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GasBuddy News Article

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Should You Buy a Hybrid or Battery Car?

The Detroit Bureau -- A high price up front can save you money at the back end.

You can do the math the same way for any battery vehicle. Take the 2010 Prius. In real-world conditions, most motorists are getting around 45 mpg, which works out to (where’s my calcuator, ah…) 333 gallons annually. At $2.50 a gallon, that’s about $833 annually. A sedan averaging 28 mpg would use 536 gallons, at a cost of $1340. The annual savings? About $507. And during a 7-year ownership? A little more than $3500.

Now, there are plenty of other factors we could work in, such as maintenance, resale, and so on, but this is a good start for making a comparison. You’ll have to figure out the numbers for factors like helping the environment – never mind getting access to the car pool lane on your local freeway.

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Submitted Mar 14, 2010 By: fordmexico

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Dr Gas Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,411 Points:300,760 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 10:55:59 AM Ignore Dr Gas Report Abuse The answer is - Neither! The cost to buy hybrid or battery only has a big price. And you cannot get this extra cost back for a looooong time. I better approach would be a car that uses either gas or diesel and gets 40 mpg. OR a natrual gas powered car that got an equival gas consumption of 35 mpg or better. Natrual gas costs less meaning you'd not need to get as good of mpg as gas cars. And these cars would not have the big cost as the battery ones do!
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,252 Points:1,141,025 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 10:41:40 PM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse what distance are these folks driving? I'm putting 70 miles / day on my vehicle. I'm using a lot more than that and get a highly efficient near 40 mpg with my vehicle.
TheDix Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,997 Points:358,235 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:24:20 PM Ignore TheDix Report Abuse I think I'll wait ten more years.
egd Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:6,048 Points:1,721,740 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:28:52 PM Ignore egd Report Abuse gas is getting cheaper every day, right?
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:10,791 Points:1,249,445 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 1:08:27 PM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse The leadsulfate tea leaves say NO and NO to those two questions.
DerHahn Champion Author Illinois Posts:11,144 Points:1,652,980 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 10:22:18 AM Ignore DerHahn Report Abuse would still rather have a high mileage diesel. the diesel engines last a long time with no expensive batteries to replace.
Bussman Champion Author Dallas Posts:3,857 Points:990,630 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 10:21:29 AM Ignore Bussman Report Abuse This is a helpful article.
Bpers2001 All-Star Author Seattle Posts:735 Points:104,070 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 9:52:10 AM Ignore Bpers2001 Report Abuse Once the technology of hybrid and battery cars becomes more efficient, you'll see a dramatic increase in savings.
spiderjay Champion Author Little Rock Posts:3,294 Points:956,955 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 9:47:51 AM Ignore spiderjay Report Abuse might if i could afford it
JimL1 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:5,739 Points:806,475 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 9:17:00 AM Ignore JimL1 Report Abuse As more of us choose and learn to adjust our driving habits to the hybrid, hybrid prices will fall. As hybrid prices fall, more fall still more. As more hybrids, which have a choice of power source, flood the market fuel demand will fall. As alternative power sources become more available, fuel demand will fall further. Fuel will eventually have to become less expensive. Will the consumer get a better deal? No way, big money and large corporations will find a way to increase their profits so that executives can continue to earn their outrageous bonuses, that they could not possibly spend in a coupe of lifetimes.
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:5,000 Points:1,018,135 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 9:14:42 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse prices need to come down more
VWC Veteran Author Maryland Posts:450 Points:730,365 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 9:09:09 AM Ignore VWC Report Abuse Still too expensive.
sivart Champion Author Arkansas Posts:15,131 Points:2,611,780 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 9:04:20 AM Ignore sivart Report Abuse They don't give the life of the battery or the cost to replace it!!!
