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US President George W. Bush once advised Americans to invest in buying and patronizing hybrid vehicles to help cure and eliminate the country’s addition to oil. Because contract oil prices in the world market have always been very volatile, there is a pending need to significantly lower all industries and peoples’ reliance and need for oil. Car experts now recommend buying hybrid cars more than any other type of cars.

What are hybrid cars? Basically, these are vehicles that run on two sources of energy—the usual gasoline or oil and electricity stored within an imbedded battery. The electricity from batteries serves as a back up or an assisting energy source.

There are operations and functions of the hybrid car that utilize the electricity. This way, full consumption and reliance from the gasoline engine is lowered, making consumption of gasoline significantly lower. These days, hybrid cars provide about 60-40 gasoline-electricity power, wherein gasoline energy components make up majority of the car functions.

Is there a need to prefer a hybrid car? Before any purchase transaction for such a fuel-efficient car, it would be wise and logical if you would first consider the following checklist:

1. Is a hybrid car the right and appropriate car for you?

2. Are your personal driving habits in favor of using a hybrid car?

3. What are the helpful and necessary options available?

4. Do you have enough information to validate the reliability and credibility of the dealer and manufacturer?

5. Are there options in terms of car dealers? Will it be viable to buy in dealers from another state or area?

6. Is there a sticker price or manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) that is the actual price of the hybrid car, no more, no less?

Looking at the pros and cons of buying a hybrid car is easy. First of all, you would be able to generate a significant amount of savings in the form of gasoline consumption declines. However, it is just logical that hybrid cars currently cost higher than the normal and traditional cars.

Hybrid cars are much lighter in weight and the basic structure and components and made of lighter alloys and metals, as weight is also a significant factor that boosts crude consumption. For its disadvantage, some people less prefer light structures and components in cars as such materials deform easier and are not too durable.

Hybrid cars perform full functions and features of a regular car. However, in comparison, hybrid cars fall less. For instance, if you are very particular about speed, hybrid cars would surely disappoint you. That is because electricity is not yet a viable source of power and energy for cars. That is why it just installed as a back up and secondary source of power in hybrid cars. If you are worrying about charging of batteries, do not worry.

Hybrid cars are designed to have components that facilitate conversion of mechanical energy to stored-electrical. That is why through braking and acceleration, the car’s battery is being charged. The disadvantage of this is that the major weight of the car and the overall space consumption can be directly influenced by battery installations.

It is advisable to buy a hybrid car, but if you are after superior performance, wait further because carmakers are still in the process of researching and developing better and more powerful hybrid cars.

To buy or not to buy — that is the question on many peoples mind these days when it comes to purchasing a new car. With gas prices being as astronomically high as they are, a great many people are looking at hybrid cars to solve the “grump at the pump syndrome.” Hybrid cars may be money-saving for drivers and a grand “pollution-solution;” however, there are things you may not know that might influence your choice. The following represents examples you should seriously consider as some of the “bad news” about hybrid cars:

1. Hybrid cars incorporate new technology. When technology is new and minimally tested, there always exists the “reboot” scenario. As an example, until all the glitches are resolved, a hybrid car “vehicular reboot” in the middle of rush hour traffic could be a nightmare. Another hard-to-imagine example is being alone and losing power late at night;

2. Hybrid cars are lightweight. Hybrid cars have to accommodate large battery packs making the lighter materials necessary. There may never be “just a fender-bender” in a hybrid car. You should consider that what was once just a minor collision in an ordinary car may be much worse in a hybrid car;

3. Hybrid cars are small. If you have a long Christmas list and wait until the last minute, don’t try to take the kids with you in a hybrid car to the mall. Hybrid cars, at the present time, have very limited cargo and seating space;

4. Hybrid cars are too quiet. Taking a silently golden ride down a country road in your hybrid car sounds lovely. BUT – hybrid cars run so silently that a child getting ready to dash across that county road may not hear you coming. While driving any vehicle demands great attention, it is even more important in the quiet hybrid car for the safety of all pedestrians and surrounding traffic; and,

5. Hybrid cars are slow on the “take off.” Forget about gunning the engine to beat a train in a hybrid car. Entering onto a freeway or merging may not be as easy with a hybrid car. This issue alone has had many drivers wondering about safety problems.

The above examples were, or could have been, said about conventional automobiles at one time. Skepticism about anything new is common. However, skepticism is important to any decision regarding all large investments. It was probably more daunting to decide to buy an automobile in 1920 than deciding on buying a hybrid car today.

You probably have heard all the catch phrases touting the hybrid car. The “good news” is that hybrid cars are very fuel-efficient, truly environmentally-friendly, and, technologically cutting-edge—not to mention really cool. Before you write the check, though, take your time; do more research; talk to hybrid car owners; take a hide-and-watch stance. When, and if, you decide to buy, know your decision is based on information you have gathered. You wouldn’t want buyers’ remorse over a hybrid car.

