Santa Clarita New GX Owner

[xcalibr23]

Hello,

I took delivery of my 2008 Honda Civic GX two days ago. I wish I had something exciting to say, but my experience so far has been that its a normal Honda Civic. Which is a great thing, because I don't have to really think about anything other than enjoying the drive.

It came with a full tank of natural gas, so I don't have any experience with refueling yet. But everything I've read on this forum suggests that it won't be a problem. Well, except for paying CE (boooo!) $2.99 /gge when there is a perfectly good station in San Fernando at $2.24 /gge.

Anyhow, I've rambled enough. Thank you all for the valuable information, this site has been an incredible resource and I am very comfortable with my alternative fuel vehicle!

[OptimaCNG]

Re: Santa Clarita New GX Owner

Welcome on board! I picked up mine 2 weeks ago. I am so glad the dealership get me the license plate rushy so I can apply the HOV sticker correctly. Congrats & enjoy!!!

[freedml]

Re: Santa Clarita New GX Owner

The fun part comes when someone says "What's that?" because of all the stickers and you open the fuel door and watch them stare. The other fun part is telling them that gas is $2.24/gallon.

[jpulliam1]

Re: Santa Clarita New GX Owner

I too, am a recent Santa Clarita New GX Owner. It's been great using the San Fernando station. I feel so guilty using my charge card for a $13 purchase!!
I got mine from Power Honda in Valencia. What about you??

[Cal]

Re: Santa Clarita New GX Owner

Santa Clarita owner, as well. My GX is green. I just bought a used FM4. Can't wait to hook it up. If your need referals for electrical or gas (plumber) let me know. I too fill at San Fernando. Why pay the .75 extra? Isn't the cost of fuel a main reason for our purchase? In my first week of ownership, I have put nearly 400 miles on the car . . . at a cost of about $20.00. As Jackie Gleason (The Great One) used to say, "How sweet it is!" SCV owners, please stay in touch.

[Curtis]

Re: Santa Clarita New GX Owner

Any of you guys in SC that are intent on getting home fueling, like Cal, let me know before you apply for Gas Co authorization. There is a special process for those of you in areas that have historically been denied due to "Hot Gas".

Congrats to the lot of you and let me know if I can be of assistance.

[jpulliam1]

Re: Santa Clarita New GX Owner

Curtis,
Your constant updates are the most valuable part of this discussion group. You're great!
I've done the due diligence on the Phill and it just isn't cost effective. Pricing quotes are: The Unit = 4000, Unit Installation = 1500, dedicated 240 volt power supply = 900. I don't know what the cost of electricity for pumping might be but I don't need that added cost either. The real kicker is that Phill tells me that the unit is good for only 2400 gallons, then you must swap it for a rebuilt one.
Unless there is somewhere to get $7000 in tax credit or rebates, it doesn't make economical sense.
Any comments?

[fredg]

Re: Santa Clarita New GX Owner

I agree that the Phill is not cost effective, but since i live in New Jersey
where we have no public cng filling stations and the FM compressors won't work due to insufficient line pressure i am doomed to get a Phill, my GX
is on order and i am working on getting a Phill.
the idea of never going to a gas station will make this a wonderful
experience almost regardless of cost. Almost.
I enjoy this forum very much, thank you all.

[Curtis]

Re: Santa Clarita New GX Owner

Curtis,
Your constant updates are the most valuable part of this discussion group. You're great!
I've done the due diligence on the Phill and it just isn't cost effective. Pricing quotes are: The Unit = 4000, Unit Installation = 1500, dedicated 240 volt power supply = 900. I don't know what the cost of electricity for pumping might be but I don't need that added cost either. The real kicker is that Phill tells me that the unit is good for only 2400 gallons, then you must swap it for a rebuilt one.
Unless there is somewhere to get $7000 in tax credit or rebates, it doesn't make economical sense.
Any comments?

I spoke to Fuelmakers head guy, Jeff Harju (for the Phill Program) about just that issue at the Vegas Expo this year. He indicates that the US has it good (pricewise) compared to Europe. He also stated that Phill was never meant to "Pencil Out", it's strictly a convenience thing. Some might agree, such as the post above, but the vast majority are looking for a competitor to come to market (we're hearing rumors). Then we can remind Fuelmaker that we are the voice of the US market... and they haven't been listening. Their installers are ruining their reputation and their "Monopoly" style marketing plan ranks right up there with CE. Sometimes marketing tactics that make short term sense... don't play well with long term goals, and sometimes backfire. Fuelmaker will be the driving force that brings competition to their market... People will submit initially, bite their tongue for only so long... then strike back fith financial consequences.

Can you hear us now? We'll be 4000 strong by this week.

[freedml]

Re: Santa Clarita New GX Owner

1. There used to be a $2000 cost reduction from SCAQMD. Is that still available?

2. My install was $900 total (Kevin Shaw Plumbing). I got high quotes until I asked for another installer or two.

3. I didn't have to run electrical, but $900 sounds like a lot to run a 220 line.

[jpulliam1]

Re: Santa Clarita New GX Owner

Due to the initial costs of The Unit and the estimated life of same, I haven't pursued additional price quotes. The overwhelming cost per gge makes it prohibitive to begin with.

[Curtis]

Re: Santa Clarita New GX Owner

1. There used to be a $2000 cost reduction from SCAQMD. Is that still available?

2. My install was $900 total (Kevin Shaw Plumbing). I got high quotes until I asked for another installer or two.

3. I didn't have to run electrical, but $900 sounds like a lot to run a 220 line.

1) I haven't spoken to Phill Barocca at SCAQMD lately. They had 10 purchase and about 30 lease incentives when we last spoke. That has most certainly changed. I'll try and get an update unless someone has more current info.

2). Multiple quotes are a necessity with a Phill install.

3). Call a standard electrician to stub out your electric, or at least get comparative quotes.

[topaz420]

Re: Santa Clarita New GX Owner

I have an outstanding electrician that pulled the permit for me and did a great job for an very low price -- PM me if anyone needs the info