madison8359 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:5,731 Points:1,126,665 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 9:03:16 AM Ignore madison8359 Report Abuse This calculation is a good starting point. Most of us will need to factor in a variety of personal factors. All things considered the environmental imperative is strong but sometimes the economic imperative is stronger. As with most new technology these vehicles will come down in price as batteries, etc., get less expensive to manufacturer and as oil gets more expensive they will make more sense. Somebody needs to be first and there appears to be lots of individuals that are in the category.
ILVET Champion Author Illinois Posts:12,489 Points:2,472,095 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 9:03:14 AM Ignore ILVET Report Abuse I'll make my own decision thank you!
Fitwit Champion Author Stockton Posts:4,360 Points:942,500 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 9:01:17 AM Ignore Fitwit Report Abuse Too late for me. I wanted the Prius and it was my first choice the the up front cost dissuaded me. In the retrospect and when I was making the decision the Fit was a good choice for me. Cars are pricey but yet, I am thankful that I have one.
cableman31 Champion Author New York Posts:6,570 Points:1,567,390 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:56:59 AM Ignore cableman31 Report Abuse I know they don't mention to loudly the two thousand to twenty five hundred dollar battery replacement in about twenty thousand miles with the electric car.
DAGTX Champion Author Texas Posts:3,537 Points:628,565 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:55:59 AM Ignore DAGTX Report Abuse How many people get to keep their vehicle for more than four years, let alone seven years. I would buy a used one... then your saving would be realized, because their initial price is well over 3500 more than a standard vehicle.
oilrobber Champion Author Miami Posts:7,281 Points:1,466,310 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:55:18 AM Ignore oilrobber Report Abuse Neither, auto makers should strip out all the electronics and go back to the basic gas engine. Facts are the less to go wrong the cheaper the maintenance. Instead of wasting money on electronics, spend the money on a carburetor that will get the fuel mileage. That is if your not holding back on this already.
FMREALTOR Champion Author Florida Posts:4,118 Points:1,254,010 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:42:38 AM Ignore FMREALTOR Report Abuse maintenence issues are mentioned, but not the upfront additional costs.
hwmillerster Champion Author Missouri Posts:4,429 Points:1,004,345 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:42:13 AM Ignore hwmillerster Report Abuse A hybrid, because then you don't have to worry about finding a charging outlet.
OilerFan Champion Author Tulsa Posts:11,796 Points:2,119,895 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:39:51 AM Ignore OilerFan Report Abuse Well, besides driving range of the electric car, I would base my evaluation (if buying a new car anyway) on what I think the price of gasoline will be in 5 years, not what it is right now.
DieselKat Champion Author Tennessee Posts:2,612 Points:1,861,995 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:39:47 AM Ignore DieselKat Report Abuse Neither!
dar 1 Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,597 Points:335,265 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:37:17 AM Ignore dar 1 Report Abuse But 2.50 gas may look really cheap in a short time.
chuck3059 Sophomore Author Indiana Posts:148 Points:221,095 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:36:41 AM Ignore chuck3059 Report Abuse I am not taking either side in this debate I am only saying all expenses should be used in the calculations. I am sure the savngs amount depends on the individuals driving needs.
QueenMother Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:5,179 Points:1,702,190 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:36:12 AM Ignore QueenMother Report Abuse That's only 10% savings over 7 years for a $35,000 vehicle. SUCH A DEAL!!
weenerdog Champion Author Detroit Posts:7,334 Points:1,437,635 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:36:09 AM Ignore weenerdog Report Abuse at the moment, the price of the car and the gas savings don't mesh
BigDogOH Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:6,123 Points:1,339,845 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:33:05 AM Ignore BigDogOH Report Abuse Don't like either
pnd1 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:4,258 Points:856,070 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:32:49 AM Ignore pnd1 Report Abuse Sorry, it still doesn't make sense to go spend $35,000 to save $3,500.
chuck3059 Sophomore Author Indiana Posts:148 Points:221,095 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:31:40 AM Ignore chuck3059 Report Abuse Cost of maintence needs to be considered. Batteries don't have to have there oil changed and they don't need to be tuned up.
LocalSpyGuy Champion Author Tampa Posts:5,474 Points:1,119,245 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:30:05 AM Ignore LocalSpyGuy Report Abuse Based on these calculations, I can't see many buying a hybrid to save money. Most cost $4,000 - $5,000 more than a gasoline only vehicle and I don't think tax credits are still being offered.
