ralphieboi1976's Blog

Hybrids are gaining spot light.  People are wanting a vehicle with the greatest MPGs.  Okay, I think we need to weigh in all the info before assuming that we NEED a Hybrid.

Example A.

A 2008 Toyota Prius prices out at $23,000.  (You pay sticker on these folks)  It gets an average of 40-48 MPGs.  With no money down on a 60 month note and good credit, your looking at a payment of $475 per month (Give or take a few dollars)

Example B.

A 2008 Ford Focus prices out at $14,000 with all the incentives.  It gets an average of 25-35 MPGs.  With no money down on a 60 month note and good credit, your looking at a payment of $285 per month (Give or take a few dollars)

Example C.

A 2008 Chevrolet Aveo prices out at $10,000 with all of the incentives.  It gets an average of 24-34 MPGs.  With no money down on a 60 month note and good credit, your looking at a payment of $200 per month (Give or take a few dollars)

You spend 30 % more on fuel for vehicle B or C but you save $190 to $275 per month on car payments.  If you are a car flipper and like to trade every 24 months, you would seriously never see the savings that Hybrid will bring.  You will see the savings in your 4th year unless fuel reaches $10 per gallon within the next 2 years.  I doubt it. 

Another thing you need to consider.  With a Hybrid, you have an electric motor that drives the vehicle and a Gasoline Engine that acts as a generator.  You have two (2) work horses under your hood.

If you are a highway commuter like myself, Hybrids get worse MPGs on the highway than they do in the city.  On the Highway the system does not have the oportunity to recoupe power from coasting and braking and the generator is forced to run constanly.  Check to see if the engine (generator) runs when the A/C is on.  Not much savings there.  I cannot sweat and go from work site to work site.  I have to run the A/C. 

Bottom Line....My message is to weigh in all the facts before you dive into a Hybrid full force.  I would not see the benefit myself.  You might, but you might not.