Toyota HybridCar

Toyota Prius Battery Life

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:57:00 +0000

What is the average span of the Toyota Prius battery life?

There hasn't been a for sure answer found on the estimated life of the Toyota Prius hybrid battery. There are people who are not getting longevity with their Toyota Prius battery life. Before this started to happen it was found they can run for over 200,000 miles and for about nine years.

The Toyota Prius battery life does last longer compared to the others because of the fact that they get only 60% charged. This also offers scope for regenerative braking. Normally the system usually offers the battery to vary its charge level by a maximum of 10- 15%. Therefore the battery is never allowed to get fully charged.

In the US the entire hybrid system has a warranty of 8 years for 100,000 miles and it does include the Toyota Prius battery life. When you live in California, you can get a longer lasting warranty for your Prius battery. They offer a warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles.

According to Toyota they have not made a single replacement of their battery till date.

Toyota's nickel metal hybrid batteries are expected to last for 150,000 miles while other brands are estimated to last for only 36,000 miles or three years. This estimation of the Toyota Prius battery life has been based on the laboratory bench testing.

Statements regarding the Toyota Prius battery life by Toyota say the life of their Prius batteries is not determined by the time. Rather they are calculated depending upon the mileage. It has proved to be worthy of 180,000 miles quite easily. But they also state that some Prius batteries sold, already are running for more than 200,000 miles without having any problems.

The expectancy of the Toyota Prius battery life is about eight years and you can expect them to last for nine years without any wear or tear. After eight years it might need some replacements. Those who face problems regarding their battery are suggested to try out all the options which are easily available to them. We have found 3 main options you can consider,

You can buy a brand new battery from a dealer. This will set you back between $3000 and $4000 for something Toyota should have never let happen.
You can check out eBay there are some people are selling Toyota Prius batteries for half the cost of the Toyota dealers. They are usually ranging from $1500 to $2500. This can be risky because you will not know how much were and tear or how many miles the battery will have on it.
The best option I have found was on the internet. You can find a guide on the internet which will show you how to rebuild your own Prius battery using just regular old tools you would have in your garage. Some people feel this is a not a task they can handle. They can still save money using this option. There are shops other than Toyota dealers which will actually use the Prius Guide you provide for them and will rebuild the battery for you. This option is a lot cheaper than any of the above options because in most cases you can have your battery rebuilt and your Prius back on the road for about $500 dollars.

For more information on the Prius battery guide you will find it at the link I have posted below. Check out the guide it may be what you are looking for and you will keep a lot of money in your pocket and not Toyota's.

Click on Toyota Prius battery Life to discover how to save thousands on your Prius battery repair.

By Stephen R Williams

Hybrid Cars Advantages and Disadvantages

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Mon, 31 May 2010 05:47:00 +0000

Hybrid cars are considered as the car of the future. It is able to effectively conserve fuel and at the same time, it only produces low levels of toxic fumes. Because of these benefits, hybrid cars are now growing in popularity every single day. Many people are now considering getting rid of their conventional cars and purchase a hybrid car to help in cutting fuel consumption cost.

Hybrid cars have two engines for it to effectively conserve fuel consumption. It has the traditional gasoline engine and it also has an electric motor and batteries. The two engines work together in order to cut fuel consumption. With this technology, you will be able to cut fuel usage by more than half. Just imagine, with a hybrid car, you will be able to go more than 60 miles to the gallon. With this kind of savings, hybrid cars are definitely the car of the future.

Hybrid car owners virtually do not feel the increasing cost in fuel prices. This is the main advantage of the hybrid car. There are other advantages that a hybrid car can give you. Recently, the President of the United States has signed an agreement that hybrid car buyers will be able to enjoy tax incentives. This means that by owning a hybrid car, you will be able to save money on taxes.

There are other benefits that the government imposes on hybrid car owners, such as free parking, and free entry to car pool lanes. Some even offer discounted fees on toll gates.

The braking in hybrid cars is also configured to capture the energy released and uses it to charge the batteries inside the hybrid car. This means that unlike electric cars, hybrid cars do not actually need to be charged from your home electric outlet.

However, with all the advantages that a hybrid car can give you, there are also disadvantages. The main disadvantage of hybrid cars is that the retail price is quite expensive. Only people who have enough money can purchase hybrid cars. However, the twist in all this is that hybrid cars are actually cheaper when compared to conventional cars in the long run. If you compute the total fuel consumption of both cars, you will actually see that you can save a lot more money on hybrid cars.

The only thing is that hybrid cars are expensive right from the car lot.

Hybrid cars are relatively heavy because of the heavy batteries installed inside the car. This is why hybrid car manufacturers integrates smaller internal combustion engines and are constructed with light materials and should be aerodynamic in order to maximize efficiency. This means that hybrid cars can never really go fast.

Another issue about hybrid cars is that it is very risky in accidents. What makes a hybrid car work effectively is also what makes it risky if it ever gets involved in an accident. This is because hybrid cars stores high amount of voltage in its batteries. This means that there is a high chance of getting electrocuted when you get involved in an accident. This also means that it is relatively difficult for rescuers to get the drivers and passengers out of the hybrid cars because of the dangers of high voltage in the car.

These are the advantages and the disadvantages of hybrid cars. Car manufacturers today are now looking for ways to get rid of the disadvantages of hybrid cars. In the near future, you will see that hybrid cars will be lighter and also contains less risk due to high voltage dangers.

Toyota’s Call: Use Of Hybrid Batteries

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:34:00 +0000

We are a little more optimistic now of breakthroughs that would make lithium ion batteries viable in the near term. We are working on this, and a lot of other companies are tackling this problem.”

And so goes the statement of Dennis Cuneo. Cuneo is the senior vice president of the Toyota Motor Corporation’s arm for operations for North America. And despite the fact that the company has previously said last March that they might be finding the answer to high fuel costs for car owners through plug-in hybrids, they are now claiming that their studies have come across data that hybrid batteries could do just the trick.

If this plan on hybrid batteries for Toyota vehicles would be the answer, then automobile experts believe that when these batteries need replacement, shopping for new ones would be just like finding the best kind of Toyota Previa parts for your car. Toyota now further announces that they are hoping that these new breed of batteries would soon be ready and available for the market. And to add to that, the company also claims that along with these new hybrid batteries, they might also even send out a new plug-in hybrid soon enough.

