Hybrids are finally shaping up to be what engineers envisioned them to be. With some new driving techniques, many models are achieving the mileage estimates which the makers advertised. The batteries, which the hybrid relies upon for their electric energy source, are now coming with longer warranties and replaceable modules, which keep one from having to replace the entire battery. The waiting lists and prices are slowly going down, too, as more makers come up with their own versions of the hybrid car or SUV. All of these factors are changing the way that people think of hybrids; however, the journey of the hybrid into the mainstream auto industry has not been without some very bumpy moments. There is a population of hybrid owners who have not had their expectations met.

One of the biggest problems which hybrid owners have is not getting the mileage which they believe they should or would. Some hybrids claiming that they will get 50 mpg are only getting 30 mpg. Drivers are frustrated as they attempt to actually relearn how to drive a car. This includes learning how to “pulse and glide,” which helps balance the car’s use of electric and gas when in speeds ranging from 30 to 40 mph. A combination of fancy pedal work and watching arrows on the dashboard, make many drivers feel like they are learning how to drive manual or worse. The other factor that comes into play is how fast one likes to accelerate. Although many of the new hybrids are getting great acceleration performance, punching the gas on a hybrid also reduces one’s mileage performance. If one wants to get great gas mileage on a hybrid, then they have to learn how to drive with more overall patience. There has to be less hard breaking and careful attention to pressure on the gas pedal to get the most out of one’s hybrid.

Complaints of hybrids performing badly in certain weather conditions have also changed some owners’ opinions about their environmentally friendly vehicle. Apparently, the car battery used in hybrids needs some warming up. In full hybrids (or hybrids which can operate completely in either electric or gas mode without needing the other), this problem appears to have worked out to near nonexistence. For mild hybrids, which cannot have the electric or gas components work independently from one another, there have been cases of the hybrid performing poorly or much under expectations in cold weather. Too much heat has been known to wear down on a hybrid’s battery as well, but this is being counteracted with thermal protection systems.

Stalling has also made Toyota have to contact Prius owners. Apparently, stalling or unexpected shutdowns of the engine may affect some drivers due to a software problem. The stalling sounds like a frightening prospect, but Toyota took precautions by inviting owners of that specific Prius to head to dealerships for a free repair. The news was also minimal in affecting opinion about the Prius since only a small number of drivers ever had to submit any complaints.

Some people have been known to complain about one of the strange side-effects of driving a hybrid: the silence. Because of the efficiency of the engine, the engine can drop to near silence when idling. Many say that although motorcycles and some models of regular cars are too loud, at least you can hear them. The silence of the hybrid poses a problem for the deaf and for children who are often too wrapped up in playing to pay attention to cars to begin with. It is no wonder that makers are already considering ways to put the noise pollution back into hybrids to ensure that pedestrians are not the victims of new technology.

For many, it is no surprise that hybrids have been plagued with various glitches. The fact that many non-hybrid vehicles have had their share of recalls despite years of engineers working on them does not make hybrid owners feel better. Consumers who are willing to take the chance with a hybrid purchase are already wondering if their car will be obsolete in a couple years like a laptop computer. There is some comfort, however, that the glitches have not been as numerous as some expected and that the benefits are beginning to outweigh the negatives.

Sports cars are coveted items and it is not surprising thieves too often target these valuable vehicles. There is a steady market for professional car thieves willing to steal sports cars. Meanwhile, joy riders and other potential car thieves seem uniquely attracted to a beautiful sports car. There is, of course, no way to guarantee you will not be victimized by a car thief, but there are measures you can take to reduce the risk of having your sports car stolen. These five tips, if followed, should significantly decrease the likelihood of car theft.

Location, Location, Location

The mantra of “location, location, location” is common to the real estate industry. The location of a piece of real property determines, in large measure, its value. Location is also important when it comes to car theft. One should take steps to avoid leaving their sports car unattended in locations where a theft is more likely.

