Everything you wanted to know about hybrid vehicles.
Will hybrids save you money?
To many, saving money is the most important reason for considering a
hybrid. Hybrid vehicles generally cost thousands more than their
single-engine-powered counterparts, so you may want to consider
crunching a few numbers before committing to a hybrid. Examining
savings through increased fuel economy alone may truthfully lead to
disappointing results. On average, without government incentives, it
can take 90,000 miles or more to pay off the increased cost of a hybrid
over a comparable non-hybrid model.
However, residual value tends to be
better for hybrids, so you will lose less on your investment when it’s
time for a new green machine. There are also possible government
incentives for purchasing a hybrid over a gas-powered model, which can
oftentimes help even out value.
Pictured: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid