Hybrids pay for themselves

[HOZ]

Originally Posted by Flames in 07

HOZ, the other thing to think about when you are doing your math here is resale value. My biggest concern with current hybrids is that although the technology is improving over the last several years, it's still a dinosour. If good strides are made in the next several years, nobody will want your car, they will devalue faster than similar traditional cars.

Hybrids will not make economic sense for quite awhile, it's more a lifestyle/environmental decision at this point.

Very good point. Like a computer. No one can sell a 256K computer now unless it is to a museum!

[GreenTeaFrapp]

I think if you're buying in the US, the Highlander Hybrid makes economic sense. You get pretty good savings when it comes to fuel economy but you also get a far more powerful engine and some options such as Toyota's newest, top of the line vehicle stability technology.

So for a couple thousand more you get more power, better fuel economy and a safer vehicle. That's the value proposition that can drive people to hybrids.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by GreenTeaFrapp

I think if you're buying in the US, the Highlander Hybrid makes economic sense. You get pretty good savings when it comes to fuel economy but you also get a far more powerful engine and some options such as Toyota's newest, top of the line vehicle stability technology.

So for a couple thousand more you get more power, better fuel economy and a safer vehicle. That's the value proposition that can drive people to hybrids.

Don't quote me on this but I think magazine tests found a neglegible difference in fuel economy between the Highlander hybrid and gas models.