dhawk24 Champion Author Maine Posts:5,535 Points:1,148,760 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:30:00 AM Ignore dhawk24 Report Abuse Neither one. I will stick to gas...
FuelBarge Champion Author Long Island Posts:6,796 Points:1,608,315 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:28:07 AM Ignore FuelBarge Report Abuse I've been driving a hybrid since April 2001. I am sure I have more than made up the difference on a conventional car, especially due to the tax credit/deductions and the perks offered such as carpool lane access, free beach parking and free commuter parking.
Don1222 Champion Author Michigan Posts:7,802 Points:1,089,855 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:27:44 AM Ignore Don1222 Report Abuse Most important. Buy American MADE IN THE USA.
coughlin Champion Author San Jose Posts:3,336 Points:755,050 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:25:32 AM Ignore coughlin Report Abuse I am YEARS away from buying any either one.
tankneverfull Champion Author Charlotte Posts:6,364 Points:1,299,015 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:22:12 AM Ignore tankneverfull Report Abuse Some people have posted that it is "not enough savings" which would mean that they agree there is "savings." I wonder how much their gas guzzler is saving them these days. Is this just not another sign of being out of touch...? I wonder when we will enjoy stuff for what it is and not always needing MORE?
nb52 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:5,414 Points:1,079,590 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:20:59 AM Ignore nb52 Report Abuse Very good calculations. It shows the vehicle does not have a very good payoff number, for the expense.
TeachR06 Champion Author Raleigh Posts:3,535 Points:1,018,660 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:20:36 AM Ignore TeachR06 Report Abuse not enough infrastructure support for electric just yet.
bbreff Champion Author Atlanta Posts:7,642 Points:2,127,990 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:17:21 AM Ignore bbreff Report Abuse From a cost basis, it does not make good economic sense. Not enough savings.
katmandue Champion Author Detroit Posts:5,744 Points:1,676,040 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:17:05 AM Ignore katmandue Report Abuse That is the reason I don't get rid of my Blazer for the amout of driving I do. I would only save $300 a year in gas but pay $900 more in car payments.
applejoe Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:3,630 Points:766,320 Joined:May 2001	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:15:31 AM Ignore applejoe Report Abuse Should You Buy a Hybrid or Battery Car? No - Not for me!!!!!
checkum Champion Author St. Louis Posts:5,335 Points:1,059,190 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:15:03 AM Ignore checkum Report Abuse why risk a battery pack failing to a couple more MPG than a VW Jetta diesel
Redink Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:5,033 Points:884,255 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:12:51 AM Ignore Redink Report Abuse At todays prices the cost is not justified.
fillerupyeoww Champion Author Columbus Posts:3,516 Points:1,181,870 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:10:41 AM Ignore fillerupyeoww Report Abuse You also have to figure in a replacement battery at about 5000 miles. There goes your savings for the next 15 years.
cathevan Champion Author Manitoba Posts:2,177 Points:544,105 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:08:46 AM Ignore cathevan Report Abuse based on the numbers presented you'd have to save more than that to justify the high cost of this car - not for me yet
turbosaab Champion Author Cleveland Posts:14,937 Points:1,945,015 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:08:44 AM Ignore turbosaab Report Abuse By this analysis, there will never be value in buying a hybrid or battery car.
MertieMan Champion Author Lexington Posts:12,404 Points:2,427,635 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:07:52 AM Ignore MertieMan Report Abuse You wouldn't have any trouble with the Prius and the electric vehicle would be fine if it had an infrastructure to support it.
slgas Champion Author Houston Posts:3,646 Points:1,095,315 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:06:23 AM Ignore slgas Report Abuse A hybrid is one way to reduce fuel consumption. It's not just about saving money. Oil is a finite resource. Someday there won't be enough/any left, and if worldwide consumption is not reduced, we'll all be walking, absent alternative technology.
carefrey Champion Author Orlando Posts:3,352 Points:717,375 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:05:55 AM Ignore carefrey Report Abuse I can't afford either one!
racerdj Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:7,470 Points:1,589,560 Joined:Jun 2003	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:05:44 AM Ignore racerdj Report Abuse I am looking at the long term reliability issues.