Parents just bought a hybrid(pictures)

[Feersty]

My parents just spent $21,xxx on a brand new Hybrid Civic. Definitely would have used the money differently if it was my choice, but I digress.

[Mike]

i dig... i was considering an echo until i saw how overpriced they were

[Evan]

you will never make the premium you pay for a hybrid back in saved gas cost

[Myuki]

you will never make the premium you pay for a hybrid back in saved gas cost

but, but ,but...it's more efficient...and cleaner...and...stuff like that

[G.Irish]

Depends on gas prices and how many miles per year you drive. That said, a Civic LX is probably a better deal than the Hybrid as far as gas mileage and total price goes. There's the feel good factor and the $2000 tax break with the hybrid but as you said you're not really saving money.

Personally I don't see any problem with buying hybrids if you wanna feel like an eco hero. That to me is better than buying a Hummer to stroke your ego.

[white_2kgt]

I'm sorry.

--chad

[CaptainHenreh]

you will never make the premium you pay for a hybrid back in saved gas cost

I did an enormous study on this in one of my classes recently. Compared all kinds of different cars, their hybrid alternatives, everything.

Definitely not worth it right now, even with gas as high as it is. Futhermore, the tax break that you get runs out next year. (or thus sayeth the almighty Edmunds)

That would definitely not make it worth it. Maybe buying a used hybrid. That could be worth one's time. But personally, if I were going to drive a hybrid, it'd be a civic hybrid. It's the only one that doesn't look like an alpaca's asshole.

[G.Irish]

you will never make the premium you pay for a hybrid back in saved gas cost

I did an enormous study on this in one of my classes recently. Compared all kinds of different cars, their hybrid alternatives, everything.

Definitely not worth it right now, even with gas as high as it is. Futhermore, the tax break that you get runs out next year. (or thus sayeth the almighty Edmunds)

That makes me wonder how big the improvements are going to be when the second generation of hybrids debut. If Honda and Toyota really have it in their heads that they're battling each other I think we can expect to see a significant improvement.

[Evan]

and keep in mind that its not a tax credit, its a tax deduction. So its like you made $2000 less the year you bought the car (and only that year). Not too impressive.
I dont even think you can drive HOV lanes with one anymore.

[Sijray21]

i'd also like to point out that they can travel in the HOV lanes with only one person if they choose. Through the tax breaks and all i like the car. I was able to test drive one in the summer and believe it or not the initial pick-up isn't that bad.

IMO a used civic HX would've been the cheaper choice considering they get about 40 mpg and take 87 octane with the initial cost of about $5K. I think it's a good car. The first *scheduled* maintenance is somewhere in the 6 digits though... hock:

[Mike]

IMO a used civic HX would've been the cheaper choice considering they get about 40 mpg and take 87 octane with the initial cost of about $5K.

a hatch can do the same + it looks better and is faster! weeeeeeeeeeee!

[Maengelito]

I'm sorry.

--chad

lol

and evan's right, its not really that great for the tax deduction, it will be a loooooooooong time before you recoup the costs through gas savings and i dont think they can go in hov anymore either. but hey, if you're a hippie, it beats driving your terrorist vw van.

[G.Irish]

and keep in mind that its not a tax credit, its a tax deduction. So its like you made $2000 less the year you bought the car (and only that year).

Aw crap, that sucks. Oh well, maybe next time.

[bassmangrammy]

dude...there is another little fersty in the last picture?!

[Feersty]

dude...there is another little Feersty in the last picture?!

Yeah, going to Tech next year, got a full ride AF ROTC.

[HAULN-SS]

Almost anyone in ROTC gets something at Tech btw..they're starving for those kids. If you cant get into tech on grades, go ROTC (no offense to your brother)

[Dragon]

i dont think they can go in hov anymore either.

See them all the time in the HOV lane on my short stint on 66, they go right by cops and don't get pulled over so I am pretty sure they still can.

[Evan]

after looking it up, Hybrid's HOV priveliges expire July 1, 2006.
But that date may be rolled back due to clogged HOV lanes
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64124-2005Mar1.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ar ... 5Mar1.html</a><!-- m -->

VDOT recommended in January that Hybrids loose the privelege, but the State Assembly renewed it anyway.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A53970-2005Jan6?language=printer">http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dy ... ge=printer</a><!-- m -->


IMO, HOV should be HOV only. what a concept

[JackoliciousLegs]

IMO, HOV should be HOV only. what a concept

I know, I kinda agree, but I like the idea of trying to reward people for getting more enviro friendly cars

[G.Irish]

If two people who would've been driving 30 mpg cars to work car pool thats like one person with a 60 mpg car. With 3 people its 90 mpg and you just put 2 less cars on the road. Rewards for hybrids are great but there should be another incentive instead of defeating the purpose of the HOV lane.