Where can I get an electric or hybrid car??

Question

One that won't cost me an arm and a leg??

Answer 1

Electric can be difficult. Most/all of the major manufacturers have stopped selling and/or crushed their existing EVs. Most of the remaining EVs out there to purchase are from smaller manufacturers or conversions. Check with your local Electric Auto Association chapter - they can point you to some for sale locally.
http://www.eaaev.org/

As for a hybrid, I haven't heard of a dealer asking for an arm and a leg, but they do ask for money/currency. ;-) As for what is too much, it depends if you are buying the vehicle new from the dealer, or used from a private sale or a used car salesperson, and how much is too much for your personal finances.

Currently available hybrids in the US (check with a dealer) and their base MSRP:
Honda Insight, $19,330
Honda Civic Hybrid, $22,150
Honda Accord Hybrid, $30,990
Toyota Prius, $21,725
Toyota Highlander Hybrid, $33,030
Toyota Camry Hybrid, $25,900
Lexus RX400H, $41,875
Lexus GS450H, $55,595
Ford Escape Hybrid, $26,215
Mercury Mariner Hybrid, $29,225
coming soon: Saturn Vue Green Line, $22,995
I don't consider the GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado pickups to be a hybrid, as their electrics do not provide any motive force to the truck.

Warranties on the hybrid system/battery depend on manufacturer, but start at 8 years/80,000 miles in the US. If you get an AT-PZEV model in a CA-emissions state, the hybrid battery pack warranty is 10 years/150,000 miles.

If you purchase new, in the US you can get a federal income tax credit of up to $3500 (depending on model).
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=157557,00.html

Some states also offer state income tax credits, deductions, or reduced sales tax, single-occupant HOV lane usage, or reduced tolls, for hybrids.

If you're looking to save some money, try and find an older used hybrid for sale. No tax incentives in the US for used, but you don't have to worry about a depreciation hit and the excise taxes and insurance should be lower on the older vehicle.

Answer 2

According to the DMV the 'average' price if a NEW vehicle today is $26,000.
The Ford Hybrid Escape starts at $26000, (pretty average) so I guess You can't call that an 'arm & a leg.

There are also many other 'price advantages' that you should take into caonsidering before you decide which Hybrid to buy.
With the FWD Ford Hybrid Escape you are entitled to a $2600 federal taxable gross income deduction. There may also be state tax advantages as well .

The Ford warranty:,
on the battery is 8 yrs or 100,000 miles
powertrain 5yr / 60,000 mi
bumper to bumper 3 yr 36,000 mi

Maintenance costs are also LESS on the Hybrid Escape'
Ford recommends oil changes once a year or @ every 10,000 miles on the Hybrid & every 3 months on the non- hybrid Escape

There also may be Ford Motor Credit low financing available to you &/or Ford Rebates that you may qualify for.

I personally have cut my fuel costs by half with the Hybrid Escape vs non-hybrid Escape.

So ...Where can you get one? Go to

http://fordvehicles.com
for info on, pricing, & incentives, & fuel savings, this site will also link you to your local dealer, & you can get one that suits your color & equipment preferances.

For info about other manufacturers of Hybrid vehicles as well as datailed info about which KIND of hybrid (ie, Full. Mild, Seriel, or Plug-in) go to:

http://hybridcars.com

As for fully electric vehicles, I don't have as much knowledge on that subject, however, if you go to my profile page & read my prev. question "Have you seen the movie 'Who Killed The Electric Car ?...." You will find you answer there as I did.

Answer 3

You can get a hybrid but it will cost you an arm and a leg. Forget about it, they cost a lot of money, a luxury for upper class environmentally conscious people, not a practical nor an economical thing to own.

If you want an economical car, talk to Honda about their high mileage Civic.

Answer 4

see the prius question consider the hidden expence when the batterys wear out and initial purchase price premium. Cool environmentally friendly no so fast lead acid batterys up to twenty of those environmental disasters in the trunk when where do you recycle hybrid batterys. The hybrid is right now not perfected enough. The Future over $8.00 a gallon we will see,Electrical motor, Diesel engine, Home current rechargeable batterys not made yet and fuel cell that runs on hydrogen all in one car that decides what to run on.

Answer 5

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Well, if cheap all-electric cars are your goal, I'd try a used EV or a converted gasoline car. I bought one from eBay last year for $2000, and invested another $4000 to fix it up. You won't get a state-of-the-art car this way, but I'm very happy with mine. It handles and accelerates great, and does freeway speeds. Look here:
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http://www.grassrootsev.com/convert.htm
http://www.austinev.org/evtradinpost/
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If you want something new, there's the ZAP for only $10,000, but it won't do freeways.
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http://www.zapworld.com//cars/xebra.asp
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If you want something really nice, wait till next year for the Miles XS200. It does 200 miles per charge, 80mph top speed, and a price of $28500:
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http://www.milesautomotive.com/products_xs200.html
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My EV costs me only about a penny per mile in electricity, and is a joy to drive. Best of luck!
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Answer 6

Hybrids are expensive right now. Thats just the reality of the situation. The extra $40,000 in the price will buy you plenty of gas over the life of a comparable car.. even at $3 a gallon.

Answer 7

Honda makes one, hybrid that is, starting at $27,000 CDN, I think the Toyota hybrid is a few thousand more.

Answer 8

Toyota or Honda

Answer 9

At your Ford Dealership!

Answer 10

Here are some websites I found for you. Hope these help in your research