Time for a Hybrid. But which one?

Question

Well, with gas the way that it is, I am looking into purchasing a hybrid vehicle, but I want one with class, style, real high combined MPG and affordability. I was thinking maybe about the chevy malibu hybrid? I'm not sure though. What do you guys think?

Answer 1

We were looking for the best fuel-efficient vehicle, and IF we were to buy one, it would have been the Toyota Prius - it's the best overall gas mileage. We decided against a hybrid right now for 2 reasons: (1) extra cost up front, and (2) you'll have to replace the batteries at 80K and that can cost a bundle.

The next best (non-hybrid) was the Toyota Yaris (ugly), Toyota Corolla and the Honda Fit (we bought). You need to look at your needs and driving styles too, but for the MPG and a work/local vehicle, the Fit is great. Toyota and Honda keep their values. A Chevy might be cheaper, but it won't last the 250K miles. Plus the fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with 27 mpg combined are NOT impressive.

Answer 2

This is just because i recently went out and bought a new car with someone... Hybrid's aren't worth getting as of yet. The technology isn't really there yet. They just aren't worth the money. It is a great idea, dont get me wrong. But they dont get better gass mileage... not as much as most people think... Kia's if you buy one brand new, get excellent gass mileage and they are somewhat affordable. I know a lot of people who are buying Kia's and are very happy with them. Every dealer i have gone to has said to stay away from hybrids... hope this sort of helped...

Answer 3

I think you should wait for a little while. I hear honda might come out with a hybrid fit which would be a really great option. The fit hybrids are supposed to be redesigned so you won't have to replace the batteries or whatever it is that needs replacing as much. I know as of now, the base model is around 15k and it's a very cute car. Easy to drive, park, and everything. The safety ratings are also great. The sport automatic gets 27 city/ 34 highway, and that's not even the hybrid model. I suggest you go to honda's webpage or edmunds.com and do some more researching. Honda tends to build very reliable cars. You should also look at the civic hybrid too

Answer 4

Don't get sold by hybrid hype yet.

Some hyrids only get about 2 to 3 mpg more than their non-hybrid counter part.  That is nothing.

My 94 Civic can get 41 mpg - more than most new hybrids these days.

good Luck...

Answer 5

The Prius uses the least fuel of all 4-seater cars sold in the United States. It's moderately priced, and many people like the styling.

Answer 6

I would stay away from American hybrids. Look at the MPG of the Malibu Hybrid and compare it to the Altima and Camry hybrid. Japan is definitely the leader in hybrid technology.

2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

http://autos.yahoo.com/chevrolet_malibu_...

2.4L I4 164HP  24/32 mpg  

MSRP:

$24,695

Invoice:

$23,337

2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid

http://autos.yahoo.com/toyota_camry_hybr...

2.4L I4 192HP  33/34 mpg  

MSRP:

$25,650

Invoice:

$23,084

2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid

http://autos.yahoo.com/nissan_altima_hyb...

2.5L I4 158HP  35/33 mpg

MSRP:

$25,480

Invoice:

Not Listed

Answer 7

Hybrid are not that good, it's all hype.

Most people who own them say they're paying the same amount for gas as they did before they bought one.

So ask someone who has one, someone you know if possible.

Answer 8

Prices are high but the technology is new. Many of my colleagues would agree with me at the moment. I had a long conversation with two Electrical Engineering grad students (I am a EE undergrad) about hybrid vehicles at the present time. They work for a professor who works on related technologies, and i was rather intrigued and well informed about what i heard.

One, the technology is very new, and rather expensive. And yes 8 years or so is still a very new technology. Hybrid is evolving rapidly, and the second (real) wave of hybrid is still 3-5 years away. Better batteries are soon to come, and the Hybrid of today won't even compare to the new second wave.

Repairs: This is half electric now, technicians will Charge more. A lot more.

Ive even personally asked my mechanic, and the batteries are around 4000$. In time this will probably drop, as it has been, still high costs.

Less power in the lower end vehicles.

You are not likely to get a deal.

I would recommend one of two things. If you seriously wish to own a hybrid, and want the look. The Honda Civic hybrid is a much much better car than anything Chevy could even fathom creating. Or the ford focus (not a hybrid)  is 13,000 and gets 35 hwy and 25-26 city or so.

Answer 9

Yes the chevy one is really nice and works great. Kudo's for u on getting a hybrid. Great job. God Luck!