Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Are Hybrids For You?


Filled up on gas lately? With gas prices in Los Angeles reaching more than $3.50, you’re probably digging deeper into your pockets to pay for the outrageous fuel prices. If you’re tired of your oversized gas-guzzler maybe it’s time to go for the green—cars that is.

You don’t have to be a tree-hugger to purchase a hybrid vehicle. Automakers aren’t aiming for the usual eco-conscious consumer anymore because it seems that everyone is affected by the high gas prices and is more concerned about saving gas and money. Everyone is looking for a way to cut back on their fuel usage and helping the environment is a plus.

Andrew Wolfberg, a 37-year-old attorney from Los Angeles,
is considering buying a hybrid.
“I have been in the market for a new car for a few months,”
Wolfberg said. "I have been considering a hybrid car for
many reasons, primary of which is that I feel that we
should not support the OPEC governments.”
Wolfberg believes that OPEC, which includes the
Middle East and Venezuela is comprised of governments
that Americans should not support.
However, gas prices are still a larger issue.
“If I own a hybrid car it will only make a small dent
in the gas usage but every little bit helps,”
Wolfberg said.
Wolfberg currently owns a 1999 BMW. 
“I will look at the Honda Civic and Toyota Prius,” Wolfberg said.
“I am considering the Prius over the other cars because I want
others to know for certain that I am driving a hybrid.”

Not ready to purchase an unknown hybrid vehicle? According to “Ward’s Auto World,” automakers are designing hybrid models of already popular vehicles. Models like the Toyota Camry and Highlander, Honda Civic Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu and the Cadillac Escalade all have alternative versions for easy transition. “Ward’s Auto World” also reports that more than 10 new hybrids, including an alternative Dodge Durango and Saturn Vue will be released within the next year.

Still not ready to commit to a full hybrid? If the technology is what’s setting you back, General Motors offers drivers a variety hybrids ranging from what is considered a “mild” hybrid like the Saturn Vue with a Belt Alternator system to the Two-mode HEV (full hybrid) version of the Vue. GM also plans on creating a plug-in version as well. What if you’re thinking, “OK Alex, maybe I could commit to a hybrid, but I want to get the most miles out of my car.” I have a solution. Consumer Reports suggest that if you’re planning buying a new car, “Consider a high-rated fuel sipper such as a Toyota Prius (44mpg overall in CR’s test., Honda Civic hybrid (37 mpg) or Toyota Camry Hybrid (34 mpg).

Rest easy, I’m here for you.

If you haven’t converted yet, hybrids can do more than save you money at the pump. Hybrids can also help with your taxes.

In the article “Tax Break. Think green, and save some too” from Time magazine, author Dan Kadlec reports that last year was the “first year you can take advantage of incentives built into the landmark 2005 Energy Policy Act, which will reduce your tax bill if you simply buy a fuel-saving car or install energy-efficient appliances.” How much money will you save? Time magazine reports that you can receive a $2,600 tax credit for purchasing a Prius and up to $4,000 if you bought a Honda Civic GZX.

Finally, you may want to know which hybrid is the best hybrid. Well, that depends on what you want in a car overall. I have my eye on the Toyota Prius. According to “Automotive News,” the Prius “remains the head-and-shoulders hybrid sales leader. It starts at about $21,000 and gets about 48 miles to the galloon in city driving.” “Automotive News” also reports that “in the first 10 months of (2007), Prius sales were up 67.6 percent from a year earlier to 150, 272.” Toyota has to be doing something right.

For more information on hybrid vehicles, visit www.hybridcars.com.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think this tax break that the government is giving us for purchasing hybrid vehicles is such a revolutionary idea. I mean what a great way to motivate people to help the environment. The only thing that really gets me is all of the confusion that surrounds the tax credit whenever something does come out that would benefit the people the government has to slap on all this legal "mumbo jumbo" to confuse people who are attempting to get it. Not only that, but the government with the help of the media creates such a fear of the IRS that everyone is too scared to try to get it because they don't won't to end up with the IRS breathing down their throats threatening to throw them and jail and take away everything they own. You know I just came across a article that really reveals this tax credit and strips away the fear the IRS trys to use to scare us into just being good tax paying robot.

Anonymous said...

I think this tax break that the government is giving us for purchasing hybrid vehicles is such a revolutionary idea. I mean what a great way to motivate people to help the environment. The only thing that really gets me is all of the confusion that surrounds the tax credit whenever something does come out that would benefit the people the government has to slap on all this legal "mumbo jumbo" to confuse people who are attempting to get it.
http://blog.nationalpayday.com/taxes/hybrid-car-tax-credit-confusion/

Sycoturk said...

i think that that stuff about the green vehicles is actually kinda cool. I didnt know about the tax breaks and all that, very cool.