Art's Automotive's Official Hybrid Take

Q: “I am thinking of buying a hybrid vehicle; what do you think?”

A: At Art’s automotive, opinions differ; however, we all agree on certain key factors:

1. Most importantly, don’t buy a hybrid to save money; the initial purchase costs coupled with the moderately increased maintenance costs will pretty closely offset any savings at the pump. Also, the hybrids have many more systems and moving parts than your typical economy-oriented vehicle; more systems on the vehicle mean more things will break. We liken the hybrids to luxury vehicles; we anticipate very expensive high-mileage maintenance and repair costs. If simple and affordable is your goal, a hybrid is not for you.

2. Buy a hybrid to put your money where your mouth is. No, you are not going to save the world one hybrid at a time, but you can show the big car manufacturing companies that it pays to make vehicles that are more fuel efficient, and that will steer the trend.

3. The hybrids do not get the stated fuel economy; unfortunately, neither do conventional vehicles. Do your own research, as stories vary as to real-world numbers. The fuel economy of the hybrids we service seems to average approximately 44 mpg (there is a great variation between the different models, and between the different drivers. Go to www.Greenhybrid.com/compare/mileage for more information). Conversely, there are a number of conventional vehicles that get 30-40 mpg. As a matter of fact, two of our mechanics drive Honda Civics (one an ’87, one a ’91) that get in excess of 40 mpg. This shows that you can get excellent fuel economy by buying a smaller vehicle with an efficient engine, without spending the extra money to buy and maintain a hybrid.

Art of Art’s Automotive owns two hybrids; a second generation Prius and a Honda Insight. So if you’re wondering where we stand on the issue, we say, “Yes, buy a hybrid!”

P.S. There is evidence to suggest the hybrids create less pollution, but getting actual statistics has proven difficult, therefore we are not stressing this issue at this time. However, we believe the numbers are in terms of percentages, not orders of magnitude, therefore the general sentiment as stated above applies in this regard, as well. Also, there is controversy surrounding the increased production and disposal demands of the hybrids, inasmuch as these demands may offset gains made at the tailpipe. We will be amending this opinion as information becomes available.