Hybrids

[giles]

Anyone know anything about them? I do not, but I am in the market for a new commuter car. Driving 71 every day I want something that still has some size to it. Planning on getting myself inside a few different options in the coming weeks. But the hybrids keep getting my attention. I just don't know anything about them or anyone with one to ask.

Thinking something along this size. Used if I can find one. I know the market is going crazy right now with all this "free" money. But I fear the future fuel prices will hurt me more if I wait.

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automobiles.honda.com

 

[Geezer II]

Anyone know anything about them? I do not, but I am in the market for a new commuter car. Driving 71 every day I want something that still has some size to it. Planning on getting myself inside a few different options in the coming weeks. But the hybrids keep getting my attention. I just don't know anything about them or anyone with one to ask.

Thinking something along this size. Used if I can find one. I know the market is going crazy right now with all this "free" money. But I fear the future fuel prices will hurt me more if I wait.

Vehicle Electrification – Benefits and Technologies | Honda

Discover the advanced technologies and benefits of a Honda electrified vehicle. Compare the stylish and elegant electrified lineup from Honda and take our quiz to see what electrified vehicle is right for you.

automobiles.honda.com

 

[at1010]

I cannot comment on hybrids. However, my advice is below based on your fear of fuel price increases.

Fuel prices are extremely variable and have been for the last 40 years. I would not make a "big" purchase for fear of the short-term volatility of the fuel market. Even if gas goes up 100%, say $2 to $4 for talking purposes- and you fill your tank up 2 times a month - assuming a 25-gallon tank (that car would be a smaller tank) - you are spending an extra $50 a month. Even if it goes to 6 dollars a gallon, in this scenario you'd spend an extra 100 a month on a 200% increase in gas prices.

Now, as soon as you buy a car, you have bought a depreciating asset. The used car market is at a hot right now, due to various reasons - stimulus money being one of them. So let's say that the hybrid increases your fuel mileage by 100% at a $4 per gallon market cost - you are saving $50 a month compared to your current car situation (filling up 1 time a month vs. 2).

So the question is, will the money spent on a new vehicle, that is immediately depreciating and unless paying all cash, will have a car loan around 4-8% depending on your credit score, worth the $50 per month savings? Whereas, that same cash, could be applied elsewhere to free up the negative % on the liability sheets and allow more asset purchases.

I am not against buying a vehicle, we all need them - just wanted to share my opinion based on your fear of fuel charges. I hope this is read with a sincere tone, in which in type.

My process is as follows:
Anytime I make a large purchase I look at it from a % basis
Total money spent
Appreciable asset or depreciable liability
Other liability debts that could be paid down (credit card, another car, etc.)
Conservative opportunity growth % in any other form compared to the liability
Decision is made

 

[Big_Holla]

I remember when I bought the Chevy Cruze I used to own it was costing me over $100 a week in gas for the truck. What I saved in gas per week actually paid my car payment for it. Found a cheaper insurance company at the time and all said and done we were saving money based on the gas prices Obama gave us. Too bad I wrecked that car, would have been paid off last year. Was used with a few thousand miles on it so wasn't a bad hit for car payment. 34-36 miles per gallon was nice.

 

[giles]

You are on it, AL. We are on the same page.

Current number are 25 mpg, costing me right at $100 a week. So at 50 mpg I could potentially see an immediate savings of $50 a week.

So with that mindset, my brain turned to buying something that could really work out for me. Problem in this section is the offset of me driving mostly big road, not a lot of stop and go. So the offset of paying for 2 motors really worth it?

 

[at1010]

I remember when I bought the Chevy Cruze I used to own it was costing me over $100 a week in gas for the truck. What I saved in gas per week actually paid my car payment for it. Found a cheaper insurance company at the time and all said and done we were saving money based on the gas prices Obama gave us. Too bad I wrecked that car, would have been paid off last year. Was used with a few thousand miles on it so wasn't a bad hit for car payment. 34-36 miles per gallon was nice.

Chuck - this is a great point! There is a place where if you are driving enough, it does seem to calculate out. How much were you driving per week? You had to close to 400 miles?

 

[at1010]

You are on it, AL. We are on the same page.

Current number are 25 mpg, costing me right at $100 a week. So at 50 mpg I could potentially see an immediate savings of $50 a week.

So with that mindset, my brain turned to buying something that could really work out for me. Problem in this section is the offset of me driving mostly big road, not a lot of stop and go. So the offset of paying for 2 motors really worth it?

Right on! I think it is somewhat of the below consideration.

New car cost + % interest paid over the life of loan + depreciation - (difference in fuel savings) = worth it or not?

IDK I might be weird but I would rather pay more in gas money, and own a vehicle outright than save money on gas but then have to pay interest % which is basically money thrown out the window. At least the gas money I am paying can be used to get me to the grocery store, the doctor, etc.

 

[Big_Holla]

Chuck - this is a great point! There is a place where if you are driving enough, it does seem to calculate out. How much were you driving per week? You had to close to 400 miles?

Real close to it, one tank would last me to and from work 5 days a week. Add in Saturdays back then I was looking for relief. We used that car for everything after that as we still were doing travel softball with my daughter back then.

 

[giles]

BTW, the comparing vehicle in my mind is the Honda Civic. Difference in mpg is 5. Not a huge difference looking at highway driving.

 

[Dustinb80]

Cost me $80 yesterday to fill up my truck. FUCK BIDEN and the dumbasses that voted for him

 

[giles]

Cost me $80 yesterday to fill up my truck. FUCK BIDEN and the dumbasses that voted for him

Yes sir! This 176 Mile commute every day is gonna kill me if I don't try and get ahead of this administration.

 

[giles]

This market is stupid...anyone here a salesman or have a buddy/family that sells used cars? If I have to pay these stupid prices, I'd rather give the money to someone I feel like I know.

 

[Clay Showalter]

Hybrid ?? And you give us crap for peach crown. Lol

 

[Bowkills]

I remember 4 dollar gas very well. Some Pumps shut off at 100 and the truck wasn't full. 30 +mpg is essential for traveling trades if u don't have a Company gas card. Even if gas stays here your still saving a good chunk of change. I rode with a few people for a few weeks that have the Prius. Pretty incredible seeing little change in the gas gauge after driving two hrs. One of the guys has forgot to shut it off on numerous occasions and let it run all night in his drive on accident. I know these cars sored in value last go around. I think its a smart investment for you.

 

[giles]

Lol, I actually decided against the hybrid. I just didn't want to start another thread. I drive mostly interstate, hybrid would only add a few MPG and be something else to fail. Looking for a civic with the 1.5T motor.

 

[hickslawns]

Curious the MPG on those? Our 2015 CR-V does upper twenties to lower 30s on the highway with the "bigger" motor. The 1.5T in the newer CR-V is supposed to be 31 or 32 mpg I think. The Civic has got to be lighter and more aerodynamic.

 

[giles]

A couple guys at work have them and they all get right around 40.

 

[Jackalope]

Another thing to consider is the changing tax landscape. Mississippi charges a fee on the yearly vehicle registration to offset fuel tax losses of electric vehicles. $75 for hybrid $150 for all electric.

Tons of States are looking at different ways to recover use taxes now that covid has a lot of people working from home. I even saw a proposal a could of weeks ago for taxing people who work from home.

 

[giles]

Gotta make up for road repairs somewhere. But I'm not sure how taxing people who use less fuel is the answer...shouldn't that mean less road repairs? The road is getting used less.

 

[giles]

What about retired or disabled people? Construction crews. Public services...this list could go on for a long time for people that have to travel.

Once again the "essential" working class gets the screws because this leads to more fuel tax?