For those who could not remember what the plans for the plug-in hybrid for Toyota has been, according to the company’s engineers, this kind of hybrid vehicle can be actually recharged when you are at home. Just by charging it overnight, you would be able to make use of it come morning light. Of course, you would be needing gasoline however the very difference that this kind of vehicle has over the conventional ones is that the fuel would only be used during occasions when the battery runs low. They did claim that this kind of technology would take quite long to develop and complete.

Mark Clarkson

Toyota concept car

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:30:00 +0000

Toyota has already unveiled a prototype of its Pod concept car, which has headlights that fade from bright to dull and change color to indicate happy, sad or angry moods, depending on how the driver inside is feeling. In a joint effort with Stanford University in the U.S and an Edinburgh based company Affective Media, carmaker giant Toyota has made another leap into making a car that can read one's feelings.

Research showed that a driver's emotional state affected how well they drove: If they were happy, they drove well and if they were sad, they tended to drive worse.
"This is the next generation of car, which can detect what mood you are in," said Affective Media CEO, Christian Jones. Identifying what mood the driver was in by detecting the emotion in their voice was taking things a step further, Jones said. "It's not as sci-fi as it sounds. We already use our voices for different functions inside the car. It's about giving appropriate information at the right time." The in-car voice would talk to you in an attempt to improve the state of your mood. The technology would not act as a counselor to solve complex issues, but it would be more like a "best friend" who could cheer you up at the end of a long day," added Jones.

The technology can let drivers to communicate with each other, in an effort to prevent road rage. The absence of communication between drivers on the road often led to road rage. An alarm is triggered off to rouse the driver whenever it detects the driver is drowsy, quiet and with flat speech Jones believed that "It would give certain information that would help. If they were in a hurry, the car would work out the safer, faster route instead of, perhaps, a scenic route,"

Affective Media develops emotion recognition technology, which can be applied to a number of different situations, not only for cars, but also for call centers, the computer gaming industry and mobile phones. As Toyota now ventures into emotion recognition technology in their upcoming cars, Parts Train never stops delivering top of the line Toyota Replacement Parts as part of its commitment to its loyal customers worldwide.
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Jenny McLane

Hybrid Car Insurance - What's Up With It?

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:31:00 +0000

Buying a Hybrid Car is in! You are thinking about Going Green, and doing your part for the environment. At the same time you hope to save money on gas. Even if you are just mulling about the idea of buying a hybrid car, it pays to find out as much as possible about the cost of owning an environmentally friendly, and fuel efficient hybrid car.

You need to find out the cost of repairs and the cost of insurance before you buy.

Sales of Hybrid Cars continue to rise and the Toyota Prius Hybrid Car just recently surpassed a million cars sold worldwide.

The top 5 Hybrid car models searched for on the internet are The Toyota Prius 5 door, The Honda Civic Hybrid 2 door, the Toyota Camry Hybrid 4 door, the Ford Escape Hybrid 4 door and the Honda Insight 2 door.

When the hybrid cars first came on the market, logic dictated that repair costs would be higher because of the advanced technology.

Cost of repair might decrease as more hybrid cars enter the market, but the fact remains that if a Hybrid SUV and a gasoline powered SUV need the same repairs, the cost of repairing the Hybrid SUV will be higher. In a similar accident both cars would require similar repairs to the body and the gasoline powered engines, but the Hybrid Car version might need extra work to have the hybrid specific components repaired.

As more and more Hybrid Cars are sold, statistics about the driving habits of Hybrid Car owners become more dependable.

Insurance companies will pay close attention to accident rates for hybrid versus non hybrid vehicles to see whether hybrid car drivers are safer drivers than non hybrid car drivers. A preliminary research in California shows this to be the case.

For now however, insurance for a Hybrid Car will cost you more than insurance for the same non-hybrid version of that car.

It pays to find out your insurance rates in advance of buying your Hybrid Car.

Francine Gielis

Francine Gielis immigrated to Canada in 1971. She has been an employer, an employee, an importer, exporter, entrepreneur and long time volunteer. Francine grew up in an automotive business and loves cars. You can find out more information about Hybrid Cars at her website: http://www.the-hybrid-car-store.com

IRS Issues Tax Credit Amount For Toyota Camry Hybrid

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 05:46:00 +0000

Prior to January 1, 2006, people purchasing hybrid vehicles were eligible to claim a significant tax deduction. Now they can claim a monstrously large tax credit.

IRS Issues Tax Credit Amount For Toyota Camry Hybrid

The government attempts to modify the behavior of taxpayers by applying or reducing taxes on certain activities. Alcohol and cigarettes are viewed as health risks, so the government adds excessive taxes to them to try to discourage their use. On the energy front, the government is in favor of people buying hybrid vehicles as part of the effort to reduce our nation’s oil dependence. To facilitate this policy, the government is giving people who buy hybrids a huge tax windfall.

To understand the windfall, you need to understand the difference between a tax deduction and tax credit. A deduction is something you reduce from your gross income. A $1,000 deduction may save you $200 to $400 depending on your tax bill. A tax deduction is a positive thing, but pails in comparison to a tax credit.

A tax credit is not deducted from your gross income. It is deducted directly from the amount of tax you owe. Using the previous example, you would figure out how much tax you owe for the year and then deduct $1,000 from it. Put another way, the tax credit represents a dollar for dollar savings on the actual amount of taxes you owe, a huge savings.

To promote hybrid cars, the federal government lets purchasers claim a tax credit amount set by the IRS. The credit can be as high as $3,400, but is often a bit less. The IRS has just released technical guidance indicating it will allow taxpayers to claim a tax credit of $2,600 if they purchase a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid after January 1, 2006.

For example, if you go out and purchase the car tomorrow, you are going to be very happy when you prepare your taxes for 2006. Let’s assume you do your taxes next March for 2006 and find out you owe $10,000 to the IRS. You would apply the $2,600 tax credit to that amount, reducing your tax bill to $7,400. Not bad, eh?

By: Richard Chapo

Toyota’s Call: Use Of Hybrid Batteries

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 05:44:00 +0000

“We are a little more optimistic now of breakthroughs that would make lithium ion batteries viable in the near term. We are working on this, and a lot of other companies are tackling this problem.”

By: Mark Clarkson

Hybrid Cars: List Of Real Drawbacks To Owning A Hybrid Vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 05:42:00 +0000

As oil prices continue to increase amid depleting supplies and rapid growth in demand, all economies globally are feeling the setbacks of the need to curtail excessive consumption of fuel.