For instance, one should strive to use secured parking areas. Monitored lots and garages deter car thieves. If a monitored parking area is unavailable, it is wise to seek out parking locations that are well lit and clearly visible to others. Privacy is the thief’s best friend, so parking in that remote nook or cranny increases the risk of wrongdoing.

Key Control

Although it is extremely simple and intuitive, taking your keys with you when you exit the car is the best way to reduce theft risk. One should take their keys with them whenever they are leaving the car—even if it is only for a quick run in and out of somewhere where the car remains in your sight.

Most car thefts are, in large measure, crimes of opportunity. To a potential thief, nothing screams opportunity like dangling keys in the ignition. Don’t tempt the sports car thief; take your keys with you.

A corollary to this hint is the reminder that one should never leave their car running, even on the iciest of days. You may relish returning to a toasty car from your quick errand, but a few seconds of chilliness is surely worth suffering through if the alternative is a stolen vehicle.

Hide the Goodies

Having your entire car stolen and driven away is the ultimate car theft nightmare. Having valuable objects taken from within the car runs a close second. In some cases, a thief’s desire to nab your awesome sound system may even inspire him to “borrow” the car until he can get it to a quiet place to perform the stereo removal. In other cases, sports car owners can suffer from broken windows or damaged locks when a thief has entered a car in search of a visible valuable item.

When exiting your car, do a quick scan for any items that may hold an attraction for a thief and get those items out of plain view. Trinkets as trivial as a cheap watch or a few CDs may attract the attention of break-in artists, so don’t assume what is of little value to you will be uninteresting for a thief.

It’s a good idea to purchase stereos with removable front plates or that are otherwise disguisable so as not to encourage theft. It’s also been found that one can reduce the likelihood of break-ins by making the interior a little less visible. For some sports cars, tinted windows may be both a great look and a theft deterrent. A simple fold-up sunscreen can protect your car from both harmful ultraviolet rays and prying eyes.

Present Small Challenges

Car thieves work fast because their “career” requires it. The longer a thief has to wrangle with a vehicle, the more likely he is to bail out of his mission. If a thief can ascertain quickly that a job will take more than a few minutes, he is likely to pass on by. As such, it is a great idea to take small measures that will make theft less convenient.

If you have the opportunity to parallel park between two other cars, take it. By making your car less capable of a quick getaway, you reduce the risk of theft. Additionally, being in the proximity of others will make the act of stealing your sports care more visible, which is very unattractive to thieves.

Small internal adjustments can also be a nice additional deterrent. If you have tilt steering, you may want to set the wheel at its lowest point, making quick access to the driver’s seat more difficult. Setting the parking brake can and turning wheels toward the curb in a street-parking situation can also help. Some people have gone so far as to pull their seatbelt over the steering wheel after parking, hoping the time required to access the driver’s seat will be lengthened enough to turn a thief off.

Use of items such as “the Club” can also help. Even if these locking mechanisms are not foolproof, they do add to the time required to steal a sports car. A potential thief, who needs to finish the act quickly and quietly, may see something as simple as a wheel lock as just enough of a time-water to dissuade him from attacking your sports car.

Alarms do Work

There is a growing belief that car alarms have become so commonplace that they are no longer effective. How many people even look in the direction of an alarm these days? It is true that car alarms no longer possess the novelty value they once had, but they still can act as a deterrent to car theft.

Thieves do not want any attention called to their activities. Although many of us ignore the beeps and sirens of alarms, many people will still look when they hear an alarm. Even if an alarm’s effectiveness is less than 100%, it increases the attention drawn to the act of car theft, and that can be enough to discourage break-in. Additionally, disarming the alarm will take time, and as we have noted, speed is key to the sports car thief. Car alarm installation is still a best bet for sports car protection.

You can never guarantee your sports car will remain safely in your possession at all times. A gorgeous sports car can seem almost irresistible to a thief, after all. Remembering these five pointers, however, can minimize the risk of theft significantly.

When purchasing a new sports car, one should keep in mind 4 simple rules.

