Is buying a hybrid vehicle worth it right now?

Question

Or is it better to wait for more advanced technology and lower prices?

Answer 1

No.

It takes many years (10) for most hybrids to pay for themselves in gas savings compared to the non-hybrid version.

Your best bet is to wait for turbo-diesel hybrids which combine the effeciency of a diesel for long distance/highway cruising and the pro's of all electric power while driving through urban condtions at slower speeds.

They're mostly for people wanting to have the "image" of caring about the environment or having the new "it" item. And a few hundred thousand hybrids do absolutely nothing for the environment; it would take every car on the road in the world to be a diesel hybrid for it to make a small difference. It's the huge corporations that do 99% of the damage to our planet. In the US alone we get some huge number, like 90% of the electricity we use from burning coal...talk about archaic.

Kind of like the new iPhone.

Take this picture for example of Brad Pitt stepping out of this $100,000+ Hydrogen powered BMW at the premiere of "Ocean's 13".
http://www.hidebehind.com/08D5AA

It's all about the "image".

Answer 2

The Hybrid prices are going down and also there are tax credits offered by the federal government and in some cases the state governments that offset some of the premium you have to pay. Toyota, for example, just reduced the price of it's 2008 Camry Hybrid by $1000. If you drive mostly in the city with stop and go traffic, the Hybrid does make sense. In the next few years, automobile makers are introducing Plug-in hybrids that you can charge at home by plugging into your electrical outlet. That should make Hybrids even more attractive.

Answer 3

Yes.
True technology will improve and prices will come down. But by that time you will probably be wanting to change your car anyway. In the meantime you will have had the benefit of the car you buy now.

I've test driven the Toyota Prius. It's a really nice drive, even in busy city traffic.

Answer 4

I think it's a good idea to by a hybrid due to global warming and high gas prices. I really believe that gas is a major contributer to the ozone depletion and the vast climate changes. Plus, gas prices have almost doubled within the last year. I definitely think buying a hybrid is a great investment.

Answer 5

i think if it was me id wait for the technology to improve a little,they are good right now, but each year they make good improvements to them,and pretty soon they will have all the problems with them worked out,right now the majority of the people who own them wish they had waited a while also,but in time they will make some that don't give as many problems as the ones out now do,and maybe the price of them will go down also,good luck ,hope this helps.

Answer 6

I would research this one real hard. There are too many ways to slice this duck.

None of the US products look good.

Honda wants to have the best gas mileage on the planet.

Toyota wants to have the lowest maintenance product.

I would wait for a diesel hybrid myself. That should get the best mileage of all. Other markets outside the US have them. Our politics just don't permit it yet.

Answer 7

I would wait.

Like any new trial type vehicle they will have bugs, recalls, upgrades.

And maybe later models will have better options

Answer 8

i would say yes its worth it, due to the gas prices alone. also you get bragging rights with the hot chicks when you say you have a hybred because you care about the planet. go for it.

Answer 9

If you feel good about it, buy it, and "hit the road jack"