For quite some time, research and development has been actively finding ways on how problems regarding very high demand could finally be eliminated. With the advent of the hybrid car, car owners and users all over the world are now finding relief that indeed there is hope.

A hybrid car is a specially designed and manufactured vehicle that combines the power of the conventional gasoline engine and electricity. In the past, many have referred to hybrid vehicles as electric vehicles.

Technically, a hybrid car could not be classified as purely electric because only about 40% of the energy consumption of the vehicle is from electric sources, in the form of stored electricity in batteries.

Though the wide use of hybrid cars provide hope that in the future, when oil supplies finally and completely runs out, the transportation industry would not feel the drawback. Yes, for now, driving a hybrid auto could equate to a lot of savings on the part of the car owner.

At least, the overall consumption of oil could be significantly lowered. Research is still ongoing so that in the near future, further better versions of the modern hybrid auto could be developed and launched into the market.

However, just like many other predecessor technologies, there are actual setbacks to owning and using a hybrid car. Many people hope that in the coming months or years, people could finally realize a better and more effective hybrid car. Here are the most practical and obvious of those drawbacks.

1. Because the hybrid car technology is still a relatively new car technology, it is just logical that the vehicle is expensive. On the average, a hybrid car these days costs more than the regular and usual cars by around $2,000 to $5,000. That is just right and is expected with the high demand for the car as more consumers get excited about it and manufacturers continue to produce the vehicle models on a limited ability.

2. Any hybrid car needs to allot a significant amount of space for battery. Because the hybrid car needs batteries to keep it going and for the use of some if its functions, the overall weight of the car gets more and more.

3. There are several states in the United States and some other global governments globally that are charging more additional fees and other charges for acquisition and registration.

4. If the hybrid car gets into possible crashes and collisions in the future, there is a risk that the incident would be more tragic. A hybrid car typically and normally has high voltage wires within it.

5. A regular and even simple hybrid car is made of a very complicated car system. Thus, ordinary mechanics would not have the needed and required skills and knowledge to attend to any technical need for maintenance of any hybrid car.

6. Because hybrid cars are still not too rampant and ordinary, buying spare parts may be very hard, if not impossible. Further, costs of spare parts can be very expensive.

7. It is a common knowledge that hybrid cars run slower than regular car models.

By: Alex Baumm

Hybrid Cars: List Of Real Drawbacks To Owning A Hybrid Vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:29:00 +0000

As oil prices continue to increase amid depleting supplies and rapid growth in demand, all economies globally are feeling the setbacks of the need to curtail excessive consumption of fuel.

3. There are several states in the United States and some other global governments globally that are charging more additional fees and other charges for acquisition and registration.

6. Because hybrid cars are still not too rampant and ordinary, buying spare parts may be very hard, if not impossible. Further, costs of spare parts can be very expensive.

7. It is a common knowledge that hybrid cars run slower than regular car models.

By: Alex Baumm

What You Should Know Before Buying A Used Hybrid

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:23:00 +0000

There was once a time when hybrids were restricted to the Hollywood crowd and college professors. However, over the last 6 years hybrids have become widely popular and can now be found in garages of everyday people. As the hybrid market continues to grow so too will the used hybrid market. What should you know about buying a used hybrid? Read on.

The basics

Buying a used hybrid is like buying any other used car. Well, sort of. The biggest concern when buying a used hybrid is finding out the condition of the battery pack. These battery packs can easily cost in excess of $5000 to replace. To ease the concern of new buyers, manufacturers put an extended warranty on the battery pack, hybrid control module, battery control module and other related components. The warranty on these components is usually 8 years or 100,000 miles. You'll want to confirm that the warranty is transferable if it has not already expired. Just like a regular used car, it’s not wise to buy a used vehicle that is from the first year of production for that particular model.

Where to buy a used hybrid

Just like buying a regular used car, there are three typical channels where the average consumer will find a hybrid car. First you have certified pre-owned programs at new car dealerships. Secondly, there are used car lots that are not affiliated with a manufacturer; finally there are private sellers.

The best place to buy a hybrid is through a certified pre-owned program offered through a new car dealership. Toyota, GM, Honda, Ford and others have these programs. Although they typically cost more, vehicles from these CPO programs must undergo an extensive inspection in order to be sold through the dealership. Cars that fail these inspections end up on independent used car lots. CPO programs offer better warranties and often come with an exchange option if you're not happy with your purchase. Private sellers will offer the cheapest price but you have no recourse if something goes wrong.

Maintenance and repairs

Beyond regular oil changes and maintenance, most repairs should be done at the dealership. These technicians are factory trained and certified to work on hybrids. Other garages won't have the equipment or experience to accurately diagnose and fix a mechanical problem on a hybrid. To avoid any hassles, make sure you live in the area of the dealership. Nobody likes taking a day off to get their car repaired. To achieve the best mileage, hybrids come equipped with unique low rolling resistance tires. As the second owner, you'll need to replace these tires at some point if they haven't already been replaced.

So is buying a used hybrid right for you? Well, that’s a question only you can answer. Overall, it’ll likely cost more to buy than a typical used car but you’ll save money on fuel. Get out your solar powered calculator but always remember you get what you paid for.

By: Peter J.H. Johnson

The Immediate Future of Alernative Fuel Vehicles

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Sun, 25 May 2008 03:38:00 +0000

Toyota is will be selling there next-generation Prius for the 2009 model year. With cheap gas no where to be found, it leaves little doubt that this new Prius, which gets even better gas mileage then its predecessor, will be one of the best selling cars in America for the next few years. With that being said, what should we expect in the short term as far as hybrid or alternative fuel technologies? As your well aware, nothing breeds competition like success so be prepared for an onslaught of hybrid, diesel and electric cars to come trickling in from all over the world for the next decade.

