Are hybrids a good buy?

It's *really* hard to tell, because nobody is sure what value used hybrids will have in 5 years relative to their non-hybrid counterparts. Right now hybrids are looking very, very good - the first generation Insight's are selling pretty close for their original sticker price - 3 years later.

I also wouldn't put too much stock into the mileage estimates given by this article - you can get really close (if not better) than the EPA mileage estimates, but you've got to change your driving habits. In most hybrids your fuel efficiency goes in the tank if you get it up past 70 km/hr.

To get a more realistic view of the mpg you can expect, you need to talk to someone who has driven one of them for a few months. Doing a Car & Driver type test doesn't do justice to the mpgs you can expect, because the drivers don't have enough time/experience to adjust their driving habits.
Anon | 09.23.05 - 9:22 am | #