| With gas prices up many car buyers are asking this | | | | month. Then look at the mileage rating of the hybrid |
| common question. The quest for better fuel economy | | | | versus any other car you are looking to buy. Divide |
| has led many people to the showroom to look at the | | | | your total monthly mileage by the mile per gallon (mpg) |
| newest technologies, including hybrid powered vehicles. | | | | ratings of each car you are considering. Do this with |
| Many auto manufacturers are selling hybrid vehicles at | | | | the hybrid, your current car and any other car you are |
| this point, some are different some are not. While the | | | | thinking of buying. This will give you an estimate of the |
| details about the different types of hybrid cars are | | | | number of gallons each car will consume on a monthly |
| important and interesting, that is not the scope of this | | | | basis. |
| article. | | | | With this info, take the difference in gallons and multiply |
| The question is when and why should you buy a | | | | that by the prevailing gas price in your area. This |
| hybrid car versus a conventional vehicle. There are | | | | number represents your monthly gas savings. |
| several reasons why car buyers choose hybrids. They | | | | Now look at the difference in the monthly payment |
| include saving money on gas, making a political or | | | | between the cars. Tally up your car payment, |
| environmental statement, for status, the reasons go on. | | | | insurance and gas costs. This will give you the monthly |
| The common belief is that driving a hybrid will save | | | | cost of ownership of each. Make sure to take into |
| money. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Hybrid | | | | account any down payment or trade in you have. If |
| vehicles cost a considerable amount more than their | | | | you are paying cash for the vehicle take the overall |
| conventional counterparts. So it is important to look at | | | | cost difference and divide it by the estimated gas |
| your driving habits before buying a hybrid car. | | | | savings, this will tell you how many months it will take |
| Consider the number of miles you drive in an average | | | | for you to break even on the added cost. |