First up to bat will be the Chevrolet Volt from General Motors. Even though people are still arguing if GM 'killed' the electric car when they discontinued production of the EV1 earlier this decade, there's no doubt they are trying to revolutionize the electric vehicle market with the Volt. The Volt is still in the planning stages as of this writing and as such is far from a finished product. GM is heading head all-out into this venture as they are tying up a lot of monetary and human capital on the project. According to there website "We have devoted significant resources to this project: Over 200 engineers and 50 designers are working on the Volt alone, and another 400 are working on related subsystems and electric components. That's how important we think this is." Honestly, it could be safe to safe there future may depend on electric vehicles to keep them from going under. The reality is that the consumer SUV and full-size truck market is pretty much gone at this point, and considering that trucks sales provided the bulk of GM, and Ford's, domestic profits it's no wonder that GM is throwing so many resources at electric vehicle research and development. Luckily for GM, it would be impossible to predict the Volt being anything but a wild success for them. The car is projected to be able to travel up to 40 miles on a single charge, well within the range of the average Americans daily commute to work and back. GM is theorizing that if used under 40 miles per day, the car will never use a drop of gas. The only immediate downside is that the Volt, with a delivery target of 2010, is expected to price north of $40,000US. At that price, it could take quite a few years until the technology is seen in an entry level vehicle, and that's what GM need to compete with the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

What about diesel technology? In Europe, diesel is poised to overtake gasoline as the primary fuel used in automobiles, even at high diesel prices due to there increased fuel efficiency. One would think it would make sense to foreign automotive manufactures to import those efficient diesel models to North America, but there are a few reasons that they don't. For starters, much of the existing diesel technology has to be modified in order to meet stringent US emissions regulations, and the other reason being that the demand for diesel cars in the US has historically not been high enough to justify the added expense of meeting all those US mandates. This may all change, however, as rising gas prices in the United States is starting to make diesel powered vehicles look more attractive, even with diesel fuel costing more that gasoline in North America. The renewed interest in diesel powered vehicles has prompted American manufactures, particularly GM and Chrysler, to start serious development of diesel hybrid vehicles. The primary emphasis will be on commercial trucks to try and get those over 30 miles per gallon on average; the technology is easily scalable to smaller trucks and cars as well.

With ever rising fuel costs we can expect to see decreased demand for gas in the United States. In the past, this has usually had the impact of lowering fuel costs as demand drops, but with developing nations ever increasing fuel demands this has offset our decrease in fuel consumption, pushing fuel prices even higher. The question is; will these prices ever stabilize? Yes. But when will that happen, and at what price? It is doubtful that anyone has the answer at this point, but it is safe to say that we are at the beginning of a consumer driven boom in alternative fuel vehicles that could possible spell the extinction of the purely gas driven vehicle.

by Tom Biskner

Water Fueled Cars

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Sun, 25 May 2008 03:37:00 +0000

Possibly double your mileage: Our road tests have achieved 50% increase on a heavy 350 V8 van, 56% on a Ford truck, 107% on my Toyota Corolla, 285% on a Chevy 4WD pickup (this is not a typo). Carter Blankenship III is saving $200-$400 EVERY WEEK on his big rig diesel truck (he constructed a "6-pack" himself from our knowledge, and covered his costs in a couple of days).

Giorgio Rossy from Italy boosted his Volkswagen diesel's mileage by 77%, and Andres Rodriquez from Montana, USA, boosted his truck's mileage by 82% in the first week. Imagine slashing your energy bills left and right!

Clean up emissions that damage your health and the health of your family. When burned, the "Brown's Gas" we produce turns right back into water! No harmful chemicals are emitted from this system. Since your engine would take LESS gasoline and BURN IT MORE COMPLETELY, the overall effect is dramatic reduction in harmful emissions. You'll be able to smell the difference. Greatly enhance engine power and performance. That's why Carter Blankenship's big-rig truck pulls much better uphill. Remove carbon deposits and prevent future carbon build up. That's why many drivers report a smoother operation. Reduce engine temperature - protect your environment and your engine. Prevent global warming while you drive. You will notice a calmer, quieter and much smoother engine & gearshifts. This is due to the effect water has on the combustion cycle inside your engine. Enjoy a longer life expectancy of your engine, especially pistons, valves, rings and bearings. Pride and satisfaction: I enjoy being a leader and advisor on fuel economy. So do Bill and Tom Lang, the original developers, and now Carter Blankenship III who's quickly becoming a model for other truckers. You too will feel a great deal of pride and satisfaction by sharing your newly acquired knowledge with your friends, family, neighbors, community/church members and co-workers. So many drivers and truck/fleet owners are struggling, but they don't have to! Once the word comes out they will come to YOU for advice. It's up to you if you want to turn your new knowledge and experience into an income source. You can! If you are a volunteer or a minister and work for the community, you can share your knowledge as part of your service. In today's crazy gasoline prices, I believe this simple technology is more valuable than free food

by Water4Gas

Domestic Versus Imported Hybrid Cars

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:45:00 +0000

Deciding to buy a hybrid is the easy part, choosing which hybrid you want to choose is going to be a bit more difficult. Although you might have one in mind you might not have taken a look at all the facts which are crucial to making the right choice for you. One question that you need to ask yourself is do you want to purchase a domestic or imported hybrid? Some people might be able to answer that question easily but for others this can be a very hard question to answer. Here is a list of thing you should know and consider when it comes to choosing a hybrid car.

1. Imported Hybrids have been around a while: The Toyota Prius has been on the market since 1998. It is the one hybrid that has really has a chance to be tested being it is the longest running hybrid available. Domestic hybrids on the other hand have only been on the market for a few years, some as little as 2 or 3 years. The imported hybrids have been available for 5 years or even longer.

2. You will pay about the same price: With the exception of luxury sedans such as the BMW and the Lexus, both imported hybrids and domestic hybrids cost about the same amount. You will even find a few imported hybrids that cost less than a domestic hybrid.

3. All the technology came from an import: Although Toyota patented the technology of the Prius Hybrid which is what game them the upper hand in the hybrid industry, many companies are leasing this technology from them. Ford is one of these companies so whether you purchase an imported or domestic hybrid the technology all came from an import car either way.

4. Imports are harder to repair: Conventional imported cars can be difficult to get repaired so the same goes for a hybrid import. Some makes and models will make it hard to find a qualified mechanic to do the work correctly. This is true more so with the expensive models such as the Volkswagen and the Porsche.

5. Both of them still come with an owners manual: Conventional car or hybrids still have owners manuals that you need to read when you purchase a vehicle to understand it so you know that your new domestic hybrid doesnâ€™t need water and your import can not use unleaded gasoline.

6. Domestic hybrids are built on volume: Domestic cars tend to be built by volume which means that the factors are expected to manufacture a large amount of cars in a very little amount of time. Imported car manufactures take longer to make the car because it requires more car to make them last much longer than the domestic car.

