With increasing gas prices all over the country showing no signs for decreasing in the future, hybrid cars have become the new economic and fashionable vehicle. With the advantages being thrown in the consumer’s face at every ad, the disadvantages to purchasing this vehicle are quietly swept under. No vehicle is without its own problems, and it is time to pull the rose-tinted glasses off of hybrid vehicles in order to have an informed opinion during your next trip to the dealership.
1. Household Size Matters – Buying a vehicle normally entails knowing what styleof vehicle one wants to find, such as a sedan, convertible, 4 x 4, among others. Know that when looking at hybrid cars, the typical convertible would be larger than its hybrid counterpart, and guarantee that the difference can be significant. Being aware of the consumer’s needs mean a strong consideration to space, because in an effort to be more fuel-efficient, hybrid cars are less car and more technology.
2. Bigger Might Be Better – In a fight between a pick-up truck and a compact, there is no question as to which vehicle will win. In fact, pick-up trucks continually win decisive victories against smaller cars, and even with the fuel crisis, people are not turning in their pick-up trucks and SUVs in droves. So, while the consumer may be more fuel-efficient, be aware that hybrid cars have much lower rankings for safety and that these smaller cars will be more vulnerable on the road.
3. A Need for Speed? – While many hybrid cars can compete with typical vehicles on the highway, it is very important to realize that this may not always be the case. Many of these hybrid vehicles are unable to accelerate at nearly the same rate that conventional cars can. That is not to say that hybrid cars cannot travel along highways, just that drag racing may not be the career of choice for the driver of a Prius.
4. The Dreaded Air Conditioning Monster – While that may be dramatic, the truth is that the air-conditioning systems in hybrids may give you some cool air, but ultimately will destroy the gas mileage benefits of the vehicle. A hybrid’s engine is much smaller and less weighty, so the additional taxing effect of air-conditioning outweighs its momentary relief.
5. Trust: Always an Issue – Like every big purchase, hybrids are under warranties, and for the most part, the newer models have not come to the end of their warranties. So, that leaves the consumers to wonder just how much these vehicles can be trusted after the warranty is expired. Batteries are not always under warranty, and even when they are, there is no telling how much replacing one may cost a consumer out of warranty, especially when the battery drops out of the bottom of the used hybrid purchased by the unaware consumer.
6. To Fix or Not To Fix – Hybrid cars may look deceptively innocent on the outside, but the technology inside is incredibly complex, and probably will require a different mechanic than the minivan you used to own. So, before deciding to purchase a hybrid, it would be wise to look for a mechanic that you know could handle the repairs that may need to be effected to your vehicle, or consider speaking to your dealer about this situation as well. If not, it might be time to think about another vehicle.
No car is perfect, whether it is a “gas-guzzler” or a fuel-efficient hybrid, so it is important to make sure you weigh all of your options before deciding on a vehicle. If the situation doesn’t feel right, do not make the purchase, and make sure you feel comfortable with the vehicle before you buy.
By: Thomas JonesAbout the Author:
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