04-29-2007, 01:06 AM
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Engineering first
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Real Name: Bob
Location: Huntsville, AL
Hybrids: Prius Classic 03
Posts: 5,160
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Re: Study Challenges Idea of Hybrid Auto Buyers as Typical Early Adopters
Quote:
Segment 2: The Buyer Calculated the ROI Differently than the Experts According to our study, 16% of Prius buyers stated that the primary reason for buying the Prius was to save money on gas. Given the various analyses that show hybrids do not save enough on gas to pay for their higher purchase price, there might be a tendency to view these people as making an uninformed choice. However, while analysts present their findings as hard facts, they are in fact very much up for debate.
All analyses regarding the costs and benefits of a hybrid purchase are based on assumptions, and reasonable people can make very different
assumptions. As a result, whether or not hybrids make financial sense is very much in the eye of the beholder. That was certainly the case for James Moore, who commutes 45 miles each way to work three days a week. His 2004 Prius has over 60,000 miles on it and he plans to drive it until it wears out.
“I heard people say that the upfront costs for the Prius were too high, but I was willing to risk it. I feel the benefits outweigh the upfront costs.”
A cash flow analysis of hybrid ownership costs bears out James’ opinion and reinforces the view that reasonable people can conclude that hybrids make economic sense. . . .
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Absolutely!
One of the curious aspects of hybrid skeptics is they concede that hybrid taxis make sense. Yet the skeptics can not conceive that anyone else might have a similar driving profile that makes the hybrid a good buy. For example, they claim 15,000 miles per year yet I'm doing about 22,000 miles per year. Their problem is an average of 15,000 miles per year is the middle between those driving less and many who are driving a lot more. They offer their advice even to those who do drive more.
Bob Wilson
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