Hybrid Car Buying Tips

Posted: Sep 01, 2009 |Comments: 0 |

Know Your Hybrid MPG

Make sure your hybrid is going to reward you at the pump. Just because a car is slapped with a hybrid label it does not necessarily mean it is fuel efficient. Many hybrid cars only receive 26 mpg or less in the city. That is considerably less than the most fuel efficient hybrids which get better than 40 mpg. If you factor in the rising price of gas, over time the difference could add up to thousands of dollars.

Most Fuel Efficient Hybrid Cars:

  • 2010 Toyota Prius – 51/48
  • 2010 Ford Fusion – 41/36
  • 2010 Mercury Milan – 41/36
  • 2009 Honda Civic – 40/45
  • 2010 Honda Insight – 40/43

*city/highway

Choose a Hybrid with Low Emissions

Other than helping the environment choosing a lower emissions hybrid is an important consideration because it determines how much of a Federal and State tax credit you can claim. Usually the lower the emission standard the higher the credit will be. But buyer’s be aware, the Federal government discontinues the tax credit for hybrids who’s manufacturer has surpassed 60,000 in total hybrid sales. The Prius is a prime example of this phase out. Because Toyota has surpassed the 60,000 mark the Prius no longer qualifies for the Federal credit.

Make sure to ask the dealer which emission standard the hybrid car you are thinking about purchasing qualifies as and whether or not it is still eligible for the Federal incentive. While you are at it ask them how much of an incentive the State is offering as each State’s hybrid tax credit varies.

List of hybrid cars that qualify for the hybrid tax credit.

Consider Battery Reliability

Choose a car whose battery is proven reliable and has a long standing warranty period. A hot topic amongst hybrid owners and enthusiasts alike is the reliability and replacement cost of the battery used to power hybrid vehicles. Replacing a hybrid battery is very expensive, around $3,000 depending on the car, however they are made to last the lifetime of the vehicle and most manufacturers offer an 8 to 10 year warranty.

Alert: Unlike conventional car batteries a hybrid battery cannot be jumped. So if the battery dies you are forced to replace it.

Test Drive for Performance

Common complaints associated with popular hybrid cars is they lack in performance. A hybrid that gets great fuel mileage is probably not going to win any races or feel like they handle corners on rails. These vehicles are built for efficiency not speed and most are equipped with 4 cylinder engines. There are exceptions, like the Lexus GS hybrid, but they get less than favorable gas mileage and the M.S.R.P.’s are usually quite-a-bit higher.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/hybrid-car-buying-tips-1181883.html

    Article Tags:

    hybrid car

    ,

    hybrid cars

    ,

    buy hybrid

    With the global financial crisis and the unstable gas prices, many people are now turning to fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles. The hybrid vehicles have less gas emissions, which will go a long way in reducing the effect of the emissions on the environment.

    By: Levi Quinnl Automotive> Carsl Apr 25, 2009 lViews: 474

    When buying a car, prospective buyers must consider a vast range of issues in order to make a wise purchase.

    By: Hugh McInnesl Automotive> Carsl Oct 31, 2011

    Car News in Australia is ever in demand. Buying used or new cars from dealer or private owners provide useful inputs to make decisions. Some car dealer sites provide regular news updates on car and automobile technology.

    By: Archer Saltingl Automotive> Carsl Jul 02, 2010

    Hybrid vehicles boast of an all-encompassing operational system. They operate by combining an electricity-run motor, a gasoline engine and maximum-powered batteries. The battery gives off energy for the electric motor and recharges when it recaptures the energy that is usually lost when the car is lessening its acceleration or while it is coasting.

    By: tv0n9l Automotive> Carsl Feb 18, 2010
    Elaia

    The most important thing that you need to know about hybrid cars is that they are fuel-efficient. This means that these cars can travel farther with the same amount of fuel as compared to standard or normal cars.

    By: Elaial Automotive> Carsl Oct 08, 2010

    In the last decade hybrid cars have gone from being a technology that was curious and easy to ridicule to a status symbol, thanks in part to the rise in fuel prices and numerous celebrity hybrid car owners.

    By: Stephanie Andrewl Automotive> Carsl May 23, 2012

    Bentley has proven to be the extravagant vehicle for giving the classy touch. And these cars are used for family day out or for business purpose also, means multipurpose.

    By: kudoscarsl Automotive> Carsl May 31, 2012

    Many people in San Diego, California are very particular when it comes to their vehicles. They fuss about the way these look, what kind of model and type, or how fast these are.

    By: Rita McCalll Automotive> Carsl May 30, 2012

    Windshield wiper blades are essential parts of safety. They give the driver a clear and unobstructed view of the street especially during winter and rainy season. Whenever small droplets of water or snow get on accumulated on the windshield, the wiper blades wipe the windshield and keep it clean. Different kinds of windshield wipers are available in places like Riverside windshield replacement.

    By: Melisa Sosinskil Automotive> Carsl May 30, 2012

    Windshield wiper blades are very important since they ensure safety of the vehicle, the driver and the people inside the vehicle. They protect you from rid of snow, rain, dirt and dust from the windshield of your vehicle. They are made of flexible and thin rubber material. It is always essential to get the best type of wiper for your windshield from windshield repair Sacramento firms.

    By: Melisa Sosinskil Automotive> Carsl May 30, 2012

    This company has attained a position in the marketplace for providing Performance Brake Rotors attached with innovative technology.

    By: John Fredl Automotive> Carsl May 28, 2012

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast