By Heather Harless Some environmental activists have encouraged people to trade in their current vehicles for a hybrid vehicle. Hybrid vehicles run on both gas and electric power; this may be better for the environment because they don't release as many carbon emissions. Activists often tout other benefits of using hybrids; the most common claim they make is that it will save people money at the pump.
This claim, however, is exaggerated, and in some cases may not be true at all. Hybrid cars don't save people money right away; it can take up to five years before customers would make up the extra money they spent for the hybrid. Several years ago truecar.com conducted a study that showed that gas prices would have to go up to $8 a gallon in order for the average hybrid owner to save money. Since gas prices usually don't go up past $4 or $5 a gallon, it's unlikely that your average hybrid car will save drivers money. This is especially true for drivers who like to purchase new vehicles every five or six years. By the time these drivers begin seeing savings, they will be ready to purchase a new vehicle, which negates the potential savings altogether.
If you are interested in purchasing a hybrid despite these problems, you should consider the Toyota Prius. The Prius has three advantages over other hybrid vehicles. It is cheaper than most other hybrids, it is more fuel-efficient, and its newest model is designed to look like a regular car. Like all Toyotas, the Prius uses stylish rims to add to the feeling that the car is a luxury vehicle despite its lower price.
As far as finances go, the reason to buy the Prius is its fuel efficiency; you'll need to fill up far less often when driving this vehicle. You'll also pay less per month on your car insurance since it's less expensive to purchase a Prius than other hybrid vehicles. Although you still won't see savings right away, with a Prius you can expect to begin saving money within two years rather than waiting a full five years, which makes this vehicle an excellent choice for those who enjoy buying new cars every few years. Of course, if you're concerned about style or about being trendy, the Toyota rims don't hurt, either.
All in all, there are many good reasons to invest in a hybrid, but money doesn't really seem to be one of them, unless you get a Prius. With gas prices continuing to rise, hybrids may seem more worthwhile, but if prices fall again, you won't save anything by driving a hybrid vehicle. If you want to drive a hybrid in order to protect the environment, go for it, but don't delude yourself into thinking that you are saving money. The real reason to drive one is because it can be trendy and stylish in addition to its benefits for the environment; money doesn't really come into it.
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