Are hybrid vehicles worth it?

Question

I mean, the maintenence is more expensive, the car is more expensive... the one I was looking at gets 36 mpg hwy...my current minivan (which has more room) gets 28.. I drive about 2000 miles a month....I cant see dropping almost $30k for one, my 05' Chevy Venture cost $18k with $16k miles on it when I bought it last year.. I should just keep it, right...Plus after sales tax I would only break even after the tax break you get for buying one... I think they are a secret rip off for the consumer... The only reason automakers make them is b/c by law they are required to keep the average mpg at 27 for their entire line of cars they produce, the hybrid is just there to help the average I think...

yeah, I also saw that the batteries cost from $2000-$3000 and go bad 3-4 years old

Answer 1

Those are all complete misconceptions. Batteries are designed to last 10 years and they are generally covered under longer warranties than non-hybrid components (up to 8 years).

The Toyota Prius gets 60mpg in the city and 51 on the highway. The Camry hybrid gets over 40 mpg in the city. Your van likely gets about half of that (20-22mpg in the city - not impressive at all).

If you want to compare a hybrid to a non-hybrid you have to compare apples to apples.

What you're talking about is the CAFE standard (Corporate Average Fuel Economy). Hybrids were never created just to satisfy the CAFE standards. Furthermore, just about every manufacturer meets the CAFE standard without the hybrids in their line-up. The standard has been the same for over a decade.

On average a hybrid saves about $400-$500 a year on fuel. If you keep your car for 4 years or longer they make complete sense. And if gas prices go up you save even more.

Answer 2

I am with you. Hybirds Carry a premium over a comparable gasoline engine. Negating any benefit in fuel mpg gained i think.
Consumers reports did a story where with some models
it would take years to recover the extra cost. And that is if
gas stays at $3. Hybrids have many more batteries made of precious metals lead and nickel not to mention acid, adding weight to the vehicle and creating serious disposal, ( hazardous materials) repair and replacement issues. We are trading one
pollution for another. Hybrids Don’t get anywhere near the EPA estimates in mileage.
Diesel is the only immediate answer.

Answer 3

With the current prices of hybrid vehicles it would take the average driver 10 years to break even financially by purchasing. I believe it was Consumer Reports who published it. Most people do not own a car for 10 years and with the new technology, who can say that the inidividual car will last 10 years.

The counter point to that is you are reducing your gas costs.

UPS is using a slightly different technology into what they are calling the "Green Fleet". It is a hydraulic hybrid. It is allegedly even more fuel efficient and a cheaper alternative.

Answer 4

The Hybrid will have a higher future resale value while the mini van will just go way down in value. Hybrids have a better payback on investment. Suggest you look at HOMEPOWER magazine for some good analysis on the subject. In addition, fuel prices are going to continue WAY UP so the cost of fuel IS a big issue in the future. Alternative energy WILL NOT be available soon enough to prevent really big problems and those with super fuel efficient vehicles will still have mobility while others remain parked! Good luck with your decision.

Answer 5

In a functional market the rules of supply and demand will cause a hybrid to cost the same overall as a traditional car. As the cost of gas rises, so will the cost of hybrids since people will demand more of them. They are not more expensive than a comparable car in the long run and they can be modified, some of them getting 100 mpg.
They are better for the environment. They are better to slow our dependence on foreign oil. And if you buy one now, when gas prices really go crazy, you'll be sitting pretty.

Answer 6

Well it really depends on how you look at it. Hybrid cars are small, therefore if you have a big family you're generally looking at more trips which means more gas more time and more wear and tear on your car in general, plus if you already have a Mini-Van that gets 8 less MPG's but will save you time and maybe a little cash stick with the Van. Not only would the Hybrid make it more expensive in the long run, you're not looking at maitinence, upgrades, and the car itself! My Verdict - Stick with your Mini-Van I think Hybrids are more geared towards Couples or Carpooling with co-workers.

Answer 7

It looks like you answered the question yourself. But here is a secert that might help you: the batteries for the hybrid is about $3000 and it has to be replaced every 3 years, you still need to buy gas because while the car is stopped ( like at a red light) it burns gas.

Answer 8

Figure the total cost of ownership for your current vehicle, and for your proposed replacement vehicle.

Most financial planners would have you figure in depreciation as well, but I would recommend monthly cash flow instead. Most of us can't wait several years to cash out the value of a vehicle so monthly cash flow makes much more sense.

Figure out the payments on the new vehicle. Add in fuel costs, maintenance according to the manufacturers schedule, and insurance costs. Compare this to your current vehicle and you'll quickly know what's best for you!

Answer 9

It depends on how much you drive. If you have to travel 25 miles to work everyday. Yes it is worth it.

Answer 10

i dunkno but jus thought i wud llet u kno civilized ppl live in ghana not monkeys thank u very much and dat was a rude comment