Study Show Hybrids Typically Cost 25% MORE To Own Than Conventional Models

CarGurus a leading online automotive community, has determined that the majority of hybrid vehicles cost more to own and drive than comparable gas-powered vehicles. Based on the analysis of 45 hybrid cars which have similar non-hybrid, gas powered models, on average the Hybrid models cost 25% or over $2,200 more to own and operate than their non-hybrid counterparts.

Buying a new Hybrid carries with it a substantial cost premium over comparable gas-powered vehicles. Often time this cost premium can be quite substantial. In the 45 models studied, the average MSRP of hybrids was almost $6,400 more than that of their gas-powered counterparts. But the popular idea that hybrids actually cost less to own and drive via higher resale values and reduced gas expenses proved false in 76% of the cases examined. In the large majority of cases, the gas savings from hybrids did not overcome the substantial price premium paid at the time of purchase.


 


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supercarguy - 9/10/2010 2:49:18 PM

+3 Boost

What about when you factor in the additional resale value because it's a hybrid?

Agent009 - 9/10/2010 4:07:04 PM

-5 Boost

From what I have seen typically it still doesn't factor to be a positive factor.

Agent009 - 9/10/2010 4:07:05 PM

-5 Boost

From what I have seen typically it still doesn't factor to be a positive factor.

Joe_Limon - 9/10/2010 6:55:46 PM

-1 Boost

who would want to buy a partially electric car that has a used battery? The more used the battery is the poorer fuel economy it will get.

WorldofLuxury - 9/10/2010 4:44:17 PM

+3 Boost

Well, the gesture to show an attempt to help the environment has to be worth something - the value is intangible, but it's not invisible.

MorePower - 9/11/2010 5:33:57 AM

+5 Boost

A true attempt to help the environment would be to buy a full electric car, use public transportation or walk/bike. Hybrids are only a stop-gap measure to make sure we are all still shackled to the tit of the oil companies.

Don't get me wrong, I still want a sports car that hits 60 in under 3.3 seconds and pulls over .99g regardless if it only achieves 10 -15 mpg.

WorldofLuxury - 9/11/2010 2:34:16 PM

+3 Boost

That's the thing! Some people can do that, but most can't! lol

Most hybrids are just average cars that are pioneering in electric technology; they operate similarly to a regular car, and it's a nice way for us to adapt to electric technology, which is why plug-ins are a sensible step forward.

ceric - 9/11/2010 1:29:13 AM

+1 Boost

"CarGurus a leading online automotive community..."

Funny. I have never heard of CarGuru before this...
And, what is a "comparable vehicle" for a Prius? Corolla? Camry?
Neither. It is somewhere in between.

knowitall1985 - 9/11/2010 3:15:55 PM

+3 Boost

This study is a bunch of BullS***!

mpls - 9/11/2010 5:02:27 PM

+3 Boost

Some BS study probably sponsored by the germans..There's a taxi firm in Australia that has a fleet of Priuses, they making substantial saving on fuel costs..
people need better independent studies . not ones whos backround sounds dubious..

AgentOrange - 9/11/2010 5:42:49 PM

-5 Boost

A lot of people (tree hugger types) are willing to pay the 25% premium so they can feel good about themselves - and think they are making a contribution to the enviornment..

r15mohd - 9/22/2010 8:14:26 AM

+2 Boost

and then there's some people that rather buy the biggest pick-up, lift it and put on semi wheels/tires to be their grocery getter...get'er done!