How to Buy a Hybrid Car

Guide Note

With rising gas prices and long commutes, everyone wants a hybrid car. How to Buy a Hybrid Car will help you navigate the waiting lists, current pricing and available options among the hybrids on the market.

Table of Contents

Hybrid Buying Tips

  1. Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular following continued hikes in gas prices, creating long waiting lists and high prices.
  2. The most popular hybrid vehicle remains the Toyota Prius, which recently hit sales of 1,000,000.
  3. With current gas prices, a Prius is slated to pay for itself in 2.6 years, presuming average mileage. A Camry will pay for itself in only 1.7 years, compared to its gas-only counterpart.
  4. With more options available than ever before, you'll need to decide what kind of hybrid you want and what features are important (size, power or strictly miles per gallon).
  5. Consider buying a used hybrid to find greater availability.
  6. Research multiple dealers who may have hybrids in stock, as opposed to limiting your search.

Introduction

  • With a hybrid car, it's a green-green situation: more green in your wallet, less impact on the planet. Everyone from celebrities to politicians are driving hybrids, making the movement even more popular.1 With more and more hybrids as well as high-fuel efficiency cars to choose from, you'll need to do a careful analysis of where and how often you drive to determine what vehicle is right for you and the environment.

Step 1: Is a Hybrid Right for You?

(Creative Commons photo by Michael Pereckas)
(Creative Commons photo by Michael Pereckas)
  • Yes, the Toyota Prius looks cool and makes a terrific I-love-the-Earth statement, but is it the right move for you?
  1. If you drive mostly highway miles (commuting back and forth to work, for example), it may make more sense to get a fuel efficiency compact car with a manual transmission, which may get you around 36mpg.2
  2. If you drive mostly city miles, a hybrid will often get 50% or better mileage.3
  3. If cargo space is crucial to you and your family, a hybrid may provide less of it, unless you move into the SUV hybrid market, which will guarantee less impressive mileage (usually around 20-30 mpg).4
  4. The comparisons between some of the new mid-size and SUV hybrids and their traditional counterparts may prove somewhat negligible, so do careful research on exactly what hybrid technology is in place and what difference it will make.5
  5. Despite their often higher cost, recent studies show hybrids will pay for themselves due to continually rising gas prices and government tax credits, provided owners drive them for at least a few years.6
  6. Consider, too, that gas prices seem to be going only in one direction: up. According to the New York Times, it was reported that gas could go to $7 a gallon in the near future.8
  7. Bear in mind you'll pay an average of 20% more for a hybrid vehicle versus its contemporaries, though you may get a few more bells and whistles for paying that premium.4
  8. Try using HybridCars.com's gas mileage impact calculator to compare the mileage you get in your current vehicle versus several hybrids that are available.9 Then, determine how much you'll actually save.
  9. Are you willing to wait? As hybrid popularity soars along with gas prices, many dealerships are unable to meet demand, forming waiting lists for hybrids that range from a few weeks to several months.10
  10. Especially if you want a particular make and model, you may need to be patient. The average wait time as of June 2008 for a Toyota Prius was between four and six months, nationwide.11

Step 2: Do Your Research

(Creative Commons photo by dvanhorn)
(Creative Commons photo by dvanhorn)
  • There are hybrid SUVs to choose from, new and used models, and cars that may come with certain luxuries like high-end stereos and plush interiors. Do your research carefully before heading to the dealer.
  1. Consult the following hybrid buying guides to narrow down your options and learn more:
  2. Then see FuelEconomy.gov's comparison chart, which outlines all the hybrids on the market and their respective specifications.13
  3. FuelEconomy's chart will even break down the exact cost of driving a twenty-five mile distance and what you should expect to spend on fuel in a year's period.14
  4. Once you've narrowed down your choices (midsize, SUV, etc.), look within that category, below.

Popular Compact Hybrids

(Creative Commons photo by Duane Weller)
(Creative Commons photo by Duane Weller)

Popular Midsize Hybrids

Popular SUV Hybrids

  • Lexus RX Hybrid21
    • The ever-popular RX model, one of the first luxury sedan-SUV crossovers, in its hybrid version combines a V6 engine with low emissions, similar to a compact car's. MSRP is just under $43,000.
  • Ford Escape22
    • Known to be the most fuel-efficient hybrid—the "guilt-free SUV", the Escape gets an average of 34mpg and starts at under $27,000.
  • Chevy Tahoe Hybrid23

Start Tracking Down Your Preferred Vehicle

  1. Find dealers nearby using dealers' websites, as listed above. You can usually search current inventory to see exactly what is in stock.
  2. Then, start calling around to find out what cars are on what lots and for what prices.24
  3. Visit nearby dealers and talk to friends to find a reputable dealership near you.
  4. Try offering a deposit while you are on a waiting list to ensure you won't pay over the sticker price when the car finally arrives on the lot and multiple buyers are interested.24
  5. Consider buying used, as waiting lists may not be an issue, though be prepared to pay a premium. Hybrid owners are actually selling their cars for more than they initially paid, sometimes making a profit of close to twenty percent!11