No matter whether you choose to purchase an imported or domestic hybrid in the long run just buying a hybrid is better for you and your budget. And better for everyone and the environment.

You might also want to see the best hybrid cars and discuss it in the hybrid car forums

by Thomas Jones

The Most Important Hybrid Car Information

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:41:00 +0000

When picking out a hybrid car, many customers seem to overlook all the hybrid car information that they should be looking at. Granted, many cars manufactured at present (hybrid or not), really do sell on their looks and just how comfortable they ride. But buying hybrid cars are slowly changing car shopper habits.

Mileage

When you think about a hybrid car or when you choose one, it all boils down to one thing: mileage. What shoppers didn't know in the past is that mileage means everything. It dictates how far a car can go on a gallon of gas and even tells you a little something about the gas that is being used and how much emissions a car makes. When you go out shopping for a hybrid car, this is probably the first thing you will have to keep an eye on through a quick scan of a hybrid's EPA rating.

Features

Now, since hybrid cars are essentially cars of the future, you might want to look at every square inch of it as well. These new cars are not just designed to look great and save gas. It's their technological features that should be taken to consideration.

The Engine - First of all, the hybrid engine is something that everyone should marvel about. Many hybrid vehicles actually use two engines and this is important hybrid information for anybody in the market for a hybrid vehicle. One engine runs on gas and it provides juice for a separate electrical engine that will help power a hybrid.

The Battery - Another great technological feature is that as a hybrid runs along on the road, the gas engine and the movement of the vehicle help to charge special battery cells that power the electrical engine. This is a great way to conserve energy and it does not take a lot of fuel to run a hybrid either. Lastly, a stop start feature that is gaining recognition in the motorist world is something that was first seen in hybrid vehicles. Basically, this technology allows a car to shut down almost completely when it is on stand still which means no gas is being used when one is stuck in traffic. The car starts up and moves again when the accelerator is pressed again.

The Advantages

There are so many advantages to consider when using a hybrid car. Current manifestations of these vehicles definitely dispel the idea that hybrid cars are too small and too unattractive to be seen driving around in.

Looks - Take the Toyota Prius as an example. It is one of the leading hybrid vehicles that not only boast of one most fuel-efficient technologies, but it looks good as well. Its sleek body has been the inspiration for many other car manufacturers looking into getting into the hybrid car craze but trying to make their cars look good as well. Some mid-SUV range vehicles are also now getting into the hybrid engine craze and this is a perfect idea for those who want to make a change but still want to own a car that's large and commanding.

Hybrid cars are definitely worth looking into if you are looking to buying something new for your everyday usage. Know what to look at first and remember to ask all the important hybrid car information such as what technology it uses and what mileage particular models can achieve to the gallon.

by Anton Rowd

Six Easy Steps To Buying A Hybrid Car

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Wed, 21 May 2008 04:05:00 +0000

Buying a hybrid car is a big decision, even more so nowadays because there are many more hybrid cars and hybrid trucks to chooes from. Having a larger choice is both a good and bad thing. Not only do you have to decide which company to buy from but you also have to decide between getting a hybrid car or a hybrid truck or even a hybrid SUV. The decision can be simplified by knowing why you’re buying the hybrid; the issue of saving gas mileage versus just getting a hybrid vehicle in order to say you are driving a hybrid.

Hybrid cars combine two or more sources of power, usually consisting of an electric motor that regenerates energy through braking power and a standard gasoline engine, Because of the regenerated electric power, you are able to use much less gasoline to get where you want to go, which is how a hybrid vehicle saves you money. A hybrid is not an electric vehicle, and does not have to be recharged at night or anything like that. A hybrid is simply a gas powered car with electrical motor assistance.

Many forms of hybrid cars, hybrid trucks, and hybrid SUV’s are currently on the market or coming to market. These include but are not limited to the Toyota Prius, the Lexus GS 450h Hybrid, the Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid, the Toyota Highlander and 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid, and the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV.

Because of the large influx of hybrid cars, the cost premium of buying one has started to go down. President Bush even said that to cure our addiction to oil, we must invest in hybrid cars and other energy technology, so now is the time to consider buying one, especially with the world’s oil fields being so unstable and gasoline rising almost daily.

Which leads us to the key question, how do you best go about buying a hybrid car? Of course the start of that answer lies in 6 simple steps, which I have titled HYBRID.

•H – How to know if buying a hybrid is right for you.

•Y—Your personal driving habits might determine your choice

•B—Before you even think about buying, be aware of your options

•R—Research thoroughly the manufacturer and dealer to get the best price

•I—Investigate other dealers, and also check online, it may be cheaper to buy in another state and have the hybrid car shipped to you

•D—Don’t ever go by sticker price. A MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is just that, a Suggestion, so if you have done all the previous steps you will be armed sometimes with even more information than the salesman, thus allowing you to have the upper hand in the negotiation.

By: Tracy Robinson

Consider A Hybrid Car To Save Gas

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Wed, 21 May 2008 04:04:00 +0000

Why you should consider a hybrid Vehicle...

Hybrid vehicles work by combining a gas powered engine with an electric motor generator that gets power from a battery pack. You do not need to plug in or charge your hybrid, as most vehicles have the ability to charge themselves while you are driving. This onboard system is called RESS (rechargeable energy storage system).

You may already know that hybrid vehicles are a good way to reduce pollution and harmful emissions and are therefore more environmentally friendly. But did you know that a hybrid vehicle can save you up to 250 gallons of gas each year?

There is also a special program implemented by the IRS that allows new owners of hybrid vehicles to apply for a tax break. Your local tax preparation office or any dealership that sells hybrid vehicles can tell you more about this special financial benefit.

You can expect to pay a few thousand more for a hybrid vehicle than you would a non-hybrid of the same type. How much the vehicle costs will depend on the year, make and model. For example, the affordable Honda Accord hybrid runs around $30,000. On the other end of the spectrum, the luxury RX400h SUV hybrid offered by Lexus will cost at least $10,000 to $15,000 more.

With rising gas prices and increasing alarm about the condition of our environment, hybrid vehicles are becoming more and more mainstream with each passing day. If you're considering purchasing a hybrid vehicle, research is the first order of business. It's always a good idea to do a little preliminary searching online before ever entering a dealership so you will know more about the vehicles you are interested in as well as how much you can expect to pay for them. You may initially be paying more for a hybrid car, but when you consider the overall benefits, purchasing a hybrid vehicle may prove to be a wise investment.