Hybrids are hot nowadays. The Hybrid car uses 2 engines; one uses the traditional fuel, while the other uses the energy from a rechargeable battery. There are a myriad of hybrid cars, to choose from. What then is or guarantee that we are protected from too much hype, instead of an honest advertising?

One of the simplest ways is through consumer reports on hybrid cars.

There is much information available about hybrid cars, especially about their features, engine specifications, designs, colors and other dizzying information. Information from the manufacturer’s websites are also a good source of preliminary knowledge on hybrid cars. But one of the most interesting pieces of information, and one that gives an honest insight into the opinion or feelings about hybrid vehicles may be glimpsed in consumer reports on hybrid cars.

Reliability of hybrid cars according to consumer reports

“These hybrid systems have been very reliable,” declares David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ auto test center. Mr. Champion noted that about 94 percent of Toyota Prius owners, would buy another Prius, and are very happy and satisfied, was asserted by the influential consumer survey. The center, collects individual consumer reports on hybrid cars, and uses the statistics to come up with a talk paper.

Mr. Champion also refers to hybrids as “mainstream technology”, particularly with the introduction of the Honda Accord hybrid. The Honda hybrid clinched the title of Consumer Reports Best Family Sedan. The Honda Accord hybrid, bested some 32 other models for the prestigious award.

Critics, however, are not wanting. Some automobile experts and analysts have criticized the hybrid car powertrain, as flamboyant in that two engines are being used for one purpose. Consumer Reports on the other hand, disagreed. Champion explained that the electric motor adds the power, to the engine.

Prior to the award being presented, Consumer Report conducts a testing, by applying some actual expectations of consumers to hybrid cars. The Accord hybrid for instance, achieved superior fuel efficiency unsurpassed by its conventional counterparts.

But as in other endeavors, consumer reports on hybrid cars have another side. An alternative consumer view from the same center posited the question: “Considering a hybrid car? Don’t rush out to the dealership just yet.”

The individuals went on to explain that they are not against the protection of environment. The center also asserts that they are supportive for burning less fossil fuel. Their concerns, accordingly, emanate from Financial experts arguments that hybrid drivers are paying too high a price for an automobile that offers only marginally better fuel efficiency than the other economy cars already on the road.

Gabriel Shenhar, senior auto test engineer for Consumer Reports, said that if someone is “looking at your pocket, you’re not gaining anything there anytime soon,” Shenhar asserted that it is wiser, to wait until auto makers improve hybrids’ powertrains and bring prices more comparable with regular models.

The same Consumer Reports compared the 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid car, which averages 36 miles per gallon and is worth $21,000, with the 2003 Honda Civic EX, which averages 29 miles per gallon and is worth $18,500 a unit on the average. Interested to know the results? The tax break excluded, it would take a consumer 21 years in fuel savings to cover the expense for buying hybrid.

And consumer reports on hybrid cars has more bad news. The people behind Edmunds.com expect that hybrids will depreciate faster than other counterpart traditional vehicles. They are also noting that the attempts of the car manufacturers on improving the hybrid powertrain so fast will fail to convince consumers to buy this relatively new technology.

The consumer reports on hybrid cars, however, particularly that of Edmunds.com, are waiting for the new hybrid SUVs, the Ford Escape and the Lexus RX Hybrid. If these new hybrids will eventually reach the price level, of other lightweight trucks, and will offer far better fuel savings, the more the better. If both are achieved, says Edmunds.com’s automotive expert Ed Hellwig, there’s no reason why people will not rush to their dealer and buy one.

These are only a few of the pieces of literature that deal with consumer reports on hybrid cars. It does, ultimately, depend on the consumer, to find and research as much information as possible regarding hybrid cars.

With the popularity that hybrid vehicles are enjoying in the media and with all the attention they have been getting from environmentalist groups and advocates, one wonders how sales of these hybrid cars are going. Let us look at some secondary data provided to get a glimpse at just how marketable these hybrid cars are.

As of the first quarter of 2007, data from Forbes show that in the US alone, hybrids garnered a combined sale of more than 17,000 units, a remarkable 10% increase from the same period in 2006. The demand is definitely rising, and this demand is translating into actual sales. Sale of hybrid vehicles vis-à-vis the total number of light-duty vehicles sold also increased by as much as 1.4% compared to previous year levels. This only means more and more buyers prefer hybrids to conventional-fuel models.

Why the Rush to the Hybrid Section?

As fuel prices soar, more and more car buyers are prompted to go for hybrid cars. Since 2003, hybrid car-makers have been raking in profits from hybrid car sales. In 2004 in the US alone, hybrid car sales were almost 88,000 units. And with the increasing awareness about climate change and global warming, hybrid car sales are yet again expected to surge.

With great expectations for hybrid car sales to reach record highs in 2007, carmakers are rushing to put into the market new models, packed with all the environmental protection and fuel efficiency features that they could muster, not to mention the technological come-ons. New models are also widening the array of offerings, from compact to mid-sized sedans, to SUVs and minivans, even to pickups and trucks.

