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Originally Posted by moneyguy
Dave -
You may be right about the batteries. We don't really know yet, which is basically my point.
As for the rest of my post, I stand by it. For those who want to be activists and spend more money to stop the alleged global warming and to reduce dependence upon foreign oil, hell, go for it. Its your money. Me, i'll continue shopping at Wall-Mart for certain things because it is cheaper even though they put the moms-and-pops out of business. America votes with its wallet, and some studies are showing that hybrids, on a cash-vs-cash basis, are costing more to operate than a standard car.
Personally, I'm going to investigate more in the next year. My cars are paid off, and when you factor in a car payment against the fuel savings and higher hybrid purchase cost, it makes no sense for me to just go out and buy one.
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As far as cost effectiveness goes, you're right: hybrids are not the most cost effective, for now. If you can't stomach that, don't buy one. In fact, don't buy any new car either. Go claim a 1988 Chevy Cavalier or a Plymouth Sundance for $500 from the nearest foreclosure auto auction. That would be the most cost effective decision. Any money you dump into the car to keep it running would still be much less than buying any new car, hybrid or not. And you'll still be getting high 20s/low 30s in terms of MPG. Better yet, don't buy any car at all. Drive your current cars into the ground and after your cars are dead, take the bus, subway, or train and walk. Definitely the most cost effective.
America may vote with its wallet as you put it, but, again, money is not the only factor when it comes to autos. Almost every single car in the parking lot outside my office building could be replaced with a cheaper alternative, my hybrid included. A car is about more than cost man . . . every BMW, cadillac, customized mustang, raised F-150, or hybrid that pulls up next to you on the freeway is proof of that.