interested in buying a hybrid car. Good idea?

Question

what are the main things to keep mindful of when buying a hybrid? what are the advantages of a hybrid versus any other car?

Answer 1

There is a lot of misinformation about hybrids - some of it in the answers above mine. As a 2007 Prius owner who's done a lot of research on hybrids, I'll give you the correct information.

For starters, the two best hybrids available right now are the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic hybrid. They cost the same, get roughly the same mileage (Prius is a bit better), have equal Yahoo Green ratings (86 out of 100):

http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/comparison/results.html;_ylt=AjqjpmjBHoUjD.FFHzADHhwOc78F;_ylv=3?pagetitle=overview&carid0=20466&carid1=20735&compare=Compare+cars

So it just comes down to which you personally prefer. I like the Prius for its mileage (48 mpg average in reality), roominess (I can fit 2 bicycles inside with the back seats down), and cool features like dashboard computer.

Comparing to a normal car, a Prius or Civic hybrid will cost more, but make up for the initial cost in 5-10 years due to savings on things like gas and maintenance. For example, the estimated 5 year cost of the Prius and Civic hybrid is actually less than the 5 year cost of a Camry, but still $3000 more than a regular Civic. So it would take about 10 years for the hybrids to make up the initial cost over the regular Civic, but just 5 years for the Camry. Eventually you'll make up the cost, and in the meantime you're benefitting the environment by driving a car with lower emissions.

http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/comparison/results.html;_ylt=Atqnr8ASfwMF0T37cvxqXccOc78F;_ylv=3?pagetitle=overview&search_type=all&make=honda&model=5069%3Ahonda_civiccoupe_2007&trim=20450&carid0=20466&carid1=20735&carid2=18953

As for the battery, it will last the life of the car. Prius batteries are under warranty for 8 years (10 in California). In the 8 years the Prius has been in production, not a single battery has been replaced due to old age. Priuses used as taxis have gotten up to 300,000 miles on the original battery. Even when the battery needs to be replaced, it's fully recycleable. Basically you don't need to worry about the battery at all.

Maintenance costs are also lower on a hybrid because there are fewer moving parts. For example, the regenerative breaking system (when you brake it charges the batteries) saves the brake pads, so they probably never need to be replaced. Oil changes are also only required every 5,000 miles.

Basically if you can afford the initial cost, a hybrid is a good investment - particularly a Prius or Civic hybrid.

Answer 2

Gas mileage. A good hybrid should get at least an MPG (miles per gallon) of 35, if it doesn't, don't buy it. The only main differences are that hybrids have a better MPG and it doesn't cost as much to fill up on gas as a regular car. For example, a 2007 Honda Civic w/ auto transmission gets an average MPG of 29 -- 25 in the city and 36 on the highway. A 2007 Civic Hybrid gets an average MPG of 42 -- 40 in the city and 45 on the highway. The gas prices don't change drastically. The cost to fill up is about $35 for a regular civic and $30 for a hybrid. Also keep in mind that hybrids come in handy if you travel a lot, especially going to work, so choose wisely. If I were you I would definitely buy the civic hybrid for its looks, price, and performance.

Answer 3

In my opinion, a Hybrid would only be a good option if you drive in the CITY a lot. Meaning lots of traffics lights or stop and go. Hybrids are most effective when they run off of their battery which is mainly in city driving conditions unlike highway driving where they kick over to their gas engines to produce a little more power for you. A Hybrids price tag is also anywhere from 4-6k more than their non hybrid counterparts (ie. Altima 4cyl vs. Altima Hybrid or even the Camry vs Camry Hybrid). Gas mileage is a dramatic difference in the city but you only gain a few mpg on the highway. If you drive mainly on the highway then the Hybrid wont do you much good. You are better off with a regular version. For example, gas mileage for a regular 2007 Altima is 28 City Mpg and 34 HWY Mpg where the Altima Hybrid is 42 City mpg and 36 HWY mpg. If you are paying about 4k dollars more for the Hybrid and drive mainly on the Highway, Itll take you FOREVER to make up that 4k difference off of 2 mpg extra on the highway. It is only worth it if you do a lot of city driving because 14 mpg more is a huge difference. The Altima Hybrid also gives you a 2350 dollar tax credit at the end of the year. So the only real advantage in owning a Hybrid is Saving on City mpg, recieving a Tax Credit, and in some states you are able to drive in the carpool lane alone as long as you recieve a sticker from the DMV. They only give out so many a year. It may take some time to gain the money back that you spent on the Hybrid vs. a regular version of the same car, but in the end, it all depends on how long you keep your car and where you do your driving mostly. Hope that helps.

Answer 4

I depends what you are trying to accomplish. If you're looking for gas mileage, you can get the same or better with a regular car. Remember that a hybrid has a large battery in it that will have to be changed sooner or later and will be real expensive. Also, a hybrid is more expensive than a regular car so by the time you pay the difference in what it cost compared to a regular car, you could have bought a lot of gas.
I read an article that stated that you would have to drive a hybrid over 100,000 miles to make up the difference considering cost and other cars with comparable gas mileage. There are also a lot of electronic issues with a hybrid. Unless you are trying to be as "green" as possible (environmental issues) I would go with a regular automobile until these hybrids are perfected and have more performance than they do now.

Answer 5

Hybrid cars are more expensive then regular cars but get significantly higher gas mileage. However, the battery life is very short (most burn out after about five years) and a new battery is almost as much as a new car.
If you want a long-wearing car then don't buy a hybrid because they cost more in the long run. But if you can afford a new car every 5-8 years and want to save the extra gas money now, buy one.

Answer 6

gas mileage. a sturdy hybrid might desire to get a minimum of an MPG (miles in step with gallon) of 35, if it would not, do not purchase it. the only considerable variations are that hybrids have a greater perfect MPG and it would not value as plenty to fill up on gas as a widely used vehicle. for occasion, a 2007 Honda Civic w/ vehicle transmission gets an regular MPG of 29 -- 25 in the city and 36 on the line. A 2007 Civic Hybrid gets an regular MPG of 40 two -- 40 in the city and 40 5 on the line. The gas fees do not exchange extensively. the cost to fill up is approximately $35 for a widely used civic and $30 for a hybrid. additionally shop in mind that hybrids are available attainable in case you shuttle plenty, particularly going to artwork, so decide for wisely. If I have been you i might truthfully purchase the civic hybrid for its looks, fee, and function.

Answer 7

Just keep in mind that a hybrid is really only effective when you are driving in the city, or stop n go traffic. When you drive on the freeway, the engine must continuiosly run on gas due to the power needed to maintain the higher speeds.

Answer 8

A hybrid is really best for in-city driving. The battery controls the car, and you use very little gas. Highway driving will have a little better gas mileage than the average car, but not a whole lot. Foreign hybrids really have the best gas mileage in town or highway.

Answer 9

My Honda Civic gets better mileage.

Answer 10

get a Toyota Prius.. you'll thank me later.