Step 3: Additional Considerations

(Creative Commons photo by Steve Jurvetson)
(Creative Commons photo by Steve Jurvetson)
  • Because of increasing demand, buying a hybrid car may differ slightly from how you typically go about purchasing a new vehicle.
  1. See HybridCars.com's specific tips for buying a fuel-efficient vehicle to understand the the facts and vocabulary you'll want to master before negotiating with a dealer.
  2. If you aren't willing to wait for a hybrid, you may pay more than the sticker price for it due to current demand.
  3. Even used hybrids are getting more and expensive as demand grows along with gas prices. Unlike well known gas-guzzlers which are getting much less in trade-in value (many SUV owners now owe more on their cars than they're worth), hybrids are surging in value.
  4. But, you are likely to get some kind of tax break, depending on where you live, as well as additional benefits like the privilege of driving in high-occupancy vehicle lanes regardless of how many people are in your car.
  5. Also be sure to check with your insurance carrier to see if any discounts apply, as a few major companies have rolled out incentives for hybrid driving customers.
  6. See Mahalo's guides to How to Buy a New Car, How to Buy a Used Car, and How to Lease a Car for further instruction on negotiating with the seller.

Step 4: If You Can't Find a Hybrid

(Creative Commons photo by Eric Hunsaker)
(Creative Commons photo by Eric Hunsaker)
  • If waiting lists are too long, or a hybrid is simply out of your price range, there are other ways to make less of an environmental impact and save gas as well.
  1. Consider waiting a couple of years, during which time prices are likely to fall and more models will come on the scene.4
  2. Fuel-efficient, gas-only vehicles continue to impress experts, as cars like the Honda Fit and Ford Focus qualify for zero-emissions standards, get around 35mpg, and can cost around $10,000 less than the average hybrid.2 25 26
  3. And a used fuel-efficient vehicle can be even better for the environment than a hybrid, when you factor in the energy costs of production.27
  4. If better gas mileage is the motivation for buying a hybrid, be sure to check out Mahalo's guide to How to Get Better Gas Mileage to learn how to drive green in the car you currently own.
  5. Be sure to keep current with car maintenance and try removing your roof rack so that whatever car you drive is both efficient and aerodynamic.28
  6. Try easing up on the gas pedal. Studies show that driving slower by even five to ten miles per hour will generate higher fuel efficiency, no matter the type of vehicle you choose.28

Conclusion

  • As popular as hybrid cars seem to be at the moment, they are unlikely to fall out of favor anytime soon, at least unless gas prices plummet. With luxury makers like Porsche, BMW and Cadillac soon to enter the hybrid market, choices will continue to grow for consumers looking for fuel efficiency as well as performance.29 While the cachet remains strong to "drive green," it may become less of a statement of pride and more of a way of life, evidenced by the Ford truck's recent fall from grace, losing its first place position as the United States's top-selling vehicle, a position it has held consistently since 1992.8 Good luck finding the hybrid vehicle of your choice and enjoy savings at the pump and throughout the planet.

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References for How To Buy a Hybrid Car

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Forbes: Celebrities Who Drive Green (March 7, 2008)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 MSN Money: Hybrid Cars: Do They Make Sense for You?
  3. ↑ Cars.com: Top 10 2008 Hybrids
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Edmunds.com: What You Should Know Before Buying a Hybrid
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Edmunds.com: Hybrid Buying Guide
  6. ↑ CNN.com: Hybrid Cars Will Pay for Themselves Over Time (August 22, 2006)
  7. ↑ KickingTires.com: Gas-Saving Moment of the Day: Buy a Hybrid (June 3, 2008)
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 The New York Times: Big Vehicles Stagger Under the Weight of $4 Gas (June 4, 2008)
  9. ↑ HybridCars.com: Gas Mileage Impact Calculator
  10. ↑ The Boston Globe: Demand for Hybrids Outpaces Supply (June 9, 2008)
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 KickingTires.com: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrids Beyond Elusive (June 11, 2008)
  12. ↑ Consumer Guide Automotive: The Consumer Guide to Hybrid Vehicles
  13. ↑ HybridCars.com: Buying Guide
  14. ↑ FuelEconomy.gov: Comparing Hybrid Cars
  15. ↑ Official Site: 2008 Toyota Prius
  16. ↑ Official Site: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
  17. ↑ Official Site: Lexus GS Hybrid
  18. ↑ Official Site: 2009 Toyota Camary
  19. ↑ Official Site: Saturn Hybrid SUV & Hybrid Car
  20. ↑ Official Site: 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan
  21. ↑ Official Site: Lexus RX Hybrid
  22. ↑ Official Site: 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  23. ↑ Official Site: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Edmunds.com: In Demand and Over Sticker
  25. ↑ Official Site: 2008 Honda FIt
  26. ↑ Official Site: 2008 Ford Focus
  27. ↑ Autopia (Wired): Go Green: Buy a Used Car. It's Better Than a Hybrid. (May 19, 2008)
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Forbes: How to Drive Green Without Buying a New Car (March 26, 2008)
  29. ↑ FuelEconomy.gov: New Hybrids

Hybrid Cars in the Marketplace

Compact Hybrids

Midsize Hybrids

SUV and Truck Hybrids