Be Well-Researched

Don’t enter the buying process without a solid understand of exactly what you are after and how much you should expect to pay. Sports cars can be expensive investments and it is not advisable to handle the buying process impulsively.

One can conduct extensive pre-purchase research via the internet, automobile magazines and by comparing models and prices at various dealers. In today’s information-rich society, there is no good excuse for not being a well-informed consumer.

Be Clear on Financing

When buying a car, be sure to question the seller thoroughly on financing options and the exact terms to which you are agreeing. If you are not entirely certain of a term or condition, don’t hesitate to seek clarification.

If possible, enter the dealership with pre-approved financing from a lender with whom you are comfortable. This will allow you to negotiate from a position of strength and to assess a deal with a clear outlook on the true cost to you.

Understand the Salesperson’s Motivations

Dealership sales staffs consist of professionals whose primary interest is moving inventory. Although a salesperson can provide important information and help you in your sports car search, one should remember they are not always working toward the consumers’ best interests. They may try to sell you an automobile they like—or one that brings with a greater commission than a superior alternative.

One should, therefore, approach any salesperson with some healthy skepticism. You need not approach the salesperson as a mortal enemy, but you must always remember their reasons for selling you a particular sports car may not line up with your own best interests.

Hunt for Bargains

Savvy buyers know that end of the year models can offer great savings if one is not preoccupied with owning the very latest model of a sports car. They’ll also know which dealers are offering great promotions and deals.

A smart sports car buyer’s research will allow him or her to make quality decisions and avoid rash choices. A commitment to searching out the best bargain for the car you want is almost always worth the extra time and effort required.

There are a variety of factors that go into an enriching sports car purchase. Keeping these simple guidelines in mind will certainly go a long way toward making your purchase a success.

Perhaps you are familiar with various automobile dealer incentives. Sellers are known to offer the occasional freebie or perk if you purchase a car. These incentives can be as small as a free upgrade to carpeted floor mats, or may take the more significant direction of cash back bonuses or reduced interest rate financing. Whatever form the incentives take, they are increasingly common with an automobile purchase.

Can you imagine, though, an incentive package that included gold-plated titanium tool kits and custom-built high-roller watches featuring an engraving of your new cars chassis number? Would you find it hard to believe that at least one automotive producer threw in those freebies with every purchase—along with a seat custom-molded from high-tech carbon fibers to fit the body of the driver?

It happened. It didn’t happen a lot, but those perks were offered to buyers of a particular car throughout the 90s. In all, only about one hundred lucky buyers were treated to this royal treatment, and fewer than seventy of the cars sold with these “little” benefits actually ever hit the street.

The car in question was the McLaren F1, still recognized today as the fastest production automobile ever sold. Each of the McLarens came with an amazing V12 engine, an elegant design featuring a body made from special carbon fibers, and unparalleled speed and acceleration. Buying a McLaren also netted the purchaser a custom-built set of gold-plated titanium hand tools and a Tag Heuer watch emblazoned with the unique chassis number of the car purchased. Oh, and they threw in the custom-molded seat, too.

McLaren, Inc produced the McLaren F1 from approximately 1994 through 1999. The car was designed for unrivaled performance and is still recognized today as a true exemplar of sports car design. F1s have been consistently clocked at speeds in excess of two hundred and thirty miles per hour and are known for their breakneck acceleration that makes many of the world’s famous sports cars seem like clunkers in relative terms.

Today many of us may marvel at the seeming generosity of employee pricing or a free CD player. We may be grateful for the rear window defroster and standard air conditioning. The idea of gold-plated tools and watches worth more than most new cars seems absolutely impossible. But the McLaren was no ordinary automobile and its customer base did not consist of neighborhood guys looking for a quick ride. The McLaren was sold to a discriminating crowd of sports car enthusiasts who were not concerned with expense.

McLaren could afford to toss in a few high-end freebies. After all, the asking price for one of the F1 speedsters was a cool million dollars. That’s right, the McLaren F1, the fastest car ever, was sold factory-direct for a million bucks per unit.

