When it comes to buying a new vehicle, deciding between a standard gas car and a hybrid model can be a tough decision. Not all vehicles are fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly, and within your budget. You want to be informed about the pros and cons of both types of cars. Decide if it is worth it to buy a hybrid vehicle based on the following parameters:
- Initial Cost. Base model hybrids come with more standard features than gas cars and will typically cost 10 to 20 percent more. For example, the 2019 Honda Accord’s base price is $23,720, and the hybrid version of the same car starts at $26,250. But hybrids are more fuel-efficient and eco-friendlier than gas cars. So, choosing between the two bases on initial cost will be about how much you can afford to spend. There can also be some significant tax savings with hybrids.
- Fuel Efficiency. Since hybrid vehicles were first introduced 20 years ago, they have only gotten more and more fuel efficient. Now they are the most gasoline efficient of all cars, getting an average of between 55 and 58 miles per gallon. The quiet electric motor used in hybrids also produces less carbon emission, which combats global warming. Just based on fuel cost, with normal city driving, it will take you 5 to 7 years to recuperate the initial price difference.
- Performance. Despite being known for having great fuel efficiency and promoting eco-friendly driving, hybrids have been criticized for their lack of speed and power when compared to gas vehicles. The engine in a hybrid is almost always smaller than that in a gas car, and therefore provides less horsepower and torque. A gas car model will almost always go from 0 to 60 mph more quickly than a hybrid version of the same car. While a hybrid might be a bit slower in terms of acceleration, they can still reach top speeds on an interstate, and are adept at going up steep hills and inclines.
- Maintenance. Since a hybrid uses both a gas and an electric motor, there are many times the gas motor turns off. This means less overall wear and tear on the engine. When it comes to standard routine maintenance, costs of a hybrid versus a gas car are about the same. Hybrids also use a regenerative braking system which means that the brake components tend to last longer. Where the price difference lies is in a hybrid car’s repair costs if something goes wrong with the internal system. Special hybrid parts, like the battery pack, cost a good deal more than the parts used in gas cars. If you purchase a hybrid, make sure that you know the details in both duration and repair coverage of the vehicle’s warranty. An extended hybrid warranty should cover all hybrid-related components for up to 8 years or 100,000 miles. Hybrid cars tend to beat gas ones in terms of vehicle longevity, often passing 200,000 miles on the odometer.
Whichever type of vehicle you choose, make an informed decision based on your initial budget and needs. If you have any maintenance or repair needs of either a traditional gas or hybrid vehicle, the professionals here at Accurate Service in Tucson, Arizona are waiting to serve you. Just give us a call today at 520-620-9129 or schedule an appointment online at your convenience.