Steve, the people who analyze the hybrids miss one important point. The
Prius is a great car to drive even if it got only 25 mpg. It is
comfortable, it handles well, and it has a well designed interior. In
addition, it has a good record of reliability and its resale value is
high. It goes for 600 miles before it needs gas. If a person wants a
good car, why would they care if it costs $3000 more than another car
having poorer specifications? Saving gas is not the only reason to buy
a Prius.
Regards,
Ed
OrionWorks wrote:
Vorts,
An interesting article on the economics of buying Hybrids in today's US market.
http://money.cnn.com/2005/09/23/Autos/hybrid_alternatives/index.htm
http://tinyurl.com/7ccmy
One of the more interesting quotes:
"A hybrid Honda Accord costs about $3,800 more than the comparable non-hybrid
version, including purchase, maintenance and insurance costs. Over five years, assuming
15,000 miles of driving per year, you'll make up that cost in gasoline money if the price
of gas goes up immediately to $9.20 a gallon and averages that for the whole period."
* * * *
The Prius may be the exception to they hybrid rule. Mr. Storms! You may have
made a wise selection!
The jest of the article seems to be: Buy a hybrid if you wish to make a social
statement. Don't buy them if you think you'll save yourself money. Hybrids
need to approach the lower prices of non-hybrids if they are going to
accomplish what they claim to do, which is save you money.
It's a ghastly thought in my view to think U.S. gas prices would have to rise
to over nine bucks a gallon just to make hybrids economically competitive in
today's market. I haven't personally verified this fact but I recently talked
to a friend who regularly communicates with customers in Europe. She claims
there are European countries that are currently paying the equivalent of eight
bucks for a gallon'o'gas.
Regards,
Steven Vincent Johnson
www.OrionWorks.com