Only around one hundred McLarens were sold and only sixty-seven of those produced were built in a manner considered street legal. They were snatched up from sports car enthusiasts who find themselves at home among the world’s most rich and famous. These were cars designed for people who would be somewhat appreciative of the Tag Heuer and the gold-plated tools, but who would not be truly impressed with the giveaways.

The next time an automobile salesperson tries to entice you to buy by offering free window tinting or free oil changes for the life of the car, make a counter offer. Tell him if he can match the free gifts offered by McLaren for F1 buyers you’ll sign on the dotted line immediately.

In a car culture dominated by SUV’s, family sedans and economy cars, sports cars stand out in the crowd. There are a variety of selling points for all types of automobiles, but sports cars are uniquely attractive for at least five reasons.

Driving Quality

Whereas other automobile types are designed with function and affordability in mind, sports cars are focused on performance. The quality of a sports car driving experience is unparalleled. Drivers are able to hug turns, accelerate quickly when necessary and have a level of driving control not offered by the larger vehicles with whom they share the road.

If you, as a driver, are concerned with the quality of your driving experience, there is no real alternative to a true sports car. Designed with the most discriminating drivers in mind, sports cars trump the performance of other vehicles easily. One need only take a spin in an oversized SUV and compare it to the driving experience they find in a quality sports car to understand the significant difference.

Beauty

Appearance may not be the chief reason to make an automotive investment, but when confronted with today’s highways littered with cookie-cutter cars, a discriminating buyer can find an escape with a beautifully designed sports car.

Function can be important, but there is room even in the utilitarian world of automobiles to seek out something more aesthetically pleasing. We often spend a great deal of time in and around are cars. Those who want to spend that time in the company of good design are likely to find the sleek lines and measured appearance of sports cars a welcome respite from the dull boxes on wheels so many people choose to use for transportation.

Residual Value

Every new car depreciates the second the ignition key is turned, but some cars are better at holding their value than others. A scant few may actually become more valuable with the passage of time. Sports cars, due to their aforementioned beauty and quality are more likely to become future classics and strong value-holders than many other automobiles.

Take a quick glance through the classified advertisements. Which older cars are still demanding a strong price? You are sure to notice that economy cars and generic pickup trucks are fetching far less than high-performance sports cars. And consider the classic cars for which collectors now yearn. How many enthusiasts are searching for old Chryslers? By comparison, how many would be interested in a vintage Corvette? Sports cars have a much greater potential of becoming coveted possessions.

Individual Expression

Every purchase says something about the buyer. Someone who wants to blend into the crowd is likely to purchase an automobile that blends into traffic. There are those, however, who want to take ach and every opportunity to express their individuality. Sports cars make up a relatively small percentage of the cars on the road. Sports car ownership thus gives one an opportunity to distinguish themselves from the crowd.

One need not turn their automobile choice into a statement. But the opportunity to do so is there if one desires. Sports car ownership makes a statement of individuality and displays a desire to stand out where others seek only to blend in.

Fun

There are intangible benefits to sports car ownership that difficult to qualify or quantify. Chief among these is the pure entertainment and fun one can have with their sports car. One can talk about hugging a curve without taking their foot off the gas or zipping through slow traffic while remaining in complete control. One can discuss the feeling of satisfaction they take from knowing they are operating a true example of great engineering. These various observations and explanations all add up to the almost inexplicable fun inherent in sports car driving.

Sports cars are iconic. They have a mystique. That mystique is impossible to totally define or pigeonhole, but it exists. Its existence is born out again and again as top designers fret over the smallest details and accomplished drivers relish the opportunity to test the latest models. Sports car ownership is, at its core, fun.

There is undoubtedly a litany of justifications for purchasing an economy car. SUV owners certainly have a logical explanation for their purchases. None of the utilitarian laundry lists favoring other models, however, can be quite as compelling as the reasons to buy a sports car.

