How to Choose Your Hybrid Car

So, you've decided to go green and buy a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). A hybrid car, truck or SUV typically costs more than a vehicle with a standard gasoline engine. However, you will lower your fuel costs and be eligible to take advantage of tax incentives offered for purchasing HEVs—and you can feel good about doing your part for the environment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Determining Your Driving Needs

1. Consider your normal driving habits. Figure out how much and how often you need to drive your hybrid electric vehicle, and whether you make mostly short trips around town or frequently drive long distances.

2. Determine how often you need to carry passengers or cargo. This will help you decide the size of HEV to consider.

3. Decide if you have any other special issues like parking in tight spots or towing a boat or trailer. This will help you choose between a hybrid car, truck or SUV.

Compare Hybrid Makes and Models

4. Research hybrid cars, trucks and SUVs on the Internet. There are a number of Web sites that compare the available makes and models (see Resources below).

5. Concentrate your efforts on the models that fit your driving needs.

6. Compare features, fuel efficiency and prices of the hybrid vehicles that fit your needs.

7. Take advantage of government and consumer Web sites that list the safety and reliability data for the hybrid vehicles that interest you.

Selecting a Hybrid Car Dealer

8. Visit the main Web sites of the makers of HEVs that interest you. Toyota, Honda, Ford, Lexus, Mercury, Nissan and Saturn each have Web sites.

9. Locate the link or information area on the hybrid manufacturer's Web site that directs you to a local dealer.

10. Contact the local dealer by phone or e-mail and arrange a test drive.

11. Take your research about features and price with you to your test drive. Use this information to negotiate the best deal on your new hybrid car, truck or SUV.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to consider headroom and legroom when comparing features. You may want to pay more for the long-term advantages of driving comfort.
• Dealers often offer special incentives to buyers who contact them through their Web site.
• Test-drive all of the makes that interest you. This will help you make the best selection.
• Never feel pressured to buy a vehicle that does not meet your needs. Keep your research handy and use it as a guide and negotiating tool.

Resources

• A great place to start your research is the government Web site that provides side-by-side comparisons of all available hybrid cars, trucks and SUVs
• Find out more about fuel economy and tax incentives
• A great source for hybrid information