Don't Make a $40K Hybrid Car Decision on a $4 Gallon of Gas. Hybrid sales hit a high. Break-even is at least 3 years. Do the math — before you go looking.
Hiya, Rani! I think about this math a lot since Audrey 3 (my amazing Honda) is now 13-years old. She still runs well, though. When I do "the math" behind it, I also consider the environmental impact. While a 2012 Honda CR-V may use gasoline, most environmental calculators indicate that leveraging an existing vehicle that complies with modern emissions standards (which are tested annually in IL) is favorable to creating demand for a brand new vehicle - especially with the battery of an all-electric or hybrid car. So, as much as I'd love the new Volvo Electric SUV, I am sticking with Audrey for as long as she'll have me!
Of course, since my car is 13-years old and paid off AND she gets 27 - 30 MPG, the calculator linked below says it would take DECADES to make it worth the switch - largely because I only drive about 3k miles per year.
David -- as someone who has ridden in Audrey (in more than 1 state, dare I say...) I love hearing a green reason why switching to hybrid doesn't make sense. And cents (ha!)
You know I love a new car smell...but I'm with you -- wait! Audrey does an amazing job of taking us for great bagels.
Hiya, Rani! I think about this math a lot since Audrey 3 (my amazing Honda) is now 13-years old. She still runs well, though. When I do "the math" behind it, I also consider the environmental impact. While a 2012 Honda CR-V may use gasoline, most environmental calculators indicate that leveraging an existing vehicle that complies with modern emissions standards (which are tested annually in IL) is favorable to creating demand for a brand new vehicle - especially with the battery of an all-electric or hybrid car. So, as much as I'd love the new Volvo Electric SUV, I am sticking with Audrey for as long as she'll have me!
Of course, since my car is 13-years old and paid off AND she gets 27 - 30 MPG, the calculator linked below says it would take DECADES to make it worth the switch - largely because I only drive about 3k miles per year.
Hugs,
David
David -- as someone who has ridden in Audrey (in more than 1 state, dare I say...) I love hearing a green reason why switching to hybrid doesn't make sense. And cents (ha!)
You know I love a new car smell...but I'm with you -- wait! Audrey does an amazing job of taking us for great bagels.