Even if you are an environmentalist, this doesn’t necessarily mean you should buy a hybrid. Yes, in some cases, a hybrid vehicle makes sense and it does help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, however, many things come into play for the hybrid owner, and some of those actually make purchasing the vehicle a bad rather than a good choice. Let us here at University Auto Repair explain what we’re talking about.
Cost
Even though the technology has improved immensely since the first hybrid was introduced to the United States by Honda in 1999, the cost of a hybrid vehicle hasn’t caught up with the average consumer. Costs have decreased over the years, but not enough to bring a hybrid into most people’s budget. In fact, this year – 2019 – many automobile manufacturers are discontinuing some hybrid models in the United States, including Ford, which is axing its C-Max Hybrid.
It Isn’t Just the Sticker Price
The cost of a hybrid vehicle isn’t limited to the sticker price. Maintaining and repairing hybrids can be expensive as well. You’ll pay a lot more to replace the battery in your hybrid than you would in a traditional automobile – try a couple of thousand dollars – and other repairs can be more costly simply because it’s hard to find reliable auto mechanics who work on hybrids. (We do, by the way). Nonetheless, these vehicles are easy to maintain, so the costs can balance out.
Driving Habits
If you drive a long commute in stop and go traffic or love to head out for adventures every weekend to see where the road takes you, then a hybrid vehicle probably isn’t for you. Hybrids are limited by driving range and many still can’t go very far without a charge. This is another thing that hasn’t caught up with the American market. We drive, especially in the big cities, and we need cars that can hop on the road and keep going like the Energizer Bunny. Hybrids can’t.
Still…
You might think you’ll never buy a hybrid after reading this post, but there are advantages to them that might move you from the definitely shouldn’t to definitely should buy column. Hybrid owners in Arizona are exempt from emissions inspections. Many insurance carriers also offer hybrid drivers significant discounts, as does the state with tax perks. Finally, many cities are setting aside special parking spaces for hybrid vehicles, which makes life easier.
Whether you should not or should purchase a hybrid vehicle is a personal decision that depends on your budget and how much money you can save through various incentives. Either way, University Auto Repair are automotive experts in Flagstaff, AZ, that work on all vehicle types. Call us to discuss your automotive service and repair needs.
