interested in the 2007 model…and I was mainly trying to find a used model.  I met with Rich Stout and he showed me a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid.  Drove that vehicle and although it was a little smaller than what I had hoped, it was nice overall.  Kind of strange driving a hybrid vehicle for the first time….as it basically seemed like the truck had quit when I reached the first stop light.  Had I not been researching them in advance, I would have been nervous about the engine stopping, but as I had read…the hybrid took off using nothing but the electric engine, and the gas-mode kicked in at about 20 mph.

Went to Toyota of Des Moines, where I met “Jeff” in the parking lot.  I told him I was looking for a used hybrid, either a Prius, Camry, or Highlander.  He said, “we don’t have any.” and that was about it.  He did invite me to take a ride in a 2008 Prius, package 7…fully loaded, and more than $27,000.  I rode, he drove…and we glided to the vehicle inventory out back.  There we found 2 more new Prius…and that was it.  Jeff said goodbye, and I was on my way.

Made one last stop at Gabus Ford, since it was close and I thought I might get to drive a 2006, 2007 or 2008 hybrid Escape.  Met with someone from used car sales and he informed me that they had no hybrids on the lot, new or used…and that the ‘08 models were due in March.  Disappointed, I left.

If you’re searching for a hybrid car, truck, or SUV in central Iowa…unfortunately there isn’t much out there.  Hybrids still seem to be selling about as fast as dealers can get them, and with gas hovering around $3 per gallon…that might not change for a while.  If you have any other suggestions for finding one, please let me know!

UPDATE: 11/25/07 - Stivers Ford in Waukee currently has 3, 2008 Ford Escape hybrids on their lot.  Prices range from about $28,000 to $30,000 depending on package options.  Website is at StiversFord.com (looks like a standard Ford dealer website…call Dealer Impact!).

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