Shopper's Guide to Buying a Hybrid Vehicle

As gas prices continue to soar, hybrid cars can serve as a good option for saving money. These tips can help you shop for one of these automobiles that have a combination of a traditional combustion engine and an electric engine.

Hybrids, a stepping stone in the development of fully electric

vehicles, do not require frequent recharging and are not hampered by a limited range. They can offer the long-range power of a gas engine with the cleaner energy of a hybrid motor, making the vehicle more cost-effective (in some cases getting upward of 40 miles to the gallon) while improving air quality, thanks to lower toxic emissions. For someone who is frequently driving in both highway and local traffic situations, hybrids are particularly appealing, utilizing the combustion engine for highways and the electric engine for stop-and-start local driving.

Know the Features

When looking at hybrids, you want to consider the technology involved. There are manufacturers offering cars that include a variation of hybrid technology but not the key features. For that reason, you should be aware of the specific hybrid features, which include the following:

• Idle-off capacity: This means that the engine shuts off when you are stopped at a red light or in traffic.
• Power assist and engine downsizing: The electric motor works in tandem with the combustion engine to power the car.
• Regenerative braking: The electric motor is used to help during braking.
• Electric-only drive: At slow speeds, the car runs solely on electric power.

Know Your Needs

While hybrids typically alternate between their two power sources by computerized control, they can power the electric energy with the excess energy from the combustion engine, wasting less energy than a standard car. Additionally, some hybrids are built with no direct link from the combustion engine to the drive train at all. Instead, an electric generator is powered and it runs the vehicle. This type of hybrid may not provide enough power for drivers who do a significant amount of highway driving.

The bottom line is that you will need to determine how much power you will need vs. how much energy you are expending in stop-and-start local driving to determine the hybrid that is best for your needs.

Read Up

By reading about the various hybrid models on auto-buying Web sites, including those of the manufacturers, you will learn which models include which features and at what price. Popular models include the Honda Accord, Civic, Fit, and Insight as well as the Toyota Camry and Prius. You'll also find several hybrid SUVs on the current market. You can also look at J.D. Power and Associates, which rates cars. For more specific hybrid comparisons, check out Hybridcenter.org, presented by the Society of Concerned Scientists. While hybrids typically cost more money initially, you will save a good portion of that added expense at the gas pump. You may also find savings from your state government, which may be offering tax incentives and even rebates for hybrid car buyers.

When purchasing a hybrid automobile, use the same car-buying strategies you would with any car. This includes getting your hands on the dealer invoice, avoiding dealership financing (in most cases), keeping your trade-in out of the equation (you can usually sell your car for more money on your own), and avoiding the myriad added fees, which may include add-ons by dealers.