My husband has a long commute, so we are always on the look out for a car that will get good gas mileage.  From the first time we ventured onto a car lot, the alternative cars have intrigued him.  The electric car hasn’t gotten even a second look.  It just seems like it would be too much hassle to deal with.  It’s the hybrids that catch his eye.

For a brief moment, we were seriously considering purchasing a new hybrid.  The initial cost would be more, but surely the savings in the long run would make it worth it.  Not being impulse buyers, we decided to sleep on it for a few days (and do some more research).

It was surprising to find out that because of the fairly low gas mileage difference compared to his current compact car (a Chevy Geo).  There was no way the hybrid would ever make up the difference in its additional costs. 

The government must have figured this one out, so they offer a tax break to new hybrid owners - but only for the brand new cars.  If you are trying to be money wise and environmentally friendly, you don’t get a tax break on your used hybrid.

Even with a tax incentive, there is just not enough enticement to bring our family over to the hybrid side.  If the prices find their way down in the future, and if more used models find their way into the market, we might take another look.  For now, we will stick with what we have (and look for a job closer to home).