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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jimraehl Champion Author Utah Posts:2,182 Points:669,640 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 3:57:30 AM Ignore jimraehl Report Abuse This is a moot issue for many Americans. They can't afford to buy a new car.
uptherefiners Champion Author Chicago Posts:1,162 Points:273,000 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 3:29:49 AM Ignore uptherefiners Report Abuse Hybrids? Whataya...nuts??
jackson661 Champion Author Columbus Posts:1,740 Points:574,755 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 3:27:18 AM Ignore jackson661 Report Abuse There is no need to buy an all electric car until there is an existing electric infrastructure to service its needs.
Kamakani Champion Author Hawaii Posts:1,868 Points:576,195 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 3:20:25 AM Ignore Kamakani Report Abuse Which ever one that has a gas peddle that doesn't stick.
gass12 Champion Author Omaha Posts:3,621 Points:1,341,565 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 3:11:32 AM Ignore gass12 Report Abuse Your example of a Prius is the worst example of a car right now that you couls use.
cheapertvs Champion Author Richmond Posts:5,190 Points:1,766,270 Joined:Jan 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 3:01:39 AM Ignore cheapertvs Report Abuse There is no need to buy an all electric car until there is an existing electric infrastructure to service its needs. Therefore, your actual comparison can only be between the hybrid and the conventional fuel car.
BobD2009 Champion Author Long Island Posts:1,917 Points:265,635 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 3:00:33 AM Ignore BobD2009 Report Abuse I don't want to be a test case, I would not buy either one.
speedys Champion Author Utah Posts:2,096 Points:1,583,095 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:57:12 AM Ignore speedys Report Abuse I won't buy either one for a while. Too many unknowns.
EXTREMESNOW Champion Author Medford Posts:4,522 Points:951,785 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:56:47 AM Ignore EXTREMESNOW Report Abuse Can't afford one!
neemund Champion Author Seattle Posts:1,459 Points:577,600 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:56:38 AM Ignore neemund Report Abuse Yes you will pay more for a car up front in order to save more on fuel in the long run. It is a logical argument that many make. However, the biggest expense that few factor into the cost of ownership is insurance. A more expensive car will cost more to insure over the entire life of the car. Factoring those costs in, my 1994 S-10 costs much less to own/operate over a year than a 45mpg Prius.
bestdeal120 All-Star Author Twin Cities Posts:578 Points:114,265 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:54:00 AM Ignore bestdeal120 Report Abuse What about the high cost of replacing that expensive battery and the effect on the environment of producing and disposing of these batteries when these cars become more mainstream?
Lizzylou Champion Author Stockton Posts:4,525 Points:1,502,750 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:48:06 AM Ignore Lizzylou Report Abuse If I buy a Hybrid I am NOT BUYING A PRIUS!!!
EcoVore Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,124 Points:329,645 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:46:35 AM Ignore EcoVore Report Abuse Let the first adopters put these proto auto's through their paces & the brands refine their products then will consider if viable auto's deserve consideration.
nedthenanite Champion Author Mississippi Posts:4,055 Points:783,335 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:36:10 AM Ignore nedthenanite Report Abuse What I want to see are real world usage results for plug-ins (hybrid or all-leccy) that show just how much more the power bill's gonna be once you start plugging in the car at night. A plug-in is just passing the pollution from the tailpipe to the smoke stack, so I can only assume that it isn't really saving much money either, transferring it from the gas pump to the electric bill.
BillA Champion Author Portland Posts:11,155 Points:1,533,660 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:28:23 AM Ignore BillA Report Abuse Battery Cars won't be green unless the electricity is green. Most American power plants still use Coal or Nuclear... terrible to mine and worse to dispose of the wastes. [Edited by: BillA at 3/14/2010 3:29:02 AM EST]
ItsMorph Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:26,694 Points:2,210,030 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:25:45 AM Ignore ItsMorph Report Abuse Hybrids are a net harm to the environment. Check out lithium and nickel mining "atrocities".
