FYI, a Hybrid Subaru may show up for the next model year... Probably a Legacy model, but nothing is official yet (other than the fact the hybrid drivetrain exists and looks ready to go)

 

starting in 2006, the federal rebates for hybrids will be stricter.

something like the first 5000 (or something like that) cars from a manufacturer will be allowed, vs, this year, EVERYONE gets a rebate.

 

Things you should know about hybrids:

Insurance is normaly 15-20% more....if somebody hit your rear he don't just take out your bumper he also takes out your 8k battery pack

Many times they wear tires alot faster...

For the most part the MPG is off....not by alot...it is off the worst being the Escape.

After the first of the year...the tax credits go down or away.

Right now the makers of hybrids still get a hefty tax right off from the Feds for every car they sell...once that goes away in 2007 IIRC...the price will go up.

Oh and don't touch the red wiring..they run 140-440 volts with a ton of amperage...to fry your ***...4 tow truck drivers in the US have died trying to jump start them

All in all they ain't bad... a few things here and there..

They run smooth, get better mpg and let you use the car pool lane

 

nice/helpful infos...

thanks again guys... (keep them coming)

 

From the limited amount of research that I have come to two conclusions. If you want one to save money on fuel and what not, it is not worth it and you won't save money. If you want to get one to be more enviromentally friendly and make a statement, then go for it.

 

here's a really good article that breaks down hybrids from a cost/benefit perspective:

http://www.omninerd.com/articles/articles.php?aid=41

 

I average ~54mpg when I drive my mom's Prius. I averaged 61.1mpg over about ~150 miles on Saturday driving to SJ, then to SF, and back to Pleasanton.

However, the ROI for me on the Prius calculation is very true. It costs a lot more money to buy the hybrid to offset the fuel costs. However, I still think the Prius is worth the money. Why? Because of CA's HOV exemption. Whenever I'm late, I can just take the Prius and skip the commute. For me, that's pretty much the trump card for buying a hybrid. Saving 10-15 minutes a day is worth more than the fuel costs especially when that means avoiding being late.

Then again, not everyone commutes 30 miles each way per day on 680... Just some food for thought.

 

they forgot to factor in $60 worth of free toll (if you cross the bridge) and not to mention being able to drive in the carpool lane and not have to sit in traffic...

 

^^ werd. my mom really likes that aspect of owning a hybrid since she has to go into the city about three times a week.

you can skip about 45 minutes of waiting at the bridge to cross in the lines for toll w/ the free carpool stickers... and not pay a thing to cross.

+1 for hybrid cars that get over 45mpg (ntia, hybrid SUV's).