To Buy A Hybrid, Or Not To Buy A Hybrid… That Is The Question!

It is true that a very diverse set of drivers, owners and enthusiasts, (even most people), consider hybrid cars for a variety of different reasons (your own musings and reasons will probably just add to the list here) …

1. As a concept and environmentally sound alternative it shows good global citizenship
   
   
2. It is a trend that they want to be part of and be associated with
   
   
3. Conservation and sustainability of our world, the legacy we leave for our children
   
   
4. Leading by example and being a pioneer
   
   
5. Weird-looking and a cool idea to have one, gadget, newest ‘toy’ to add to the list
   
   
6. Fuel-economy and saving money, gas
   
   
7. Less emissions and pollutants into the atmosphere
   
   
8. Less gasoline/fossil fuel reliant
   
   
9. Potential investment
   
   
10. Keeping up with the Joneses!

Whatever YOUR particular incentive, motivation or rationale for getting one, hybrid car sales are soaring. According to recent news-reports in the USA over the last 12 months an increase of 139% was cited.  It is a definite trend and here to stay. The wave of the future…undeniably here!

The Questions And Rationale Behind Hybrid Vehicles

The best way to start off writing this book, I thought, was to ask several people (proud new owners, prospective buyers and just the general public at large, across gender, age group and preferences, randomly selected) the same two questions: (i) What are the TOP FIVE reasons to buy/invest in a hybrid as well as (ii) the TOP THREE reasons they would not consider buying a hybrid. (TIP # 1:You can ask and answer these yourself to, it helps to provide some perspective)

Most frequent responses regarding reasons to buy:

1. Easy to drive, handling and ease of parking
   
   
2. Fuel efficiency
   
   
3. Doing my part/good for protecting the environment
   
   
4. Reduction in fuel emissions
   
   
5. Reduced engine maintenance costs
   
   
6. Value, Economical, Purchase price
   
   
7. Costs to operate
   
   
8. Cutting edge technology
   
   
9. Proclaimed longevity

Most frequent responses regarding reasons NOT to buy:

1. Added cost to purchase a hybrid vehicle
   
   
2. Do not like the selection of hybrid vehicles currently available
   
   
3. A follower, not a leader when it comes to new trends
   
   
4. Preferences for larger automobiles (for safety reasons)
   
   
5. Larger vehicles are not yet available in hybrid versions
   
   
6. Insufficient track record
   
   
7. Driver and passenger safety concerns
   
   
8. Lack of storage

The range, scope and depth of the answers received surprised me in some cases, not in others. What are your reasons? (TIP # 2: write them down, sort and prioritize them, it helps later, when you get to the point where you might be stuck between two or more choices, or are trying to compare selection criteria).

Here is a another example of a typical response received on the question of to buy or not to buy…

1. IN YOUR OPINION OR FOR YOU PERSONALLY, WHAT WOULD THE TOP FIVE REASONS, CRITERIA, INCENTIVES OR MOTIVATORS BE FOR YOU TO  INVEST/ BUY A HYBRID VEHICLE?

1. Is no more expensive to purchase.
   
   
2. Is no more expensive to operate (fuel).
   
   
3. Is no more expensive to maintain.

2. WHAT ARE THE  TOP THREE DETERRENTS, ISSUES AND CONCERNS THAT WILL CAUSE YOU NOT TO INVEST/BUY A HYBRID VEHICLE?

1. None of the vehicles existing today are attractive.
   
   
2. None of the vehicles are spacious enough.
   
   
3. None of the vehicles has enough power for a full load in mountain roads.

3.  IF YOU WERE TO BUY A HYBRID TOMORROW, WHAT WOULD BE THE KEY ELEMENTS THAT YOU WOULD BE LOOKING FOR - LIST AS MANY AS YOU WANT...

Style, first, everything else is secondary.

Reliability is second, everything else after.

Also talking with owners of Hybrid vehicles to get the ‘facts’ and inside scoop, going for a test drive yourself and comparing features and performance according to some pre-set criteria can all help you to make up your mind on what to buy.

If you are considering a hybrid, maybe getting this book, was your way of figuring out if the value-proposition held anything for you specifically. We wish you well on your selection endeavor and musing on purchasing a hybrid (or not!)

As gas prices keep soaring, with not relief for consumers on the horizon any time soon and fossil fuels not a sustainable, renewable energy source, the sale of hybrids seem to be in a positive correlation. They higher the gas prices goes, the higher the sales tend to be for hybrid vehicles as people try every which way to break free and save a couple of bucks!

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