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,673 Points:618,205 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:25:00 AM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse ashishpa...I think the overall trouble with electric is the initial cost, the huge tax burden that will be placed on the American public for grid improvements, then factor in the cap and trade policy placed on electric companies that will nearly triple our electric bills. Not to mention battery replacement and disposal costs. Overall, we would do better with a gas powered vehicle that gets 5 MPG.
findcheap Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:4,663 Points:1,033,690 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:21:34 AM Ignore findcheap Report Abuse what's this $2.50- a gallon?
ashishpa All-Star Author St. Louis Posts:739 Points:166,925 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:20:28 AM Ignore ashishpa Report Abuse But future seems to be more for battery car provided that proper infrastructure and improvements are made for battery car.
eddmac Champion Author Washington Posts:4,519 Points:996,155 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:19:15 AM Ignore eddmac Report Abuse as always only get what you need
ashishpa All-Star Author St. Louis Posts:739 Points:166,925 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:19:14 AM Ignore ashishpa Report Abuse Definitely would go for Hybrid but provided it becomes more cost effective and i am still doubtful about the quality issues.
GMVAN Champion Author Calgary Posts:1,825 Points:428,055 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:10:31 AM Ignore GMVAN Report Abuse I would buy a hybrid if the price was right.
Retowered Champion Author Colorado Posts:4,143 Points:1,724,195 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:08:21 AM Ignore Retowered Report Abuse I'd go for a Hybrid. But the prices are to high on them.
ctu7771 Sophomore Author New York City Posts:179 Points:593,165 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:08:02 AM Ignore ctu7771 Report Abuse not right now.
14of45SSR Champion Author Saskatchewan Posts:2,107 Points:473,305 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:02:56 AM Ignore 14of45SSR Report Abuse The price of a Hybrid needs to drop alot before I can even think of buying one & I won't be buying a used one!
Gary65 Champion Author Toronto Posts:1,497 Points:466,725 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 1:00:16 AM Ignore Gary65 Report Abuse I'd go for a Hybrid.
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:2,776 Points:523,775 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:56:51 AM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse With current level of development I wouldn't mind having a hybrid. But I need a van, and a better price. [Edited by: TIGERPAW46 at 3/14/2010 1:58:29 AM EST]
pbc2001 Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,311 Points:416,430 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:56:32 AM Ignore pbc2001 Report Abuse We shall see what the future holds.
RichardoB Champion Author Fayetteville Posts:2,971 Points:1,067,185 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:56:23 AM Ignore RichardoB Report Abuse I think this article left out a big chunk of money: replacing batteries.
fillibuster Veteran Author British Columbia Posts:473 Points:525,155 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:56:10 AM Ignore fillibuster Report Abuse At least my North American made automobile has positive steering, acceleration and brakes! One cannot put a price on safety!
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,673 Points:618,205 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:52:42 AM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse Dont want either one of these pieces of junk/death traps. No thank you. I'm sticking with my gasoline powered 8 cyl 4X4 Ford truck.
zdn Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,214 Points:317,105 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:52:32 AM Ignore zdn Report Abuse no
TPlayer All-Star Author Fort Wayne Posts:576 Points:140,010 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:49:05 AM Ignore TPlayer Report Abuse I'll stick to my gas powered car with the throttle cable until there is a greater learning curve...
Lenguado Champion Author Orlando Posts:10,872 Points:2,086,640 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:40:10 AM Ignore Lenguado Report Abuse NO. Nein. Nacht. Nada. Nunca. Nyet.....
10k Champion Author North Carolina Posts:12,945 Points:1,278,300 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:36:09 AM Ignore 10k Report Abuse in my lifetime, the normal,regular battery car will be king..in my son's lifetime, hybrids may be, but in my grandchildren's lifetime, i certainly hope that, 1) we have told big oil and OPEC which part of our anatomy to repeatedly kiss cuz we don't need them anymore, and 2) there will be no zillion dollar batteries to power the cars..