By: Lyn Davis

Saving Money With A Hybrid Car

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Wed, 21 May 2008 04:01:00 +0000

Hybrid Cars not only seek and help out the environment, but they can also save the consumer money through government incentives and other motives, all which add to the worthy reasons why consumers should be investing in this low fuel expenditure and unique car. The cars are being seen as a car of the future and certain states in America are giving advantages to owners of them.

In terms of tax savings, consumer reports testify that hybrid car owners can save up to $3,400 on taxes when they buy a hybrid car instead of a regular vehicle. There are also now incentives to having a hybrid car because of the insurance; many insurance companies have claimed that they will be offering a policy discount to customers who drive hybrid cars, in some cases up to ten percent. Hybrids can also save money because a $284 billion highway bill has been passed into law that contains a provision allowing states to open high occupancy vehicle lanes to all hybrid cars rated at least 45 miles per gallon, even if there is only one passenger. A few states in the Unites States such as California, have decided to give incentives to the owners of hybrid vehicles in the form of a cut in annual registration fees, excise duties and also free parking to the hybrid vehicles.

Hybrid cars provide reduced running costs because of their lower fuel expenditure which means that the consumer will save in gas costs throughout the year. Hybrid cars can go more than six hundred miles before the gas tank needs to be refueled, which saves both time and the money of the consumer. A study found that putting together the costs of financing, fuel, insurance, state taxes and license fees, repairs and upkeep, over five years a hybrid Prius, for example, will cost $13,408 fewer than a similar size non-hybrid sedan, which means that hybrids will save money for the consumer over a few years.

It is clear that while hybrid cars are playing their part to save the environment, hybrids also save the customer money, which is a key incentive when choosing to purchase one of the innovative hybrid vehicles on the road today. If more people choose to purchase the vehicle, more incentives may be offered by the government and individual states. Hybrid cars may well be the cars of the future years to come and benefit our environment, as well as saving the consumer money.

By: James Gunaseelan

Toyota FTSX Concept, A Bolder, More Decisive Image For Toyota; Retain The Image With Toyota Aftermarket Parts

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:48:00 +0000

he goal of the Toyota FTSX concept is to have the space and ride height of an SUV with the comfort, handling, and efficiency of a sedan. "We began with a totally new silhouette and package, lower and wider than an SUV, but taller, more comfortable, and more versatile than a sedan. Add a powerful V6, all-wheel drive, 21-inch wheels, four doors, a large, multi-function glass roof and an innovative rear hatch and you have a vehicle with exceptional functionality," remarked Kevin Hunter, vice president, design and studio activities at Calty Design Research, Inc.
Powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine, the FT-SX is 187 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 61 inches tall. It uses 21-inch wheels (though a production model would probably not go over 18 inches) with 255/45R21 tires, and has a 114-inch wheelbase.

The FT-SX features a powerful V6 engine, all-wheel drive, 21-inch wheels, four doors, a large, and a multi-function glass roof. The four-door concept boasts V-6 power, all-wheel drive, 21-inch wheels, and a large glass roof. Toyota claims that the front-end layout of the FT-SX is "an all-new expression" and that the look, which it calls "T-Face," will become the new design language for the company.

The FT-SX has a trick rear hatch, which allows two panels in the glass roof to slide toward the center of the vehicle, creating both a larger opening and a rear sunroof. Pivoting the upper and lower halves of the hatch up or down, respectively, can make access to the cargo area. When the lower part of the hatch is down, a loading tray automatically extends to aid with cargo loading and unloading. The Toyota FTSX concept is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 and automatic transmission, with running gear for on-road performance.

Parts Train is the right place to find top of the line Toyota auto body parts, replacement parts, performance parts, OEM parts. Its huge inventory includes suspension, shocks, struts, AC parts, radiators, belts, hoses, tune-up parts, brakes, air filters, fuel filters, engine parts, spark plugs, steering, exhaust, service repair manuals, tail lights, fog lights, headlights, clutch, fuel pumps, fuel injectors, electrical & electronic parts, and much more.

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By: Jenny McLane

IRS Announces Tax Credits For Toyota Prius

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:46:00 +0000

The Toyota Prius is the vehicle that started the entire hybrid vehicle craze. It continues to dominate the market and the IRS has announced the tax credits for this year.

In an effort to promote energy efficiency, the federal government has instituted an energy program that provides financial rewards for energy efficient products. The government realizes prodding us with words is not going to work. As such, it has decided to issue tax credits to motivate us to conform our activities to the desired goal. In this case, reducing our oil dependency is the key.

The Toyota Prius was the first mass production hybrid vehicle. It was such a hit that Toyota could not come close to filling orders the first few years. This is still the case to some extent, a reflection of our rising environmental consciousness and high gas prices. The tax credit you get with a purchase provides another reason to buy this peppy little vehicle.

The IRS issues tax credit amounts for hybrid cars that meet its standards. Various manufactures have been approved including Ford, Lexus, Honda, Mercury and, of course, Toyota. In this case, the tax credit is $3,150. You must purchase the car new from a dealer to qualify for the credit and the sooner, the better. The tax credit is graduated, which means it gets reduced as more cars are sold through the year. The full credit is only available through the quarter of the fiscal calendar of the year after which Toyota sells the 60,000 car. If you buy in the following two fiscal quarters, you can only claim half of the tax credit. The subsequent two quarters see a reduction to 25 percent of the tax credit. After that, you cannot claim any of the credit.

It is important to understand the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction. A tax deduction is taken from your adjusted gross income, which helps a bit. A tax credit is a dollar for dollar reduction of the amount of tax you owe. In this case, the tax credit could be used to reduce a 10,000 tax bill by $3,150 to $6,850. That is a huge savings any way you cut it.

Obviously, hybrid vehicles are hot sellers and make sense on a lot of fronts given outrageous gas prices. The tax credits that come with each purchase certainly adds to their popularity.

By: Richard Chapo

Hybrid Cars - 7 Things You Must Know

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:12:00 +0000

Hybrid cars are being seen more and more on the roadways. You may not even realize that some of the vehicles you pass everyday are hybrids. They are becoming so integrated in the automotive market that hybrids are a top choice for consumers buying new vehicles.

Hybrid cars are often misunderstood, though. In the past hybrids were much different and many people still believe the things they had once heard. Hybrids have evolved, though, and today's hybrid cars are nothing like the hybrids of the past.

