This is a car for a client. I import on consignment basis only. The car came in on Wednesday, and I will be collecting it on Tuesday, as there were some delays in the discharging of the ship's cargo due to rain yesterday.
I anticipate the universal problem with the Japanese tuned radio, and the only thing I can do about it, is to install a band expander, albeit with a lower frequency readout on FM, and the inability to read Japanese to use the sophisticated features. As for the American Nissan Rogue unit, I cannot comment. Even if it fits, and is a simple plug-in, I am sure it will cost and arm and a leg !
The client really wanted a Hybrid model, but the cheapest would be around US$27,000 costing the client TT$302,000 at best. This is the basic X-Trail Hybrid without the features of the gasoline 20X Xtremer X.
The 2015 20X Xtremer X Hybrid costs around US$30,000. This will end up costing around TT$332,000. The 2015 Xtremer X gasoline is costing TT259,000 on the road with actual 4,000 kms……….a 2015 model.
For argument sake it is $72,000 cheaper. I am sure TT$72,000 can buy a lot of gasoline, and you will not have too much electrics to worry about..
The first 2 photos are the 20X Black Xtremer X Hybrid. The second 2 are the base Hybrid.
There is a tax break for a Hybrid vehicle 2 years old and under. You pay only Customs Duty. No VAT, no MVT. However the X-Trail will not qualify, as it is applicable only to vehicles 1799cc and under.
Cars like Toyota Axio Hybrid, Fielder Hybrid, Vitz Hybrid, Aqua and Prius Hybrid, as well as Honda Vezel Hybrid (HR-V) will qualify, but the initial cost of these vehicles as under 2-year olds are pretty high in Japan.
Yes, we would like to save the environment, but we are talking money here.
A 2015 Honda Vezel Z Hybrid with 20,000 kms in top condition will cost about US$24,300 in Japan, which translates to TT$ 206,000 delivered to the customer.
The Corolla Axios Hybrid are not plentiful for 2015 and are about US$ 18,000 at best which will cost TT$ 156,000. The 2016 models are about US$ 23,500 which would work out to $201,000. You be the judge if it is plenty money or not to spend on a Hybrid !
Then while cars like the Prius have a good record in the USA, you might be the one who gets the lemon, in a time here in T&T when the technology is not widespread. If TTL can repair it, rest assured that they will soak you !
So, the long and short of it in my case is that, yes, I have embraced the hybrid technology, but I will wait a little before I buy my first hybrid car.
Peace,
RR.