Warning: this post contains harsh language
against hybrid vehicles. This is not an assault on any reader who
currently owns a hybrid. These are merely the musings of one man's recent
observations and personal experiences.
Hybrids on the surface sound like a great idea. They run on a combination
of gas and electricity enabling owners to increase MPG, reduce greenhouse
gases, all in a vehicle with the styling and posh of a dishrag. When you
drive a hybrid you make one of the following statements:
1. I don't care how much these things costs! Yes, I paid 4 times as
much for this car as I would have for a regular vehicle.
2. I don't care about style, class, or sophistication. Have you
seen most of today's hybrids? Need I say more?
3. I am better than you because I care about the environment...ha!
4. I purchase solely on emotional appeal without considering either the financial
impact or the environmental impact of this vehicle.
I too was somewhat excited when the hybrid craze took off. Who wouldn't
like to get 55 or 60 MPG? I drive allot so why wouldn't I want to save
money on gas while protecting the environment?
Well, have you ever done the math on the purchase of a hybrid? The
premium you pay for these cars means that it would take on average 15 years for
someone to realize any savings from gas. Also, have you heard that many
of the batteries in hybrids last only 8-9 years and cost upwards of 8 thousand
dollars to replace? Not to mention that the batteries are themselves an
environmental hazard and are not easily disposed of.
Today I took the wife's car in for maintenance. The lot gave me a loaner,
one of Lexus' Rx 400h hybrids. I was stoked because on the outside these
are very sharp vehicles and I wanted to see if all the hype this vehicle has
received was worth it. Now keep in mind that this vehicle sells approximately
10 thousand dollars above it's gas only counterpart.
My impressions? Hated it. First of all the vehicle made me and the
other two guys who rode with my sick to our stomachs. The vehicle had
plenty of power but continually surged back and forth as it switched between
gas and electric. This was the first time in my life where I was driving
and became motion sick. Secondly the increase in gas performance was not
very impressive. 5MPG over the gas counterpart. I don't know about
you but 5 MPG or roughly 75 miles extra per tank is not worth 10 thousand
dollars.
I say phooey on the current hybrids. Buy a car that gets 25-35 mpg (see
Honda), and take the extra 10 thousand and invest in a mutual fund paying out
at 10 plus percent.
Today's hybrids are not worth the extra money or the hype.
Do you have a different experience or take? I would love to know.