Energy is such a valuable part of our everyday lives but sometimes we are not as aware of it as we should be. Hybrid cars are excellent at conserving energy and not polluting the environment further with nauseous gases. It is estimated that a hybrid car can reduce in the area of ninety percent or more of smog pollution, as compared to the cleanest non-hybrid cars on the road today. Since our country has an increasing independence on energy, we are fast becoming high on the concept of hybrids!

Interesting to note is that the very first hybrid vehicle to burst onto the U.S. market came about in 1999 with the production of the Honda Insight. This first hybrid model was powered electrically and could go 70 mpg on the highway and 61 mpg in the city. Following closely on the heels of that model was the debut of the Toyota Prius in 2000. This hybrid car was capable of reaching speeds of 45 mpg on the highway and 52 mpg within city limits. In 2002 the Honda Civic Hybrid took shape, to much success. This vehicle could go 51 mpg on the open highway and 46 mpg in the city. There were more hybrid vehicles to come. The first full-size pickup hybrids made their appearance in 2004. These were the Dodge Ram and the Chevy Silverado. As well 2004 saw the first SUV hybrid hit the streets in the form of the Ford Escape.

Hybrid cars are powered by two sources- gasoline and electric, and contain smaller, more fuel-efficient engines than their non-hybrid counterparts. They are also equipped with a battery for longer life. Energy efficiency is made possible in hybrids due to the use of lighter materials to build the automobiles. The lighter parts are made possible when less numbers of cylinders are used and engines are operated at a load of maximum capacity. When cars are equipped with large engines this makes them automatically heavier while the opposite is true for smaller engines. When a car has a heavy engine it is burdensome and it requires a great deal more energy to drive up hills and also to accelerate to higher speeds. The harder a car has to work, the more energy is used up, much the same way people are when it comes to work and tasks such as shoveling snow or doing housework. More difficult tasks require more energy than lighter tasks.

Non-hybrid cars with large engines also have heavier internal machinery, such as pistons. More time and energy are needed for them to make the trip both up and down in the cylinder, which expends an extra amount of energy. Speaking of cylinders, in a non-hybrid car there are generally more cylinders therefore more fuel is used to fire the engine. This is also the case even if the car is stationary. Another thing about cylinders is that in cars with heavier engines the displacement of the cylinders is greater making it necessary for more fuel to be required by each individual cylinder. This exerts a lot of energy output, which is not a good thing. Perhaps this explains why hybrid cars are becoming more and more attractive to drivers.

To optimize mileage and energy output in a hybrid car you can observe three special driving tips- slow down, keep your car at a constant speed and try to avoid sudden, abrupt stops. Did you know that the aerodynamic drag on a vehicle increases tremendously the faster speeds you drive? It does. Learn to drive at a slower speed and you will increase your mileage, and save on energy a great deal. Accelerating and then slowing down constantly wastes energy needlessly. Try to get into a habit of maintaining a constant, steady speed and you will use your hybrid’s fuel much more efficiently. Not stopping or braking suddenly is the last important tip. Sometimes this cannot be avoided but try not to make a habit of it. In a hybrid vehicle the electric motor works much like a generator, energy is lost when the car is in the process of slowing down. More energy can be saved if the car is given more of a recovery time when slowing down and stopping. When you stop suddenly and abruptly the onus is on your brakes to do much of the work and in this way, precious energy is lost.

That is the question!

People have a mass of preconceptions about hybrid cars. Some of these stem from the first few years of hybrids on the market, where battery problems clouded consumers’ joy about these fuel efficient cars finally being attainable. With Lexus, Toyota, Mercury, Honda, Ford and other makers coming out with better and better hybrids each year, some of the kinks about these mileage masters are finally being worked out. The more hybrids people purchase, the more that people trust that hybrids will work for them too. So, the question is whether manufacturers are offering adequate warranties for these vehicles. Are makers compensating for consumers’ fears by placing excellent warranties on their hybrids, or are they just placating us with enough to make us not think about junking it after eight years or 80,000 miles? A good starting place to start when considering the extended warranty is that most hybrids offer a general warranty on the first 36,000 to 40,000 miles, then 80,000 miles on the battery, to lure in battery weary buyers. A further investigation into these futuristic vehicles should show that, much like an extended warranty for your regular car, this can be a gamble.

