Hybrid Cars - Gas Sippers or Wallet Grippers?

Ok, we all know the buzz about hybrid cars and their gas sipping technology and how they will save the people who buy them money in the long run especially considering the never ending ceiling of gas prices. However, do we all see the real issues around buying a hybrid? A lot of people may look at a hybrid and think, That is a quick fix to a long term problem, in other words: Perceivably less money spent on gas right now and in the future. Some look at hybrids as a way for some to place themselves on a conservational pedestal so they can look down on those driving less eco-friendly vehicles.

On the negative side, research has shown the dry cells used in some hybrid actually create more waste and pollution than a normal gas engine. Not necessarily in exhaust emissions, but in the byproducts of manufacturing the cells themselves. Also, the premium the consumer pays for a hybrid might be $3,000 to $5,000 more than the gas powered counterpart. It would take the buyer several years to make up the difference in price between the models solely on gas usage, not to mention the added maintenance fees on the hybrid engines. In some instances, it would take over 10 years to see any benefit to an owners wallet after purchasing a hybrid. So what is the big deal with them?

For one, they use less gas. Crude oil is an extremely slow replenishing natural resource and for this reason, we will run out one day. It is simple math, the less we use, the more we will have in the future and thusly more time we will have to find a practical and eco-friendly alternative. Secondly, they are a pretty nice tax credit in the year you buy them. Some employers even give a cash allowance towards purchasing a hybrid to its employees, as much as $5,000. Hybrids are also extremely low emissions vehicles. Some have earned the qualification of SULEV II (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) in California where they emit 3.5 tons of greenhouse waste a year as opposed to a comparable gas powered car figure of 6.5 tons a year. Given the millions of cars on the road, that is a huge impact.

Buying a hybrid should ultimately boil down to what the consumer wants out of the purchase. Do you want to get better gas mileage now and years to come thus saving a few bucks? Do you want to use less gas and not worry about the return on the investment? Perhaps you are one of the few (and possibly only) individuals who actually LIKE the way the Prius looks? For whatever reason, do some research before spending your savings on the latest hybrid. You might not see the day it pays for itself.

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