Is a hybrid actually worth all that money? Or is a hybrid car over priced and not worth all that money? Thanks

Answer 1

Dollar for dollar not Worth it.. its more of a political statement. It takes 7 or 8 years to equal out money wise if nothing goes wrong.. and then $3000 or more to get new batterys.

Answer 2

In pure economic terms, a hybrid does not currently pay for itself in gas savings (even after the federal tax credit).

We are talking about an overall difference of about $1,000 for a $30,000 car.. so it is not a huge discrepancy.

Having said that, there are other reasons to buy a hybrid. In California, for example, hybrids are allowed to use the carpool lane with only the driver in the car. So this saves people a lot of time and makes commuting a little easier. The value of this convenience is not factored into the above financial answer - but you have to admit that your time and convenience are worth something to you.

Hybrids do reduce our dependence on foreign oil as well as reduce emissions from cars significantly. Some people consider these benefits as worthy in their own right - even though they do not have a direct financial benefit.

In summary, if you are thinking about buying a new car and do a lot of city driving, it may be worthwhile to buy a hybrid - especially if you value the non-financial benefits cited above.

Answer 3

It depends on the state you live in and the design of the hybrid. In California, hybrids are allowed on high occupation vehicle (Car pool) lanes, with the driver alone, no passenger needed. This can save considerable time, and time IS money, after all. Some hybrids are being developed that will permit 'plugging in' for a recharge, allowing pure electric operation for short, urban trips. These designs will dramatically boost mileage for people in larger cities, and those who make a lot of short trips. The first generation hybrids are very difficult to justify, considering you can get a conventional car with great mileage for thousands less (Toyota Corolla (38MPG) vs. Prius (45? maybe 50MPG?)

Answer 4

With the current price difference in a hybrid and comparable sized economy car taking the tax credit into account Gas prices would have to reach and stay over 4 dollars a gallon for the life of the car for you to come out money ahead.

I did the math before i bought my last car to see which one to buy.

Also if you are thinking flex fuel not just does ethanol cost more but the way it is currently made it burns more fossil fuel then burring gas. I is just that they burn coal to make it which is cheaper right now. So not just is it worse for the environment then a normal car it also costs more. There was a neat article about it in the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers magazine.

Answer 5

Hybrid cars are about $7000 more expensive than their non-hybrid counterparts. In order to benefit monetarily from owning one you would have to own the vehicle for a long period of time. Often longer than the length of the bank loan before you see any savings in your pocket.

However... you can DEDUCT from your annual income taxes for owning one. When you do your taxes this year, ask about THAT.

Answer 6

on paper maybe, in real life not at all. they dont really save petrol they only marginally reduce co2 emissions. an they look funny. if you want to save the enviorment while saving fuel, buy one of the new 1.3 or 1.6 diesels, they still have descent power but the economy is mighty between 50 and 100 miles to the gallon. and because the engines smaller an its more efficient its the best way. now saying all that i drive a sports car and get 30mpg if im lucky an i love it

Answer 7

I think that they are over priced, and they don't yet live up to their expectation in the way of performance., when compared toi reg. cars.