Comments on: What are the cost benefits of driving a hybrid SUV?

By: David

David — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:28:59 +0000

there are no economic benefits to buying a hybrid vehicle. the benefits are environmental and image.
Heres the boring stuff…

Look at the initial cost comparisons
1) 2008 Lexus RX350 AWD $38,800
2) 2008 Lexus RX400H AWD $42,580
that an extra $3780

Fuel Consumption
1) City 17 Hwy 22 = 18.75 blended [65%/35%]
2) City 26 Hwy 24 = 25.3 blended [65%/35%]

So if you take the blended figures and drive 20,000 miles a year with fuel at $3.2 a gallon… then the Hybrid vehicle would take about 4.3 years to recover the additional purchase price through fuel savings. Thats actually not too bad and could be a bit better for the hybrid as it uses regular versus premium gas. But there are other things to consider that are harder to calculate like depreciation rates and maintenance costs.

When you look at the fuel saving above i dont think its significant enough to buy a hybrid.
References :
http://lexus.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/lexus/VehicleComparison?basestyleid=100835459&styleid=100913705&maxvehicles=3&refid=&op=3&tab=performance

By: Answer Annie

Answer Annie — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:07:59 +0000

I personally do not have one, but I heard that fuel is just as costly for them (if not more so), and that they are really not any help to the environment, because of the way the fuel is produced????
References :

By: Molly S

Molly S — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:38:59 +0000

I don’t have any experience with a hybrid SUV, but I can’t see how it can be cost effective.
The excessive price of a hybrid outweighs any savings in fuel or upkeep there may be.

The only advantage to a hybrid at this time would be the ‘green’ one.
References :

By: ?ni???säl ??n?s™

?ni???säl ??n?s™ — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:26:59 +0000

I’m starting to research this, as I was thinking about getting one. But, I’d love to hear from current owners more… I hope you get some answering!
References :