Seven Reasons For Not Buying A Hybrid Car

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 27th, 2010

Looking to buy a hybrid car? Are you scouring the web for which are the best hybrid cars, what are the facts about hybrid cars, and perhaps even what are hybrid cars for sale on eBay?

Just hold on a moment and slow down. Of course, a hybrid car is a popular choice right now. And you're thinking that getting a hybrid vehicle is all about doing your bit about global warming and save money on fuel. It's a feel-good, win-win situation isn't it?

But is this true and is that all there is to it? Well, let's just say that there are at least seven good reasons why you should not buy a hybrid car.

Do you need a hybrid car?
Have you thought about your purpose of using a car at all? Who, and how many passengers will be using the car? Driving in the city or in the country? Perhaps public transport, a bicycle or an electric scooter could fit your needs just as well.

Just because we're all used to the comfort of our air-conditioned boxes on wheels does not necessarily mean we need to continue the habit, does it? You don't really need a car, hybrid or other? Then the best thing you can do for the environment, and for your pocket, is not to buy one.

Would your hybrid hold its value?
OK, so you know that hybrid car prices are above average but are inevitably coming down with a rapidly increasing demand. You also know that any tax incentives that may apply now may not continue forever. What does that mean? It means that you will not be able to sell your car at a premium price later, even though resale value is good now. So if you buy a hybrid because you think it will hold its value, don't count on that being true in five year's time.

Getting your money back by saving on fuel?
This depends on your mileage and the model hybrid. Even in the best scenarios you will need five years before you recoup your purchase price. Don't buy a hybrid for economic reasons only.

What are your alternatives?
Hybrid car technology is only one means of saving the environment and your money. Cars that drive on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or natural liquid gas (NLG) do this too. Modern diesel vehicles run much cleaner than older models and biodiesel fuel is emerging rapidly as an alternative, not to mention ethanol blends.

So, if you cannot justify buying a hybrid car compared to what's locally available to you in alternative fuels, don't buy one.

Mechanical assistance?
Many mechanics are not yet trained in maintaining a hybrid vehicle. Could you get yours repaired and maintained locally?

Hybrids ain't hybrids
The hybrid car range includes SUVs. How many people really need one? Buying a hybrid to roll over the off-road environment seems a little incongruous. Don't buy one unless you absolutely cannot do without it for good reasons.

Saving the environment?
You are probably like most people who buy a hybrid car because they want to do their bit about global warming. Right? Good for you. Hybrid cars are part of the future. But...

You cannot buy a sustainable world. Selling cars, whatever fuel they use, involves vast quantities of energy and emissions in mining metals, transportation, production and distribution. Whereas it is better to drive a hybrid car than a gasoline-driven one, don't expect to save the planet from global warming just by doing that.

It's a change in thinking that's needed, from seeing ourselves as independent consumers, to interdependent people who live in relationship to others and our environments. Once you and I know that we'll act more wisely in choosing Earth-friendly technologies that we really need.

Cannot afford to buy a hybrid? So what? Reach out to someone else who needs you today or volunteer in your local environment protection group. That's really putting your foot down in making a difference!