Evaluating Hybrid Cars

Prior to purchasing a new or used car it is important to do some homework. Regardless of whether you are purchasing a new or used car, this includes comparing various types of vehicles to determine which is going to be the best one for you. This process became more complicated with the new breeds of hybrid cars that are now in the mix. Here is a list of guidelines that anyone can use when choosing a new car, especially one of the new hybrid cars.

• Size: The auto makers of today are constantly introducing new types and styles of hybrid cars. Formerly, automakers were only producing hybrid cars that looked as if the vehicles were some type of futuristic lunch box. Now they are producing vehicles that look no different from anything else. You can now get a hybrid SUV along with a vehicle the size of the Mini Cooper.
• Mileage: As with a regular type of vehicle, different vehicle hybrid classes (i.e. coupe, sedan, or SUV) have a wide range of fuel-efficiency. The gas-mileage you can expect to get from a hybrid vehicle ranges from 26 miles per gallon to about 48 miles per gallon. As you are evaluating your choices in vehicles, be sure that you take the vehicle's rated gas-mileage into account, especially with the rising cost of gasoline.
• Durability and reliability: Just as with any other vehicle, the durability and reliability of a hybrid vehicle is important. With a hybrid car it might actually be more important than with a normal car due the higher cost associated with replacing the batteries. Prior to purchasing, and during the evaluation process, make sure that you do a little bit of research into the average cost of the repairs for the different systems in the car. You can find this information in various car magazines, from the dealerships directly, and by looking online.
• Resale value: When evaluating a hybrid, or any vehicle, it is important to consider the resale value. Consult sources such as the Kelly Blue Book or the NADA books.