Shopping for a hybrid car is quite different from shopping for a regular car. You know that the hybrid will be easy on your budget and great for the environment but what else do you need to ask yourself? Here is a list of questions you need to answer to be able to find your ideal hybrid car.
Do you drive mostly on the highway or do you stick to city roads more? Many hybrids are great for highway driving but others are better when it comes to city roads. Figuring out what kind of driver you are is key to picking the right hybrid to meet your needs.
Do you need to save a lot of gas? The Honda Civic and the Toyota Prius hybrids are both excellent hybrids when it comes to saving a lot of gas. There are also many others who will run a close second to these cars.
Ar you interested in a sedan or would you rather have an SUV? As of today the hybrid car buyer is limited to one or the other but come the year 2009 you will also be able to choose from a full-sized pickup truck. Both the Chevy Silverado and the GM Sierra will be available in a hybrid.
Do you require a lot of space? Once you start shopping for a hybrid you will notice that many of the cars that were once roomier in a regular car are not as large on the interior now that they are a hybrid. If you require a lot of room you might want to make sure you throughly check to see if the hybrid you want has enough leg and head room to accommodate you comfortably. Don't forget to think about traveling. Many new hybrids are short on storage space.
Are you interested in a hybrid that is less or more dependent on it's battery pack? With hybrid cars some use the battery pack more than others will. They have the ability to switch from the gas engine while coasting or at very low speeds. If your interested in a hybrid like this then the Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius or even the Honda Civic is the one to check out.
Do you have the ability to pay for a hybrid? Hybrid cars cost more than regular cars by about $3,000 to $6,000. This increase can greatly effect what cars you are able to afford and whether you can have any extras.
Did you know you can receive a tax credit from purchasing a hybrid? The New Energy tax credit is give when less than 60,000 units of any hybrid have been sold. This credit is up to $3,400. Once 60,00 units have sold the government will begin reducing the credit. Ask your dealer for more information.
People buy hybrid cars for many reasons. Once you have decided why your purchasing a hybrid it will make the choice in which hybrid to purchase that much easier.
