Electricity isn't free?? But we're talking about a straight hybrid, not a plug-in hybrid, right? In which case, the batteries are charged by the vehicle; there is no outside/additional electric cost in the efficiency calculation.
Originally Posted By: Phishin
Originally Posted By: madRiver
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I agree on an LX MT, though at 30k/year, hybrid may be a good choice.
300k is likely the break even point for price premium for hybrid vs base model/stick and fuel savings. The risk is a bit higher for expensive drivetrain related repairs vs a simple 2.4L motor coupled to manual gear box.
I agree.
A new Honda Sport is $24,200. The Hybrid is $29,300. This is "stick" price for the base models. I assume you can "knock off" about the same amount for either vehicle at the dealership, which around here, isn't going to be much.
So, the different is $5,100. The Hybrid will get 48-50 mpg's all day. I have 3 good friends who have these and drive the wheels off them. I have several friends, including myself, who have base model Accords, and we get 28-32 mpg's with our non-hybrid Accords. So, giving you the biggest margin in your favor, the Hybrid will get 48 mpg's and the regular sedan will get 32. That's 16 mpg's difference.
Assume you drive in 100,000 miles, at $2.50/gallon, the hybrid fuel cost would be $5,208/100k miles. The non-hybrid would be: $7,813/100k. So, the cost savings would be: $2605/100k miles.
So, theoretically, it would take you about 200k miles to break even....but oh yeah, electricity isn't free. The cost of power here in Indiana is cheap. So, I suspect the break even point would be around 250k miles.