"To Hybrid - Or - Not To Hybrid?" That is the Question.

Hybrids, Hybrids, Hybrids....they seem to be the HOT topic of discussion lately. Especially with gas prices expected to reach $5.00 per gallon or more. But, are Hybrids really worth the investment?
By: Jennifer Paine
 
April 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Sure, there are arguments for both sides of this equation.  Fuel-Economy, going "Green", Price, Performance, and total cost of ownership (TCO).  One must also consider, am I a "True Hybrid" kind of driver; meaning will I drive in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, in order to obtain the maximum fuel economy?  

Let's look at initial cost, first of all.  Typically, Hybrids, no matter who the manufacturer is, tend to run several thousand more than their non-hybrid counter parts.  For instance, the Honda Civic.  The base 2012 Civic starts out at $15,805, their Civic Si Sedan, starts out at $22,405.  The Civic Hybrid starts at $24,050.  Roughly $1,600 more up front for the Hybrid.

Arguments for the added cost could be, well it recives 5 mpg better on the highway than the base sedan, and 13 mpg better than the Si model.  And yes, over time, those saving will add up.  Again, though, one must ask themself, "How long do I really keep a car?"  Trading every two or three years would not recoupe the initial cost of the Hybrid, however, keeping that model for 7 plus years, one would definitely see some savings.

Secondly, one has to consider the overall "feel" of driving a Hybrid.  Many Hybrids in the market today, such as the Toyota Prius, use a continuously variable transmission, that does not provide a "shifting feeling".  Thus, the driving a Golf Cart references.  That alone is hard for many drivers to adapt to.

One exception to the "Golf Cart" experience, will be the new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.  The Sonata Hybrid is a Parallel Hybrid, meaning it has an electric motor and a true 6-speed automatic transmission with discernable shift points.  The Sonata Hybrid will drive more like a regular car, but with the fuel efficiency (35 city/40 highway) of a Hybrid.  The Sonata Hybrid will be available at Gartner Hyundai in Aurora, IL in May.  http://www.gartnerhyundai.com/hyundai-sonata

Once again, there are many very good legitimate reasons to own and drive a Hybrid.  Costs aside, just the simple fact of being environmentally friendly, is reason enough for some.

However, for a good percent of the population, there are other alternatives to Hybrids.  Again, if you're not going to adjust your driving habits to an extent, the high MPG's advertised by Hybrids will never be achieved.  

For example, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra (http://www.gartnerhyundai.com/hyundai-elantra) receives 40 mpg Highway/29 mpg City.  The 2012 Hyundai Accent receives 40 mpg Highway/30 mpg city.  Other cars like the Toyota Corolla receive 35 mpg Highway/38 mpg City, and the Toyota Camry (non-Hybrid) receives 33 mpg Highway/22 mpg City.

I guess, in my opinion, anyway...."What is right for one, is not necessarily right for another."   One needs to be their own judge.  Afterall, nobody knows "You", like "You".

http://www.gartnerhyundai.com

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Gartner Hyundai Saab is one of the largest Hyundai and Saab Dealers in the Chicago Market. Located in Aurora, IL, Gartner has been in business for over 31 years. We carry both large New and Pre-Owned inventories, which allows us to give YOU low prices!
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Source:Jennifer Paine
Email:***@gartnercars.com Email Verified
Zip:60504
Tags:Hybrid Cars, Gartner Hyundai, Fuel Efficient Cars, Cars with 40 mpg, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Hyundai Dealers Chicago IL
Industry:Automotive, Transportation
Location:Aurora - Illinois - United States
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Page Updated Last on: Apr 22, 2011
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