How to Decide to Purchase a Hybrid Vehicle

Hybrid vehicles bring a modern spin to everyday life. If you find yourself getting upset by paying one too many visits to the gas pump than maybe it's time to make other arrangements. Hybrids are designed for fuel efficiency. Instead of using gasoline as their sole energy source, hybrids use battery power. This combination of fuel efficiency means less money spent at the pump, less time spent fueling your vehicle, and greater benefits in staying "green" to help the environment.

I made the decision a year ago with dynamite financing rates and gasoline prices sky rocketing I decided it was time to make a change. I thought I would really miss my Honda CRV. I'm happy to say that once I began driving my Toyota Prius around, I've never looked back. I have no regrets and can only encourage buyers that feel the same.

Here are a few thoughts to help you decide if purchasing a hybrid car or hybrid SUV is the right choice for you.

1. Are you looking to save money on gasoline?

If the answer is yes, than a hybrid is the answer you are looking for. Hybrids get better miles to the gallon on gas which means you will save money and have to spend money less often filling your gas tank.

2. Do you want to buy a new hybrid SUV to save the environment?

Although you buying a hybrid vehicle will save the environment, if all of society decided to make the same choice we could save the amounts of pollution and elements from the earth that are used to create gasoline to power traditional cars.

3. Checkout the financing terms of a hybrid.

I was able to get my hybrid vehicle for 0% financing. This won't always be the case, but the dealership really was struggling to sell cars and the end of the year was upon them. This translated to great financing for me. I thought this type of financing would never be possible with a hybrid, I was wrong. Keep yourself up to date on financing terms and conditions when you are shopping to buy hybrid.

4. Hybrid technology is really cool.

Sounds funny when you say it out loud, but the technology of a hybrid is really cool. I love when I'm driving that I can monitor my fuel efficiency and keep up to date on how my car is using battery power to drive. I'm a technology geek, so this car seems like the type of "gadget" I was looking for. Not to mention that when you come to a stop it doesn't even sound like your car is running. I call this my stealth mode.

5. Do you drive a lot?

This was another one of the reasons that I decided to switch to a hybrid. I knew that if gas prices ever climbed as high as they were in the past that I would really have a lot more money spent on gasoline. I love to travel and find myself road tripping a lot. Having a less fuel efficient vehicle meant that I had to make decisions not to see family or friends due to the cost of gas. I didn't want that to be something I had to think about, and it isn't anymore.