The real key is considering what items are covered on the warranty. The major concern about hybrids is whether the battery is going to need replacement, even with loving attentiveness paid to how you drive yours. New batteries for hybrid vehicles have been known to be as high as $5,000. A clever way out of this however, is that you can often replace the modules of which the hybrid battery is composed of for less than $150. Knowing that the warranty for your hybrid completely covers the battery under the manufacturer’s warranty for 80,000 miles may be satisfactory enough. Others, who drive a lot, see themselves reaching 80,000 in just four years or less.

Dealerships are often making a bundle on extended warranties. Sometimes they run as high as $1,400. Considering that there is usually a deductible on extended warranties, you may find that many repairs that you would want the warranty to cover would be under a $300 deductible anyway. Many people decide to buy the extended warranty because they want to ward away extra bills down the road. Unfortunately, the deductibles often make that dream unattainable, after all. If you don’t plan to keep the car long past the built-in warranty, then the extended warranty is probably not the right way to go. However, if not having your hybrid a long time includes selling it; an extended warranty can be a great selling point. If the extended warranty option being offered by your dealership remains confusing to you, then consider giving yourself some time to think it over. After all, many people do not even purchase the extended warranty on their vehicles until the manufacturer’s is getting ready to expire. If you drive a lot, then that will still give you about four years to think about it.

The way that hybrids are improving second by second is daunting to their owners. An extended warranty can give some peace of mind if you are worried that your old hybrid model will be obsolete in four to eight years when your warranty expires. Although, you may never use it, it may save the day when a transmission or battery gives out at the most inopportune time. Many people keep a credit card with a high limit for these situations. This way, the money goes straight to the repair, rather than being built into the price of your car and never knowing for sure whether or not you will use it.

If an extended warranty makes you feel better about the fact that you already feel as if you have taken a risk by buying a hybrid, then this is probably the best option. The most important thing about buying an extended warranty is to try and haggle with the dealership. Buy a warranty which pays up-front so you don’t feel like you don’t even have one at all. Try to get one with a low deductible for the same reason, so even small repairs are covered automatically. Where prices have already been cut lean on the general price of a hybrid, an extended warranty can spare to be cut down.

Anyone who follows political policy of the United States can tell you that America consumes a quarter of the world’s oil supply but only has 3% of the world’s oil reserves on its territory. This fact gives the country no other option than to import over 60% of the oil it needs to function at normal levels. With the introduction of the sports utility vehicle and other gasoline guzzlers, the dependency is growing each day.

The harshness of this reality is that most of the world’s oil supply is controlled by countries and people who hate the United States and the entire Western ideology. They are mostly radical Islamists or allied with radical Islamists. This means that those that control one of the most important imports to the United States has great amounts of hatred toward the U.S. and its citizens. The dependency the United States has on oil is one that threatens its national security on a daily basis. The radicals know Americans need oil to function. Knowing this, they hold their possessions tightly and use it against the United States. When needed, they use the oil industry as a political agenda and a war tactic.

Some experts believe that with the introduction of hybrid vehicles, the U.S.’s dependency on overseas oil will lessen. The new hybrids are powered by a small gasoline engine as well as an electric engine. They use much less gasoline than the conventional vehicle, with translates to less oil needed. With over 11 millions barrels being imported into the United States each day, any reduction in the need for oil is a welcomed idea. In the 1970s, during the first oil crisis, the United States was using much less oil than they are today. Although much of the oil use is contributed to industry, vehicles do contribute.

With the market reaction being extremely high toward the hybrid, it is likely more Americans will be buying hybrids. Most Americans will not be buying hybrids just to lower the country’s dependency on oil. They will likely be buying hybrids to save on gasoline costs, gain incentives, or help the environment. Those who are interested in politics may be encouraging those they know to buy hybrids, however it is unlikely the oil dependency crisis will be a large selling factor.

