Want to buy a Hybrid car? Do you know what to look out for? As a consumer, you need to have some background knowledge before you go to the showroom. Here are some important tips in buying a Hybrid Car.
* Choose the car and engine size you really need: In a society that at times puts the emphasis on the size or appearance of the vehicle, it’s important to realize that bigger isn’t necessarily better. Considering that a hybrid vehicle uses both gasoline and electricity to make it run, the extra boost it offers makes up for lack in engine size or traditional horsepower.
* Do your research: By taking the extra time to research the miles per gallon specifics of different hybrid models, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to make the right decision for you when you’re faced with different choices at the dealership. Also be sure to research each manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
* Get on the waiting list: After you’ve explored the various options available in the world of hybrid cars and decided on the one you like most, consider getting on a waiting list at a dealership before the car hits the market.
* Know the lingo: Before heading to the car lots, make sure you understand the lingo that’s most commonly used in the automotive world.
* Know thy dealer: When buying a hybrid, be sure to ask the car dealership about their mechanics and their specific training and experience with this type of vehicle.
* Take a test drive: Take a test drive, or two, to be certain you’re comfortable with driving the hybrid. With a higher than average consumer approval rating, hybrids are generally deemed very easy and pleasant to drive and offer an extremely quiet ride.
* Consider an older model: To save money, many people choose to wait until the next year’s models hit the showroom, and then buy models from this year.
* Buy a used hybrid: A used hybrid car is also a consideration as these types of cars are surprisingly well-built, reliable, and their parts far outlive their warranties. But if you’re looking for the latest in technology, a new vehicle may be the best choice for you.
* Inquire about tax incentives after buying a new hybrid vehicle: Tax credits for owning a hybrid vehicle are dwindling as sales increase as the law limits the availability of these credits to so many vehicles per auto manufacturer. Although, some states and cities also offer various incentives to hybrid car owners such as free parking and reduced registration fees.
Just a few of the hybrid cars on the market today include:
The Toyota Prius
The EPA has estimated that the Prius gets 52 miles per city gallon and about 45 miles per highway gallon The Prius comes with eight different option packages with a price of about $22,000 and up and has been deemed more reliable than approximately 90% of other vehicles on the roads today.
The Honda Civic
The Honda Civic Hybrid appears almost identical to its non-hybrid counterpart, although it boasts considerably higher gas mileage. Redesigned in 2006, the Civic Hybrid is able to use its electric motor at speeds up to 30 miles per hour without the need for the gasoline engine.
The average sticker price for a 2007 Civic Hybrid is around $22,000 to $24,000, with the vehicle having an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 49/51 city/highway miles per gallon. The Honda Civic Hybrid also has various safety features ranging from sophisticated seatbelts with automatic tensioning systems, numerous airbags and head restraints.
Honda Accord Hybrid
The Honda Accord Hybrid was first introduced in 2005 and has an estimated EPA rating of 25/34 miles per gallon for city/highway driving. Compared to the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Accord Hybrid, which has an MSRP of about $31,000, boasts performance as well as a good fuel economy rating. In a technology referred to as variable cylinder management (VCM), Honda has designed the Accord Hybrid to automatically shut off three of its six cylinders when needed to save on fuel economy. The average Accord Hybrid has a 3.0L V-6 engine, and is a front-wheel drive, automatic.
Some safety features of the Accord Hybrid include daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes, front, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, and the car has also received five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) due to its impressive crash test ratings.
Honda Insight Hybrid
The engine within the Honda Insight Hybrid automatically shut itself off when the car stopped, and restarted instantly when the brake pedal is released, and a separate compressor for the air conditioning continues to work even when the car is temporarily turned off. While most of the emphasis is on fuel economy and efficiency, the Honda Insight Hybrid is still pleasant to drive and features an excellent ride quality, although as of September 2006, Honda has stopped manufacturing the model.
Tags: Hybrid Cars
