Shopping for a Hybrid Car

You know that hybrid cars are excellent for the environment and excellent for your wallet as well. And now you’ve decided to buy one. But do you really know how to go shopping for a hybrid car? Use this checklist and you’ll only be left with the optional features to worry about:

Are you a highway driver or a city driver?- Some hybrids tackle the issues of city driving better than they answer the issues of highway driving and vice versa.

How much gas do you want to save?- If you’re the type of driver who needs your hybrid to save a lot on gas mileage, then you’ll want to choose a hybrid like the Honda Civic hybrid or the Toyota Prius hybrid. But there are several other models that aren’t too far behind.

Do you want an SUV or a sedan?- Currently, your options are limited to SUV hybrids and sedan hybrids, although 2009 will also introduce the first full-sized pick-up truck hybrid with Chevy Silverado and GM Sierra.

Do you need a lot of room?- If you need a lot of space to move around you’ll want to try out several different hybrids. Mid-size hybrids are considerably smaller than mid-size conventional vehicles, and your favorite style of hybrid may not have the leg or head room you need to drive comfortably. Additionally, the amount of space for storage and luggage is limited in the new hybrids as well. If you’re big on road trips, you’ll need to check out the interior storage.

Do you want a hybrid that is more or less dependent on the battery pack?- Believe it or not some hybrids use the battery pack more than others and can move independently from the gas-engine at low speeds and while coasting. If you’re looking for one of these you’ll want to spend time looking at the Toyota Prius, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Honda Civic.

Can you afford the upfront costs of a hybrid?- Your choices of hybrids may be severely limited by your ability to afford the extra costs of purchasing a hybrid since they cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 more than their conventional counterparts.

Are you interested in the tax credit for New Energy?- If you’re interested in the tax credit of up to $3,400 for New Energy your choices will be limited and you will need to choose a hybrid that has not sold more than 60,000 units. After 60,000 units the government begins reducing the credits on that particular model. Some models, like the Toyota Prius, have already expended their tax credits and any Prius hybrids purchased after October 1, 2007 no longer qualify for the credit.

Remember, the most important question you can answer before you purchase a hybrid vehicle is why you want a hybrid in the first place. Once you know the answer to that question it’ll be mostly smooth sailing all the way to the finance office and possibly on your way out of there, too. You might also want to check out the following articles : the pros and cons of hybrid cars and hybrid cars FAQ to assist you in your hybrid car research.