Hybrids?

So with gas prices on their way up and up, my DH has brought up the idea of possibly getting a hybrid. We recently moved a little further away from the city and work and I now have to fill up a lot more (we still live fairly close) but we also live in an area that is all about being green...so does anyone have a hybrid, specifically a hybrid suv?

DH and I share a car (because he takes the metro rail to work) and with two dogs, and a baby, we personally like having the SUV over a car because its much easier for us to have the back area for the dogs, groceries, etc.

Anyway...I am up for suggestions. DH liked the Toyota Highlander but Toyota's are super expensive so I am interested in what everyone else has.

Christine,

We are thinking about the same thing! and with a big dog like Mabel and children in our future, we need a larger vehicle as well. Also, FI commutes 45 min each way so gas is really becoming a strain. I don't have anything valuable to contribute but I am subscribing to this thread to see everyone else's responses!

Glad you asked Christine, we were also talking about this... not specifically a hybrid, but just an SUV in general. But a hybrid would be awesome.

But we definitely want a SUV because our small cars are getting a little cramped with all the stuff Aiden needs to travel with.

good point Trisha, thanks, no we really aren't in need of a new car, we bought my Santa Fe about three years ago and we have a great loan on it, it fits us and I was looking at the estimated gas on a hybrid SUV vs. mine and its not a whole lot more...but I think eventually we will get a hybrid for the environment.

Honestly, the hybrid SUV's aren't all that much better for gas milage yet. If you are doing it for the gas mileage, then one of the tiny cars (think Prius) is the way to go because those are going to yeild the best results in that area. But obviously those cars aren't practical for everyone...we have one SUV and one car. We absolutely have to have an SUV because our dog cannot fit into a car at all...he's 120 lbs and he's tall! If you're SUV shopping w/ a concern about gas mileage then just do a lot of comparisons and see what might fit best for you. Some SUV's are way worse than others. Esp the ones w/ the big V8 engines etc. IMO, the Japanese cars tend to rate the best on this stuff...Toyotas and even Nissans. That being said, some of the Toyota suv's in particualr can be pretty pricey...though if you find a good deal on a pre-owned that might be worth it since Toyotas hold up really well and last for ages.

Also, if you are going to be shopping for a hybrid, definitely take the time to research how a particualr brand's hybrid works. For instance the Lexus hybrid vehicles - esp the RX400h, small suv (that I have attended many a tedious class on since I work for them..) are much more fuel efficent for in-town driving as opposed to highway driving. At lower speeds the vehicle runs just on the hybrid engine using essentially no gas and obivously creating almost zero emissions. We reccomend this for clients who have a driving pattern similar to the average "soccer mom", making short trips all around town to school, grocery store, bank, dry cleaners etc. Almost never using the highway or driving at highway speeds. They'll be using their hybrid engine/battery only for these lower speeds and the frequent stops (stop signs, lights etc) utilize the brakes more...which is key since the way the hybrid "battery" recharges is through energy created and stored during the braking process. So really look into the details of how the particular vehicle you're interested in functions to see if it would, in fact, be beneficial for you based on your driving habits and the technology it uses.

Also, remember when shopping for any car, the estimated MPG's are based on road tests done w/ one passenger and no cargo in the vehicle, not running the a/c on high, using premium fuel etc. So what's on the sticker is always going to be better than what the average driver actually gets.

thank Rachelle.

I just got a Prius 2 weeks ago and I love it! It has been getting about 47 miles per gallon. It is actually really roomy and can fit 4 people and quite a bit of stuff very easily.

I would love to have a hybrid, but like Trish pointed out---- they aren't really going to provide enough gas savings to make the purchase worth it. To add to that--- make sure to compare how the maintenance prices for a hybrid compares to regular vehicles. If I remember correctly, hybrids use different oil, and because replacement parts aren't "mainstream" yet, they tend to be more expensive. Also, check the lifespan of the fuel cell (I think that's what it is called) because I've heard the replacement cost is about $5k. (Not sure on that tho...)

Also, insurance rates increase the more expensive a vehicle is to repair when damaged---- so definitely check insurance rates before buying because you could see a significant increase when purchasing a hybrid.