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When Hybrids Do (And Don't) Make Sense

prostoalex writes "Recently NPR, CNN Money and Wall Street Journal Online have all dedicated some time and space to discussing hybrid vehicle pros and cons. It seems that hybrids do not make much financial sense if (a) you're buying after getting yourself into a debt with not really good interest on a car loan, (b) your battery requires replacement after being out of warranty, (c) your daily commute is not too long, so the price markup you pay for a hybrid does not translate into long-term gas savings." From the CNN article: "They may make a social statement you're interested in, but if you want to save money because of rising gas prices, you're heading down the wrong road, at least for now."

7 of 720 comments (clear)

  1. Re:short distance? charge it. by stuartkahler · · Score: 4, Funny

    This is a great way to cut your fuel costs, assuming you use the AC mains on your neighbor's property.

  2. Re:Some key points missed on NPR discussion by Sloppy · · Score: 5, Funny
    going down hills charges them too, more than going up hills depletes them.
    If that's true, then I have an idea for how to build a perpetual motion machine. It looks like our society's energy problems are about to go away.
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  3. Re:The Prius does have an electric water pump by allanc · · Score: 4, Funny

    Which raises the question... why did you bother running your freezer during an ice storm?

  4. Re:Some key points missed on NPR discussion by cagle_.25 · · Score: 3, Funny

    My wife the pediatrician calls them "Donorcycles".

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  5. Re:Cold shoulder by peawee03 · · Score: 2, Funny

    That, sir, is why you need a hybridized El Camino.

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  6. Re:Hybrid vs Diesel by LiamQ · · Score: 2, Funny

    I recently spent 3+ years in Hybred research.

    How many years would it take to learn how to spell "hybrid"? ;)

  7. Re:Cold shoulder by DavidTC · · Score: 3, Funny

    I thought those were hybrids? ;)

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