Buying hybrids however does save the country bundles in oil use. In fact, if every car in the United States was a hybrid car, then the country would be saving 15 percent more oil than normal. This is a huge amount that can change a lot in the political and economical world. It is also a percentage that can change the direction of environmental care by consumers. The biggest factor in the equation is time.

With hybrids being sold faster than they can be made, it is unlikely the change can come quickly. Although there is great interest in hybrid models, consumers will not likely rush to trade their current vehicles in on a hybrid. It will take time for consumers to decide to purchase a new vehicle and it will take time for hybrids to be produced more quickly than in the past. Buying a hybrid will begin the process however and help the progressive hope for the hybrid start working.

During the past oil crisis many Americans have gone to riding their bicycles or purchasing small economical vehicles. This is always an option for everyone. If you are truly interested in living a normal scheduled life however and would love to cut down on the oil consumption of the United States, buying a hybrid is a great idea. Not only would you be helping the country control its dependency but you would also be getting a great vehicle.

Saving hundreds a month on gasoline costs, helping the environment, and benefiting from incentives is a great reason to buy a hybrid. So, go ahead and check out the newest hybrids today. You can feel great about your purchase and know that you are doing your part to help the United States. If you agree that hybrids have the potential to end the dependency of the United States on foreign oil, then you should certainly contribute and buy a hybrid today.

For every person who hails the benefits of buying an environmentally friendly hybrid car, there is at least one critic. Hybrids are supposed to be good for the environment, cheaper than conventional cars and require less maintenance. Some people do not buy this argument and believe hybrids are not worth the extra money they cost.

When hybrid cars first became popular in the 1990s, people began to take notice. Consumers liked the idea of having lower emissions and saving a bundle on gas. In the 2000s, auto manufacturers also took notice of hybrids. Technology advanced and more styles and options are available now for hybrid consumers. Still, some say, “Just say no to hybrids”. Here are the top three reasons why some people won’t buy hybrids.

Cost: While hybrid cars are supposed to be cheaper both in purchase price and fuel use, that is not always so. The purchase price of a hybrid can be anywhere from $3000 to $5000 more than that of a traditional vehicle. That means that the amount of money you may save at the pump by buying a hybrid will depend on the gasoline prices. It may take years to see the savings in gas on a hybrid. It could, in theory, take between 10 to 15 years to make up for the increased price consumers pay when purchasing a new hybrid.

When comparing the ultimate gas mileage of a hybrid car to a traditional car, there is not much difference. It is estimated that with normal use, that the difference in gas usage between a hybrid and a non-hybrid car is less than 10 percent.

In addition, consider the cost of insuring a hybrid. It goes without saying that a more expensive car costs more to insure. Most insurance companies do not give any sort of discounts for purchasing a hybrid vehicle. As a matter of fact, many insurance companies will not insure them at all.

Special parts and maintenance: Hybrid cars rely on the latest computer technology. New technology often means a bigger price when needing maintenance or new parts. A hybrid runs off both a small engine and a battery, which is charged by the generator. Many auto companies offer drivers longer warranties for their hybrids. But what happens when the warranty runs out? The battery that a hybrid uses is much more expensive than a traditional car battery. These batteries can run anywhere from $1000 all the way to $8000. It is possible that the higher prices are because the demand for hybrids is so great at the time and that prices could drop in the future.

The newer technology of the hybrid also means special training and maintenance. If a driver takes their hybrid to any car shop for repairs, chances are they will not be able to repair it. Specially trained technicians and new computer software is often needed when repairing a hybrid. This also equals more expensive repairs and often means having all the maintenance done at the car dealership.

