Will a hybrid car save you cash?

Shawn asks:
When it comes to hybrid cars, of course everyone wants to do what is best for the environment. But how much money could an owner actually save on gas purchases by buying a hybrid car?
Cory says:
Dear Shawn,
That is a great question and one that every potential hybrid buyer should ask. As it stands right now hybrids are not a practical money saver. That's right, trying to save money is not a good reason to buy a hybrid. Actually, the opposite may be true. With what you have to spend on any hybrid above and beyond what you spend for a comparable traditional gas powered vehicle, the saving just do not ad up. Here is an example: the topselling hybrid and the symbol of the hybrid movement is the Toyota Prius with claims of up to 50 MPG. The purchase cost of a new Prius is about $25,000. Right now used ones are actually selling for more because of short supply. A similar sized combustion motor vehicle is the Toyota Corolla with a rating of 34 MPG highway. It sells for about $17,000 for a basic model. That's a $7,000 swing. Lets say you are average and drive around 15,000 miles per year; the Corolla's annual fuel cost at $4.00 per gallon would be $1,764. The Pruis at the same useage would cost $1,200 per year saving you $564 per year. At this rate it will take you 12.4 years to just get even. Most people do not keep a vehicle for 12 years and 180,000. To me the economics to not make sense, however if it is a green thing then it may be worth it to you. All I am saying is it has to be about more than the money to make a hybrid work for you. Good luck and good shopping.

Balancing winter driving needs with gas mileage

Denice asks:
With winter coming up and people worried about vehicle purchases to get them through harsh winter driving conditions, what advice do you have about fuel efficiency in four-wheel drive vehicles? Also, with gas prices high and expected to stay that way, what considerations should a buyer looking for a four-wheel drive vehicle take into consideration when thinking about resale value down the road?
Cory says:
Than you for your question Denice. It is a good one. Balancing performance needs, like four-wheel drive capabilities, with strong fuel economy can be a challenge, however there are some good options. If you are able to fill your needs with either a car or a station wagon sized vehicle there are many that come with a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive option, so you can have the best of both worlds; car-like gas mileage and four-wheel drive capabilities, not to mention easier parking and driving than a larger SUV. One of the top manufactures of these type vehicles is Subaru; making small and mid-sized cars and station wagons, Volkswagen and Audi make four motion all-wheel drive version and Toyota has come out with an all-wheel drive Matrix, a small hatch back with good cargo room and excellent gas ratings. If an SUV is more your style you may want to go smaller. Just about every manufacturer has a small SUV to offer and many of them have gas mileage similar to mid and large-size cars. In this category, the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute are two of the top gas brands and the Escape also has a hybrid version. This version of the Escape has the best gas mileage in this category and has won many awards for being green. Be careful though. Smaller does not always mean strong gas mileage. The Jeep Liberty is a small SUV but gets the gas mileage of a mid-sized to large SUV. If gas is at the top of your mind, make sure to do your research and find the government rating for the vehicle you are interested in. A good source for this is http://www.fueleconomy.gov/. Finally if size is what you need for either cargo or people moving you still have options. If moving people is the primary interest and towing is not a high priority, you can select from several four-wheel drive mini vans. If you can get over the mini van image, these are some of the most practical vehicles on the planet, offering car-like fuel economy with the ability to move seven or even eight people and their stuff. The Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Chevy Uplander, all offer four-wheel drive versions. You can expect to get in the low 20 MPG with most of these vehicles in mixed driving, very similar to a large car. Finally, if you also need to tow, you can go with a large SUV that converts between an eight cylinder and four cylinder capacity depending on your needs. The Chevy Tahoe has a version that gives you the capability of a V8 when you need it, but, when you are cruising along, shuts down half of the motor. They also have a hybrid version on these as well. This is the least fuel efficient choice, but you must balance needs as well. Fuel economy is not always the only consideration. Make a list of your needs then pick the vehicles that fit the needs. Then research your best options. Good luck and good shopping.