DH is succumbing to the masses and thinking if he trades in his car for a hybrid it would be better financially.
WRONG. First off, he has a 2003 VW GTI which is not a gas guzzler. BUT it requires Premium gas because of the engine. So it costs $50 approximately to fill it up in today's market. We owe under $13K on it and it will be paid off in 2 1/2 years after paying $435/mo on it.
He keeps trying to say "Maybe we should look into a hybrid" but I just tell him "Pay off the VW and that $435 is suddenly opened up to pay for gas, vs buying a hybrid for $25K-$30K and then you have a car payment and STILL have to pay for gas"... I can guarantee the savings wouldn't be $435, and considering the longest he's ever kept a car is 3 years... I think paying off the VW is the best financial route.
Now, if we were in the market for a new car in the first place... then it'd be another story but to go out and buy a hybrid JUST for the gas savings doesn't really make much sense.
No you cannot have a hybrid just because gas is $4.34
July 7th, 2008 at 02:00 pm
July 7th, 2008 at 02:33 pm 1215437589
So I am just not sold. I know we can get a practically new Toyota that gets 40mpg, in the $10k range. & I am stoked we have more choices than Ford for next time. So the hybrid just doesn't seem very appealing to me.
As an aside, we have hired 3 temps and a new college grad during the last few months. Every single last one drove a Prius. Egads!!!! When I was their age I was driving a 20-year old toyota. LOL. I just can't believe the car payments young people take on. But they think they are so eco-friendly I guess.
July 7th, 2008 at 03:33 pm 1215441191
July 7th, 2008 at 03:49 pm 1215442184
I just don't understand the current hybrid's appeal. It sounds great until you realize that the batteries have a limited shelf life, are hazardous waste, and regenerative braking does not work well on the highway. Not to mention the price.
I maintain that fuel-efficient compact cars are still the best bang for the buck. Seriously, Honda Civic.