Driving Habits: You can get good gas mileage from a hybrid car, but drivers have to remember a few road rules to help their hybrid be as efficient as possible. Stopping and starting can decrease the fuel efficiency of a hybrid car making it no more efficient that a traditional car. Hybrid drivers should drive slower. The aerodynamic drag on a hybrid can increase the faster the car is driven. It is recommended that when driving a hybrid, that drivers should not drive at increased speeds. Also, drivers should maintain a constant speed. Each time your speed or slow a hybrid, it uses vital energy. Keeping at a constant speed level will help keep the car efficient. Also, drivers should avoid abrupt stops. When a driver stops a hybrid, the electrical motor acts like a generator. This takes some energy out of the car as it slows down. It is recommended when driving a hybrid to take more time to gradually slow the car so it can recover more energy. Stopping and starting frequently and abruptly will waste energy in a hybrid.

The bottom line of hybrids is to do some research. Find out what matters most, a more expensive hybrid car that is better for the environment or a less expensive, traditional car that will not be as environmentally friendly.

The past summer of hurricanes and rising gas prices has done much for the hybrid automobile industry. The highly debated war in Iraq, although not definitively linked politically to oil, has certainly affected the economy, including the price of gas. The public’s increasing interest in hybrid cars has evolved from skepticism to eager curiosity. Concerns about warranties, electrical issues and reliability in various weather conditions, has been appeased somewhat by major makers coming out with new and better hybrids. Before, many people thought that they might consider purchasing a hybrid one day when they were streamlined and technologically sound. Today, many more are asking not when they will buy a hybrid, but for which one they should put themselves on a waiting list. Performance is the top priority for consumers who are convinced that their next vehicle is going to be a hybrid, even if they need to pay a several thousand dollars more, and have to wait a year to get one.

Makers have been racing to improve the technology of the hybrid. Strange alliances have been formed between makers to get more consumers interested. For example, Toyota shared some of its patents with Ford because of beliefs that Americans wanted more options and makers getting in the hybrid market. It seems that Toyota did get hurt with this alliance. The more makers that are producing hybrids, the more people will begin to trust that they really work and will work for them.

The latest models of hybrids are surpassing their recent predecessors. Because of technological advances, more people can focus on other aspects of the vehicle they want. Some people just want a practical vehicle and are happy with Ford’s Escape. Others want and can afford the luxury of the Lexus Highlander, which is a SUV combined with all the fixings. For some, however, the big question is whether the mileage and performance of the hybrid are really going to be as wonderful as the manufacturers say it is.

The Toyota Prius is still holding its head high as the leading maker of hybrids. Although it is a mid-size, it boasts the most horsepower, and goes from 0-60 in 10.2 seconds, which is better than the two-seat, Honda Insight at 10.7 seconds and 71-horsepower. The EPA has also given the Prius its super rating for emissions standards, the AT-PZEV. This means that it is a whopping 90% more environmentally friendly than the average car. The Prius is also one of the easier hybrids to actually come by. Toyota has increased production because of demand and has kept the price in the low $20,000 range even though it is cutting profits.

Honda is keeping up with the hybrid battle. The Honda Civic and Insight, although not completely up to line with the Prius, are only minimally treading behind. With prices starting a little below the Prius, the Honda hybrids perform great with mileage reaching into the mid-50s. The Honda Civic hybrid also boasts the mighty iVTEC engine, which more efficiently accommodates acceleration and cruising. Honda has also improved the air-conditioning so that it gets most of its power from electric sources.

For the best SUVs, Toyota claims the Highlander, which has a 270-horsepower engine. It may not match up to the Lexus RX 400h, but the Highlander is obviously more attainable for most people. The Lexus will definitely win over hearts with its 0-60 in eight seconds engine and 28/30 mpg. For those of us that are not able to shed $50,000 for the RX 400h, the Highlander will not be a let down. Starting at $33,000, the Highlander offers an SUV that feels and drives like a regular one without the emissions and mileage fears.

The technology of the hybrid car, truck, SUV and soon minivan, with the Toyota Sienna, which is already in Japan, has crushed some of the worries that they are unpredictable, not safe or too expensive. The performance of hybrids is improving with each year and makers are even helping other ones keep the market down by sharing some technology once in awhile. While Toyota has the Prius and Highlander selling well as top performers, Honda, Ford and of course, Lexus are offering quality hybrids as well.