Here are seven things you need to know about hybrid cars. These seven things will dispel rumors and help you to understand what a hybrid is and how it works.

1 - Save the earth.

Hybrid cars are gaining in popularity and are being pushed by major auto makers because they are so much better for the environment than traditional cars. Hybrid cars reduce the emissions that cause pollution and other environmental issues.

The way hybrid cars reduce emissions is because the electric motor does not produce the harmful emissions of a traditional engine. Since in a hybrid the electric motor is used half of the time or more, the emissions are greatly reduced.

2 - Allow you to save money.

Hybrid cars run off of both the electric motor and the gas engine, but the gas engine is not used all the time. This allows you to get more miles to the gallon of gasoline. Less gas usage means less money you are spending.

Additionally, many states allow tax incentives for buying a hybrid car, so you will save some money on your next tax return just for buying one. Some states even offer free parking and reduced registration fees for hybrid car owners.

3 - They are built tough.

The battery of a hybrid car is super strong. Since the introduction of mainstream hybrids in 2000, no hybrid car has needed a battery replacement. Also since the electric motor reduces the emissions and runs cleaner regular maintenance is going to be needed less often and problems are less likely to occur as frequently.

4 - They are quiet.

One of the perks of the electric motor is that it is very quiet. It is so quiet that there has been some concern from the blind community that these cars may be too quiet and pose a danger to those who rely on hearing cars when they are walking.

5 - They have been around for centuries.

The idea of creating a hybrid car is nothing new. The earliest cars were nothing compared to today's models, but today's models are all based on those early hybrid designs.

6 - They fit every style.

As hybrids have gotten more and more popular, manufacturers have started to produce almost every model of vehicle in a hybrid. No matter what you want - car, van, truck or SUV - you can find it in a hybrid.

7 - They continue to evolve.

Hybrid technology continues to evolve and change. Hybrids keep getting better, more efficient and less expensive every year. Eventually it is thought that all new vehicles will be hybrid models. Until then, though, the new hybrids keep being introduced with more features and perks then the previous year's models all thanks to continuous work on hybrid development.

By Joseph Then

Hybrid Cars and Taxes

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:00:00 +0000

While purchasing a hybrid vehicle may be absolutely beneficial to some owners due to a promise of a number of benefits, namely:

1. Reduction in cost of Insurance 2. Gas and Mileage Savings 3. Tax Credit

Consumers must always be aware of any new information that could affect their decision to invest on these vehicles.

It is obvious that out of these three main benefits, tax credit is definitely the green light for these buyers to opt for Hybrids. What they do not know is that, tax credit is also subject to certain conditions which will one way or another affect them as a buyer and the vehicle as well.

Before proceeding to invest on a green car, whether as a whole or in part, it is recommended that you conduct your own research for the tax credit offered each year by the federal government, also known as the New Energy Tax Credit. Digging some further info will not only educate the consumer on the scheme, but will also give them a greater understanding of the conditions imposed on these tax credits. Conditions such as, these tax credits or incentives is not at all permanent and is in fact being subjected to discontinuation or worse, a complete phase out.

This tax incentive proved to be very rewarding to buyers of hybrid cars after December 31, 2005. Records show that about USD 2,000 tax refunds has been granted for vehicles purchased before 2006 and on one hand, vehicles purchased after December 31, 2005 were eligible to refunds as high as USD 3400, which is a remarkable difference in the amount of tax refund.

The vehicles that were covered of this tax refund were Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, GMC Sierra Hybrid, GMC Yukon 1500 Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. The list also includes several gas-saving green vehicles that are not considered as hybrids.

Again, before investing on these vehicles, buyers must strictly take note that while these vehicles are eligible for New Energy Tax Credit scheme, buying any of these vehicles does not give them an assurance of a tax credit.

You see, tax refunds eligibility of a vehicle depends on the mark of sales each model or make has reached. For example, if the number of sales for a certain eligible vehicle has reached its maximum, only 50% of the number of vehicles specified by the Tax Credit scheme will be entitled to the incentive, this system follows once the next mark of sales is attained, this time only 25% will be entitled to the tax refund. A consumer will not be entitled to a tax refund if a maximum sales target of a certain green or hybrid car is achieved.

Furthermore, tax credits will not be rewarded to consumers for Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid, as well as several Lexus gas-saving models if purchases are made after October 1, 2007. The same applies for purchases made after January 1, 2009 for Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid.

Now, if you are really that interested to invest in Hybrid vehicles mainly due to tax refund despite the gradual discontinuation of this incentive, it will therefore be worthwhile to do your research as there are still some vehicles advised to be still eligible for tax refunds, these in particular, are the upcoming 2009 and 2010 hybrid models.

Taking some time to educate ourselves on these few points wonâ€™t cost us anything. It will in fact prove to be very useful before making a final decision. Letâ€™s not forget we are investing our own money for these types of vehicles. Being well informed before hand could result to your main target, a good hybrid car investment plus the benefit of a tax refund which only means, MONEY.

by thomas Jones

2008 Hybrid Car Market Continues To Evolv

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:35:00 +0000

The 2008 auto year is officially under way, and new models of 2008 hybrid cars are now or will soon be available to consumers. For those unfamiliar with hybrid cars, let's briefly explain why they differ from regular vehicles and why environmentally conscious consumers prefer hybrid vehicles.

For those unfamiliar with how hybrid vehicles work and what they do, here's a short primer. Hybrid vehicles typically use both an energy storage system and a traditional gasoline engine, thereby eliminating sole reliance on gas for power. This in turn expends less gas and less harmful emissions.

To many, hybrid vehicles are appealing, especially as gas prices reach record levels. Hybrid vehicles boast an energy storage system, which recycles energy and circumvents the gas burning engine and powers the vehicle on this recycled energy. Those who may benefit most from hybrid vehicles are city drivers, who are more prone to gas wasting situations like traffic stops, idling, and stop and go traffic.

The Partial List Of New 2008 Hybrid Cars:

Midsize Hybrid Vehicles:

Chevy Malibu rolls out a new hybrid model as a 2009 offering late this summer or early fall. Others with similar plans include the Ford Fusion and Saturn's AURA in their Green Line. Also expect a new version of the Mercury Milan as a hybrid.

