does it make sense to go hybrid?
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,184
Likes: 95
From: Granville OH
Your goal should be to minimize cost, not save money. There's a difference. You should put together several scenarios and crunch the numbers for the entire life cycle - purchase price minus residual value+maintenance+fuel+insurance. Then pick the scenario that gives you the lowest cost per year and per mile.
If you consider maintenance and depreciation, you will likely find a 5 year old Corolla or Civic with a manual tranny a better option. It will get great gas mileage, depreciation and insurance will be minimal, yet should still be reliable. Keep in mind that depreciation tends to be more expensive than gas for most people. If you buy it from a third party rather than a dealer, you probably can get a good deal.
If you consider maintenance and depreciation, you will likely find a 5 year old Corolla or Civic with a manual tranny a better option. It will get great gas mileage, depreciation and insurance will be minimal, yet should still be reliable. Keep in mind that depreciation tends to be more expensive than gas for most people. If you buy it from a third party rather than a dealer, you probably can get a good deal.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: La Crescenta, CA
Originally Posted by laguna2s2k,Oct 24 2007, 08:29 PM
I believe this is true! redo the #s! Im impressed with the plan you have, very reponsible, proper and mature! I dont know how old you are (id like to know!), but you have your crap straight! Just one thing, ask yourself how much do you love your S? If it is just another car then, cut all the costs you can and get that house! But if like most of us here, your savings will not warrant the loss of something you love! Balance happiness with responsibilty, hell it might just be worth riding out the lease! This is your time now! When the Kids come,it will be all about them. No more S! Least till later.
Ive been there, except I never had an "S" to miss, prior to marriage! Im ass backwards on this site, marriage-house-kids-S. I consider myself lucky, at 35 to get all the things your worried about done, and be able to have my S. It usually doesnt work that way! (3 kids, and no Im not rich!)
Ive been there, except I never had an "S" to miss, prior to marriage! Im ass backwards on this site, marriage-house-kids-S. I consider myself lucky, at 35 to get all the things your worried about done, and be able to have my S. It usually doesnt work that way! (3 kids, and no Im not rich!)
i love my s so much. Thats why its so hard to let go. But i a willing to biteth bullet for a while. I learned a lot from my gf's sister. When she got married, they didnt have much money saved, nor did they have anything prepared. They went through some rough times in the begining and i told myself that I will not put my gf trough the same thing her sister went throuh.
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 591
Likes: 25
From: Arizona
Hybrids are a joke.
Does the public realize what kind of pollution is emitted from manufacturing the batteries and processing the raw materials in them?
What about the disposal of them?
Diesel is the future. We'll never get off petroleum until fusion power is a reality.
Does the public realize what kind of pollution is emitted from manufacturing the batteries and processing the raw materials in them?
What about the disposal of them?
Diesel is the future. We'll never get off petroleum until fusion power is a reality.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 21
From: Dallas, TX
If we're talking about gas mileage, I've done some math. Let's assume that a hybrid gets 40 mpg and a normal car gets 25. Assume you drive 10,000 miles a year and gas costs $3. You will spend $750 and $1200 in gas respectively. $500 dollars of savings per year on gas. But the difference between a hybrid is ~$5000?
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AP1 and AP2 Clear Headlight Diffusers!!! - Clear out your S2000 headlights!
LED Conversions for all S2000 lights
Keyhole Covers - Get the Shaved look
Oil Drain Valve - Easiest Oil Change ever!
_________
For LEDs for your other cars, head to our new website: SupernovaLEDs.com. Same great quality, easy-to-use website. Pick your car, we'll show you what fits.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 651
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From: ATL, Bitches
a quick fact for you guys:
Humans contribute less than 8% of carbon monoxide and global warming!!!
So why pay more for something that is a null point. Keep the S and buy a mini van!!! and they are right on the tax break! you are not really getting 2100 from the government but only a tax shelter.
Humans contribute less than 8% of carbon monoxide and global warming!!!
So why pay more for something that is a null point. Keep the S and buy a mini van!!! and they are right on the tax break! you are not really getting 2100 from the government but only a tax shelter.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,187
Likes: 3
Can you buy the hybrid used and still get the $3k from your company?
I bought my S, and my payments are ~$600/month for 5 years. I figured I could have bought a civic (new or used idk) for $300/month and saved the other part, but I call the other $300/month my play money. And I want to justify more later for FI. Not because it's practical or affordable, but because its fun. I take vacations at least once a year for the same reason. A trip to Hawaii is an AWFUL way to save, but it sure is nice to do.
And I hadn't ever considered the battery piece of hybrids. I like the hydrogen alternative fuel idea--more specific output for engines = higher power for cars AND a renewable source of energy. And a few thousand gallons of nuclear waste to hide to make it all possible. Maybe its still better than gas... who really knows.
I bought my S, and my payments are ~$600/month for 5 years. I figured I could have bought a civic (new or used idk) for $300/month and saved the other part, but I call the other $300/month my play money. And I want to justify more later for FI. Not because it's practical or affordable, but because its fun. I take vacations at least once a year for the same reason. A trip to Hawaii is an AWFUL way to save, but it sure is nice to do.
And I hadn't ever considered the battery piece of hybrids. I like the hydrogen alternative fuel idea--more specific output for engines = higher power for cars AND a renewable source of energy. And a few thousand gallons of nuclear waste to hide to make it all possible. Maybe its still better than gas... who really knows.
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,310
Likes: 18
From: In the ether.
Originally Posted by bullitt5897,Oct 25 2007, 03:17 PM
a quick fact for you guys:
Humans contribute less than 8% of carbon monoxide and global warming!!!
Humans contribute less than 8% of carbon monoxide and global warming!!!
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,210
Likes: 5
From: Behind You
Originally Posted by Ken1997tl,Oct 25 2007, 10:51 AM
Hybrids are a joke.
Does the public realize what kind of pollution is emitted from manufacturing the batteries and processing the raw materials in them?
What about the disposal of them?
Diesel is the future. We'll never get off petroleum until fusion power is a reality.
Does the public realize what kind of pollution is emitted from manufacturing the batteries and processing the raw materials in them?
What about the disposal of them?
Diesel is the future. We'll never get off petroleum until fusion power is a reality.