Car buyers can afford to be choosy with the broad range of hybrid units being offered in the market today. Moreover, fuel-efficiency and environmental friendliness features of these hybrids are reaching new heights, captivating a new kind of socially conscious and responsible breed of buyers.

Prices are reasonable enough to guarantee a following. Moreover, tax incentives and breaks are given to buyers of these eco-friendly hybrid units. Doing the math, the hybrid buyer is aware that he can easily recoup the few thousand dollars difference of a hybrid model over that of a conventional one, through reduced fuel consumption.

And these hybrids come safe for the buyer and his family, too. In addition to fuel efficiency, hybrid safety features are bringing in more buyers. Open the windows and the low emissions of your hybrid ensure that your kids are breathing fresher and cleaner air inside and outside the hybrid van. Navigation and stability systems for the hybrids are also a notch higher, adding to the safety factor more. A hybrid car buyer is assured of efficiency not only fuel-wise, but overall car performance-wise.

As buyers become more fuel-price conscious and more aware of climate change and the effects of greenhouse gases; as they realize that safety is paramount, and begin to expect comfort and enjoyment from riding safe and eco-friendly vehicles, hybrid car sales will continue to rise. Car makers are thus capitalizing on this trend and are coming up with one innovative hybrid model after another. Every car dealer will surely have one hybrid in his stable.

used car is a great way to save some money and still get the car you’ve been searching for. Whether you’re constrained by your pocketbook or have certain automotive needs that must be met (such as a backseat for the kids or four-wheel drive for winter weather), today’s used car options deliver almost everything new cars do and at a lower overall cost.

1. Depreciation

The second you drive a new car off the lot, its value depreciates by as much as 20 percent. Studies show that most cars are only worth 60 to 70 percent of their original value three years after their purchase. When you buy a used car, all the depreciation has already been absorbed by the original owner.

2. No Overpriced Dealer Repairs

When you purchase certain makes and models of new cars, the parts covered under warranty aren’t valid if you use your own mechanic. In these instances, your only choice is to return to the dealership to get your repairs done. This is basically the dealership’s way of getting you into their shops with their overpriced service. When you buy a used car, you can get repairs done on your own terms.

3. Save Money

Buying used cars whether you are buying from a used car dealership, car classifieds, or online sites like Craigslist simply costs less money than buying new. New cars run an average of $25,000, while used cars are closer to the $10,000 range. If you’re buying from a private seller, you might even be able to haggle the price down or barter to keep costs low.

4. Save the Planet

While buying a hybrid car might seem like a great way to go green, it actually takes more energy to build a new hybrid than it does to buy a fuel-efficient used car. Every time a hybrid comes off the assembly line, it takes about 46,000 miles of driving before the car breaks even? in the amount of energy it saves through fuel efficiency. Buying a used car in the first place as long as it’s not a gas guzzler will actually reduce your carbon footprint.

5. Lower Car Insurance Rates

Car insurance rates are higher for new cars than they are for used cars. The reasons are simple: new cars are more likely to be financed (and therefore need full coverage), and annual insurance rates can run as high as 20 percent of a car’s sticker price. Buying a newer, more expensive model can end up costing you money for years.

6. Higher Used Car Standards

Thanks to new lemon laws and auto history check websites, it has become easier than ever to determine if a used car has undergone any major damage. Some used car dealerships also offer used car certification, which guarantees that they have been looked over and approved by a qualified mechanic.

7. Avoiding Car Dealerships

When buying a used car, you have a number of places to look. You can peruse car classifieds, visit eBay or Craigslist, or opt for a used car dealership. New cars typically only come from one place – the dealer – so you have limited options when it comes to salesmen and haggling over prices.

8. Finding Good Deals

Owners of new cars can be a pretty finicky set. Many people turn over their cars after one or two years simply as a matter of course, while others may decide that the monthly payments are too high to continue. If you take the time to look for quality used cars, you might find some incredibly good deals from individuals who are motivated to sell.

9. More Bang for Your Buck

When you drive a new car straight off the lot, you typically pay for every added feature. When you upgrade to include a sunroof, tinted windows, and a spoiler, you can leave with a total price thousands of dollars higher than the sticker price. Used cars with these same amenities might cost a little more than those without, but not nearly to the same extent.

10. Used Cars can be just as Reliable if carefully inspected

Although buying a new car may seem like a more responsible choice, no car purchase is guaranteed to be hassle-free. Factory recalls, faulty parts, and required maintanence repairs can occur just as easily in a new car as they can in a used car. As long as you have your used car purchase checked out and you take good care of it, the overall reliability of your car can be just as good as a new car. Further, cars have also become more reliable with advances in technology.

Buying a car – regardless of whether you choose new or used – is a major endeavor that can put a strain on your finances for years. Fortunately, most of the benefits of buying a used car have to do with money. As long as you take your time, evaluate your prospective purchases, and have a mechanic check out the used car before you buy it, you and your used car can spend many happy years together.