Mowerman08 All-Star Author Milwaukee Posts:968 Points:432,680 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:34:29 AM Ignore Mowerman08 Report Abuse I guess you have to like the style to buy one, I don't. [Edited by: Mowerman08 at 3/14/2010 1:35:52 AM EST]
OnTheWater All-Star Author Orange County Posts:714 Points:218,390 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:32:48 AM Ignore OnTheWater Report Abuse I'll stick to my gasoline powered Car's.
nehemiah Champion Author Portland Posts:1,017 Points:135,295 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:32:41 AM Ignore nehemiah Report Abuse if hybrids can be a little less expensive, by a couple of grand, I would buy one
srchr Champion Author San Jose Posts:2,493 Points:693,595 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:30:55 AM Ignore srchr Report Abuse hybrids are too expensive
Naturenut99 All-Star Author Illinois Posts:857 Points:156,775 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:28:07 AM Ignore Naturenut99 Report Abuse True, everyone needs to do their own math. Their city vs hwy miles, and total miles will vary. Although... A Gen. 2 Prius (2004-2009) for general driver will avg 45mpg A Gen. 3 Prius (2010-?) for general driver will avg 48mpg even easier than a gen 2 will avg 45.
DougKramer Champion Author Virginia Posts:1,926 Points:189,425 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:26:39 AM Ignore DougKramer Report Abuse yes, but we have to consider the time value of money (opportunity cost). Anyway, has global warming ever been proven in a scientific laboratory outside of the impact of public opinion? I think that the potential for an increase in global greenhouse gases is greater from a volcanic eruption thank anything we humans could do. Look toward the scientific claim of a volcanic eruption on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, 20k or 30k years ago supposedly, which virtually wiped out all life on the planet and is evidenced geologically in the earth's strata.
250FORD Champion Author Minnesota Posts:7,681 Points:1,236,210 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:26:35 AM Ignore 250FORD Report Abuse Neither. If you try to pencil out either you will see the savings don't pay for the increased cost of the vehicle. Its just like deciding to buy a diesel or gas pickup. Diesels may get better mpg's but the fuel is more expensive and the $6,000 premium pays for a lot of gas, not to mention the interest on that $6,000.
joel27nc Champion Author Raleigh Posts:5,534 Points:888,770 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:26:35 AM Ignore joel27nc Report Abuse Cost is still to much
jadeusa Champion Author Dallas Posts:4,281 Points:874,435 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:22:53 AM Ignore jadeusa Report Abuse One would hope that the higher efficient car would hold its value better than a car with lower efficiency. Thus not lose as much money as just the gas savings between the high eff. v. lower eff.
MikLamb Champion Author Texas Posts:3,063 Points:1,202,165 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:21:48 AM Ignore MikLamb Report Abuse People don't actually calculate these things before buying, do they?
nstrdnvstr Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:29,520 Points:3,015,960 Joined:May 2001	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:20:32 AM Ignore nstrdnvstr Report Abuse Is that 45mpg city driving or combined, like most people drive?
comprof Champion Author Houston Posts:1,784 Points:390,325 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:19:24 AM Ignore comprof Report Abuse New cars loose about 70% their value in 7 years. So we spent $28,000 for a car and loose $20,000 in depreciation after 7 yfears to save $3500.00. This guy must be an Aggie.
runway12 Champion Author Tacoma Posts:1,113 Points:260,590 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:18:32 AM Ignore runway12 Report Abuse As technology improves this should be an easier question to answer
zakarpattya Sophomore Author Kansas City Posts:194 Points:179,820 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:15:17 AM Ignore zakarpattya Report Abuse I had a co-worker that ran the numbers when she was buying a new car. She went with a Corolla over the Prius.
benjy Champion Author Chicago Posts:4,830 Points:894,100 Joined:Nov 2003	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:13:34 AM Ignore benjy Report Abuse 1/2 battery & 1/2 petro.....
unicornpmb Champion Author Buffalo Posts:3,527 Points:651,200 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:08:03 AM Ignore unicornpmb Report Abuse Not ready for a plug-in yet.
Saturn93 Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:4,235 Points:1,013,790 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:07:31 AM Ignore Saturn93 Report Abuse Depends on what kind of driving you do and how many people you take along.