Hybrid vs Standard Car Calculator

jeffrey · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2006, 04:59 PM

There has been a lot of debate whether or not hybrid cars actually save you money. While they do get much better gas mileage than conventional cars, they are initially more expensive and can cost more to upkeep. For those that are looking to find out the true cost of a hybrid car in relation to a conventional car they are considering purchasing, there is a new calculator that can help you determine this.

The Hybrid vs Standard car calculator allows you to compare the lifetime cost of a hybrid vehicle to a conventional vehicle you may want to buy. You can put in two cars side by side and see exactly which will cost less over the lifetime of the car.

Once calculations are done, the calculator will give you detailed information on how much less carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and hydrocarbons the hybrid vehicle will create and then give detailed information on which of the two cars costs less to run over the lifetime of the car (my random sampling showed that it isn't always one or the other).

The one current weakness with the calculator is the lack of standard model cars to compare to the hybrid vehicles. The calculator only lists standard cars by Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Jeep and Pontiac. Hopefully more will be added to create a comprehensive calculator on this subject.

Broken Arrow · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2006, 05:25 PM

Thanks for sharing. Very interesting indeed. I compared the Honda Insight to the Honda Civic (standard), and had to fudge the Insight's annual maintenance cost and resale value a bit (because somehow, it doesn't fill that in for you). Overall, there is still roughly a 5k gap between the two. And I was being kind to the Insight's resale and maintenance numbers.

What really blows my mind is the amount of CO2 emissions that you can "save" with the hybrid. 33 tons? Am I reading that correctly?

For my next vehicle, I'm looking at the Toyota Yaris liftback. It's being sold for as little as $11k new, so if I can hold out long enough, I am hoping to get one used for even less. MPG is rated at 34 for the city and 40 on the highway.

kimiko · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2006, 09:16 PM

I had the same thought as you BA, but after reading some comments and reviews, I'm thinking of changing my mind. The $11k is for mannual transmission and I drive auto. According to some, a typical basic car actually runs up to $13K-$15k. Furthermore, since people are getting such incredible mileage, good response out of these cars, and look good doing so, they've used them like crazy. It's like THE car to abuse. I mean 7000 miles in 2 months, what are these people thinking, that's the mileage I drive the whole year.

MonkeyMama · #4 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 12:38 AM

I would love to be environmentally friendly and get a hybrid, but it is just way out of our price range. They are big in California and I know quite a few people who drive hybrids.

Overall since I am such a VERY used car driver, it is just not an option. They do not depreciate rapidly like regular cars - in fact last year they cost MORE used than new. & since they are such a new technology, they aren't as good a buy as other used cars. Who knows what the maintenance is, how long they last, if my awesome mechanic could do the repairs and maintenance, etc. I should check with him I guess.

PLUS my dh has a little Ford Escort. We think it is the best little car. We bought one for $8k used (barely) when they were $10k new. The gas is crazy - more like 35/40 miles per gallon. IT is about as good as a hybrid, and way cheaper to maintain. I am not sure how the emmissions and all that are. But for now it is our affordable compromise. They don't make the Escorts anymore - but a great used car if you want something compact to save gas. That car amazes me, it has room and power like you would never guess looking at it from the outside. Yaris looks similar.

When I am rich I will buy a hybrid to make a statement. For now too broke. The people I know who buy them do not buy them for the cost savings. They are extremely eco-friendly. How it will be for a while I guess.

Broken Arrow · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimiko

I had the same thought as you BA, but after reading some comments and reviews, I'm thinking of changing my mind. The $11k is for mannual transmission and I drive auto. According to some, a typical basic car actually runs up to $13K-$15k. Furthermore, since people are getting such incredible mileage, good response out of these cars, and look good doing so, they've used them like crazy. It's like THE car to abuse. I mean 7000 miles in 2 months, what are these people thinking, that's the mileage I drive the whole year.

Well, there's not a whole lot I can do about high mileage and abuse. However, I am planning to get my next vehicle from CarMax, which has had a solid reputation for quality used cars (my last two was from there actually, and they were all just fine). If the mileage is too high, well, I'd pass on it even if it's a Yaris.

As for the transmission, a 4-speed automatic is available although it may raise the price of the vehicle a bit more.

In the end, when the time comes, I'm just going to go to CarMax and pick up the best car I can find within my budget range.

tinapbeana · #6 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 05:52 AM

i'd love to buy a hybrid, but they were way out of my price range when it came time to either buy another car of dump 3k in the existing one for repairs... i settled on a ford focus, the 'new' escort, and am very pleased so far.

if wishes were horses, i'd have a veggie oil car. probably get an old mercedes for a couple grand, pay for the retrofitting for a grand, convert my 'crack shack' into a bio-diesel facility, and putter my way around town smelling like frenchfries and doughnuts! sounds like heaven, no?

MonkeyMama · #7 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 12:20 PM

Sounds heavenly. I would crave french fries day and night I Am afraid - LOL.

tinapbeana · #8 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonkeyMama

Sounds heavenly. I would crave french fries day and night I Am afraid - LOL.

hehe! the trick is to sell fries and doughtnuts from the car and make the whole endeavor profitable *g*

MonkeyMama · #9 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006, 11:18 AM

Good idea!!!! LOL.

kelsonmk · #10 (**permalink**) 11-14-2006, 12:07 PM

I currently own a Toyota Prius. I bought it instead of a Ford Taurus and I'm sure glad that I did! According to the calculator I have saved about $10,000. I have had my Prius for a year now and I love it. It gets great gas mileage (I average about 50 mpg) and I haven't had any problems with it at all. I don't know much about other hybrids, but I highly recommend this one!

s.saver · #11 (**permalink**) 12-27-2006, 07:01 PM

I really want a prius, but I am saving to pay for it outright. I can't/won't take on a loan. I am really glad that this link was here, I think that it is very informative. I learned that on average if I drove a Ford Explorer vs. a Prius that I would save .11 a mile. HUGE!!!! I currently own a Jeep Cherokee and I figured for comparison reasons this was pretty close. By reading this and working my way through the worksheet, Iam WAY more excited about saving faster to buy my Prius.