The Hybrid dilemma
The Hybrid question is a burning one. Over the last few weeks, I have had many people ask me what I think about hybrid vehicles. This has become such a phenomenally large issue that your servants, auto123.com, will devote much time and energy on the subject over the next few months in the pages of our magazine as well as on our website. Stay tuned.
When people ask me if they should purchase a hybrid vehicle, I turn the question around: "Why are you considering a hybrid?" The answer usually lies in the vicinity of: "I am looking for an economical car that will not hurt the environment too much." To this, the inquiring person usually adds that they are aware that these vehicles are more expensive to purchase.
The spiel or the answer usually sounds very much like this: You are correct in saying that these vehicles cost more than the comparably equipped non-hybrid car or truck. The range is between $2,000 and $6,500. The key is not to expect to save money when buying a hybrid; the reason must be bigger than that. There are many unknowns when purchasing one: reliability, ownership costs and resale value which could potentially make it a riskier acquisition. I will assume that if the person is looking into a $55,000 hybrid SUV, that money is not an issue, that its purchase is more of an environmental move. If someone is thinking about a Civic hybrid as a means to save money, the driver must be certain that they will travel more than the average 20,000 km annually.
Another item to discuss is fuel consumption itself. Many journalists, including myself, have noted that some of these vehicles do not consume much less than their non-hybrid counterparts. Something else to consider is how they work. If selecting between a Toyota Prius and a Honda Civic hybrid while knowing that most of the driving will be done in the city, it will be wiser to select the Prius as it consumes less fuel in the city than on a highway.
The scariest thing for me is what the future holds. If I am to buy a hybrid and drive for five or fewer years, what will it be worth when I want to trade it in? Technology expands at such a breakneck speed that my 5-yearold car may be obsolete sooner than later. I seldom recommend leasing over buying but in the case of a hybrid vehicle, it is perhaps the safest way, financially, to drive one.
There is so much more to be said about hybrids but I for one believe that they must stick around to offer an alternative to those that want to do something greener.
The Hybrid question is a burning one. Over the last few weeks, I have had many people ask me what I think about hybrid vehicles. This has become such a phenomenally large issue that your servants, auto123.com, will devote much time and energy on the subject over the next few months in the pages of our magazine as well as on our website. Stay tuned.
When people ask me if they should purchase a hybrid vehicle, I turn the question around: "Why are you considering a hybrid?" The answer usually lies in the vicinity of: "I am looking for an economical car that will not hurt the environment too much." To this, the inquiring person usually adds that they are aware that these vehicles are more expensive to purchase.
The spiel or the answer usually sounds very much like this: You are correct in saying that these vehicles cost more than the comparably equipped non-hybrid car or truck. The range is between $2,000 and $6,500. The key is not to expect to save money when buying a hybrid; the reason must be bigger than that. There are many unknowns when purchasing one: reliability, ownership costs and resale value which could potentially make it a riskier acquisition. I will assume that if the person is looking into a $55,000 hybrid SUV, that money is not an issue, that its purchase is more of an environmental move. If someone is thinking about a Civic hybrid as a means to save money, the driver must be certain that they will travel more than the average 20,000 km annually.
Another item to discuss is fuel consumption itself. Many journalists, including myself, have noted that some of these vehicles do not consume much less than their non-hybrid counterparts. Something else to consider is how they work. If selecting between a Toyota Prius and a Honda Civic hybrid while knowing that most of the driving will be done in the city, it will be wiser to select the Prius as it consumes less fuel in the city than on a highway.
The scariest thing for me is what the future holds. If I am to buy a hybrid and drive for five or fewer years, what will it be worth when I want to trade it in? Technology expands at such a breakneck speed that my 5-yearold car may be obsolete sooner than later. I seldom recommend leasing over buying but in the case of a hybrid vehicle, it is perhaps the safest way, financially, to drive one.
There is so much more to be said about hybrids but I for one believe that they must stick around to offer an alternative to those that want to do something greener.