Crossovers and SUV's Go Hybrid:

Expect Saturn to roll out the VUE as the newest member of their Green Line, offering half the emissions of their regular model. Also with new models will be the Chevy Equinox, Toyota Prius, and Toyota Sienna.

Hybrid Pickups and Hybrid Trucks:

New from General Motors in the hybrid pickup and full size truck category will be the Chevy Silverado, a full size pickup expected to debut as a 2009 model. Also from GM and another 2009 model will be the GMC Sierra, also a pickup.

Other 2008 Hybrid Car Happenings:

Of interest is the first hybrid car from China, the Roewe 750, a midsize car. Chinese car manufacturer SAIE is producing the hybrid 750, their version of the United Kingdom's Rover 75.

Expect to see even more hybrid car and hybrid truck model introductions as we move into the 2009 and 2010 model years. The hybrid car and truck market is ever expanding, and auto manufacturers are more than happy to meet the demand.

by Jim Hofman

Green Cars - A Brighter and Cleaner Future

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:44:00 +0000

More and more cars are on the road every day, and it is estimated that more than a billion cars will be on the roads by the year 2020. With more and more cars hitting the roads each year, many people are beginning to look for greener options for their vehicles; in fact, governments are even beginning to put pressure on car manufacturers to develop cars that are friendlier to the environment. While in the past green cars were something that most people only dreamed about, today there are a variety of options available for those who are looking for a car that is environmentally friendly.

Several Different Technology Choices

Today as more and more people become environmentally conscious, there are a variety of greener alternatives that are beginning to show up in show rooms in the United States and even in Europe. For those looking for a car that runs green, there are now several different technology choices to consider, including alternative fuels, battery cars, and of courses the ever popular hybrids.

- Alternate Fuels - Perhaps the most futuristic technology when it comes to vehicle propulsion is alternative fuels used in fuel cells, which actually happens to be the cleanest form of vehicle transportation. Several car manufacturers are investigating hydrogen powered vehicles as well as cars that are powered by ethanol instead of gasoline. Vehicles with fuel cells have great potential, although it has not been fully explored. In the past infrastructure for these fuels have been a barrier to their product, but Honda has recently opened a station in California that actually is a hydrogen fueling station. Their goal is to show how alternative fuels can perform, offering consumers a new way to look at transportation.

- Battery Cars - Another type of technology that is employed when it comes to green cars is the electric battery. Actually battery cars have a long and extensive history, and they have been researched for some time. However, it has only been recently that they have shown to be viable in the mass vehicle market. As battery technology continues to improve, more cars are being introduced into the market with battery technology. There are many green advantages to battery operated cars, including great energy efficiency and no pollution; however, until recently they have been very limited, both in speed and electric charging.

- Hybrids - When it comes to cars that are friendly to the environment, the most popular and promising technology is the hybrid technology. Hybrids are unique, in that they use electric motors and an internal combustion engine as well. Fuel efficiency is boosted, since the electric motor can take over and help to lower the usage of fuel. Since the electric motor offers support, the gasoline engine is a lot smaller and much more efficient as well. In fact, in parts of travel, the gasoline engine may shut down altogether. The energy from the gas engine also helps to charge the battery, so you don't have to worry about recharging it, like you have to with electric battery cars, and the emissions are significantly lower than other gas powered vehicles. Probably the two most popular hybrid cars on the market today include the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight.

Greener Cars for 2007 and 2008

Today there are a variety of options available when it comes to green cars. There are far more options than there were a few years ago. So, let's take a closer look at some of the cars that have the best green performance in 2007 and 2008.

One of the greenest cars out there on the market today is the Toyota Prius. This car has a pair of electric motors along with a four cylinder engine. The Prius has the best fuel economy of any mass market car in the United States. The Honda Insight is fairly close to the Prius as well, and also has a lot to offer. You'll also find that another great car for the environment is the Smart For Two car. It is a small car that only needs a very small motor - a 3 cyclinder engine, which gets about 33 mpg around town. The Nissan Altima Hybrid is also an excellent car which is friendly to the environment and is tuned to get great fuel economy in the city.

Of course these are just a few of the environmental cars that are now available on the market for purchase. It is easy to see that the technology around greener vehicles is ever expanding, and no doubt in the next few years, you will continue to see great strides made in this area of technology as well.

by Fei Lim

The Most Important Hybrid Car Information

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:39:00 +0000

Mileage

Features

The Advantages

by Anton Rowd

2008 Hybrid Cars

noreply@blogger.com (garu) — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:48:00 +0000

If you're looking into buying a 2008 hybrid car or truck, make sure you don't get fooled into thinking that "hybrid" automatically means more fuel efficiency. It's not sufficient that your hybrid car or truck gives off fewer emissions, it also has to be fuel-efficient or you're not helping the environment anywhere near as much as you think you are. And, since you'll pay more for a hybrid and gas is running over $3 a gallon, that's an important consideration.

Often US automobile manufacturers focus too much on performance at the expense of fuel efficiency. As an example, the 2008 Toyota Prius gets up to 48 mpg and gives off 4 tons a year of carbon dioxide, while the Chevy Tahoe gets a whole 20 mpg and gives off 9.2 tons of carbon dioxide annually. Quite a difference! Particularly for people considering buying a hybrid for environmental reasons.

When considering buying a 2008 hybrid car, remember to take several things into consideration.

One factor is that they tend to be more expensive, but don't necessarily hold their resale value. It depends on the model. If you're buying a hybrid, don't plan on its paying for the difference in price by the savings in fuel.

Another is that your favorite mechanic might not be able to work on hybrids, beyond the basics such as oil changes, leaving you stuck with having to use a dealership, which also tends to be more expensive.

Also be clear on what you want from a hybrid car. Smaller hybrids get far better mileage than larger vehicles. Larger hybrid cars get better acceleration but at a cost in mileage. Also, consider how you plan to use your hybrid car...long trips, trips around town, hauling things...as all these need to be factored into what hybrid car is best for you and your family.

Definitely make sure you read the reviews of the various 2008 hybrid cars you're interested in. Consumer Reports obviously is an excellent resource, as is Car and Driver (caranddriver.com). And, when possible, check out owner reviews as well.

For example, the Car and Driver editors' rating for the 2008 Honda Civic hybrid was a 7/10. However, users rated it as a 9/10, and the only complaint from owner reviews was road noise. This type of review, in combination with those of professionals, can help you decide which 2008 hybrid car is best for you.

by Steven Longoria