Why should I buy a hybrid when it takes 8 years to break even on fuel costs?

Question

I did some simple math and it looks like it would take me 8 years to break even on fuel costs for a honda civic sedan vs. a honda civic hybrid. Here are some of my facts: HC hy: $22,600; average mpg: 50mpg; annual fuel cost @ 15,000 miles per year: 900 bucks. honda civic 5 speed auto tranny: $19,500; average mpg: 35 mpg; annual fuel cost $1286. Cost difference $3,100. Fuel savings per year with the hybrid: $386. $3100/386=8 years. Why should I buy a hybrid and not the regular 4 cyl car? Oh I forgot to mention this is at 3 dollar gas prices. Oh and I don't really think that driving a hybrid is saving the earth. Help me out.

Tacky, I guess feeding my two month old is more important than so called environmental concerns. Call me crazy.

Answer 1

Almost never mentioned in this forum is the cutting edge, futuristic experimental concept of "driving slower".

A portion of Newtons Laws of Motion state that the energy (i.e gasoline) required to keep something in motion is a function of the SQUARE of the velocity. Mathematically, its KE=1/2mv^2.

But I have never seen anyone believe this, so I am seriously considering testing this myself for the good of the earth using a 1999 Dodge Caravan to determine gas mileage over the same extended course at both 70MPH and whatever the posted legal minimum speed is. Provided the Highway Patrol doesn't pull me over every 20 miles because they assume I'm drunk. Look for the results in this space soon!!!!!

Answer 2

My husband and I have gone round and round about this. We would have to get a hybrid used, which would not be eligible for the tax rebate. Then we discussed the disposal of the battery - that is harmful also if the dealerships do not do it right. For a while we were worried that the local emergency departments would not be equipped to handle a wreck with a hybrid but that seems to be solved. We are going to go with a smaller car that gets similar mileage.(KIA Rio 5, Mazda3, ones like that ) A Prius is nice, but we need a trunk for kids and kid stuff. Plus we live in FL so running the air in a hybrid is going to knock off a few mpg's. You have to do what is best for you all around. I think a hybrid is a good choice, but not for everyone. I think in a few years they will have a lot of the kinks worked out.

How about this - get a gas car and don't use plastic shopping bags anymore - use canvas. And, use a water jug, not a plastic water bottle, and recycle. Then you can make up more than the difference of using a hybrid.

Good luck on your choice!

Answer 3

So don't buy a hybrid. There are plenty of ways to help the environment, choose the ones that appeal to you. If you buy a Honda Civic you're doing a lot more than someone who buys a large car just because it makes them feel good.

But note that if you think gas prices will be as low as $3 in 8 years, you're not looking at supply and demand (we find less new oil every year than the increase in demand from places like China and India).

Answer 4

I personally agree with you. People often do not take into account the batteries on hybrids (not very green) and I would be surprised if you got 50 miles per gallon with the hybrid, That is under perfect conditions, and those don't occur often. From what I have read and heard, you would probably get closer to 42-44 miles per gallon with it, based on the way people actually drive.

Answer 5

Sure ONE person driving a hybrid isn't going to save the earth, but if more people start doing it of course the benefits will increase not only to our environment but also the cost of the vehicle.

If you really want one but don't have the money, just wait to get one if you can!

Answer 6

specialists- astonishing gasoline mileage Cons- whether you will look completly retarded on your prius or worse off something via honda, you're no longer likely doing something to help the ambience interior the lengthy run by fact those autos are produced in different international places the place EPA regulations do no longer exist, and shipped over right here on extensive boats that spit out a lot of deisel exhaust. a answer to subject could be... pass out and purchase an older motor vehicle, probable around 1975 or seventy six. Then throw a great motor in it, around 460ci or bigger (that's a 7.5 litre) then, eliminate the smog canisters, installation a 4 barrell intense circulate carb, decrease off the muffler, and strait pipe it. force around with it rather wealthy on low high quality gasoline, you would be achieving comparable to in case you got a hybird. or you're able to desire to easily stick alongside with your cutting-edge high quality, american motor vehicle (optimistically) and evade all this difficulty. in case you do no longer belive me google seek..."hybrids are auctually undesirable for the ambience"

Answer 7

That isn't the fault of the concept, the high price is due to their popularity creating demand greater than supply. If you are so concerned about CO2 emissions per mile do what I did: buy a bike. If you're out of shape, buy a bike with electric assist.

Answer 8

Really, the only reason to purchase a hybrid at this point is if you are concerned about what emmissions from gasoline powered vehicles are doing to the planet.

If you aren't concerned, just leave the hybrids to the greenies and get yourself a nice economical car that suits your lifestyle.

Answer 9

I'm not sure about this, but someone told me once (who owns a hybrid) that there is also some tax rebate thing that saves a lot of money too. But I don't know, anyone here own one?

Answer 10

I agree that an efficient small car is just about as good as a hybrid, and cheaper too. I have a friend that drives a small diesel car that gets about 50 MPG.