When hybrids first hit the showroom floors, they were heralded as being the future of the automotive industry. Manufacturers boisterously claimed that the new vehicles\' fuel efficiency couldn\'t be matched by the old-fashioned gasoline-chugging engine. It turns out they were right. By generating electrical power under the hood, automakers were able to slash their cars\' dependency upon gas, leading to savings at the pump. But, the cost savings of buying a hybrid aren\'t always clear. In this article, I\'ll describe the numbers behind the privilege of ownership.

Paying More At The Dealership

If you\'ve visited a dealership during the past few years, you\'ll have noticed that hybrids cost much more than conventional vehicles. While you\'ll have the good feeling of knowing that you\'re not contributing as much to environmental waste, you\'ll pay up to $10,000 more.

What about tax credits? A lot of motorists argue that the bump in sticker price is offset by the credits offered by the federal government. Not so fast. It\'s important to realize that those credits don\'t fully compensate drivers for the increased price. Plus, they expire when automakers sell a certain number of cars. So, they help, just not as much as some people think.

Getting It Repaired

A lot of people were initially afraid to purchase a hybrid because they assumed that parts and repairs would be extremely expensive (similar to some foreign vehicles). Again, the truth is mired beneath the numbers. The parts may be slightly more expensive. But, most of these cars come with comprehensive warranties that last 100,000 (and even 150,000) miles. For the first several years of owning one, you won\'t pay for the parts or the labor. Plus, automakers seem to have discovered a way to make the components last a long time, even under stress.

Maintaining It Properly

Maintenance is a mixed card because you\'re actually dealing with parts from 2 different types of engines: the gas-guzzler and the electric. The electric engine doesn\'t need as much maintenance as the gas-powered engine. But, given that they\'re under the same hood, you\'ll still be forced to take your vehicle to the repair garage when the gasoline-fueled engine needs work.

Saving At The Pump

It won\'t come as a surprise to learn that you\'ll save money at the pump. After all, an electric-powered engine doesn\'t require much fuel. That said, every make and model operates a little differently, so it\'s often hard to tell what kind of savings you\'re actually enjoying. Don\'t rely on the paper taped to the car\'s window at the dealership. The most reliable way to identify your hybrid\'s fuel efficiency is to check the latest EPA ratings. They\'re not infallible, but those ratings are the most accurate available.

So, is buying a hybrid a good financial decision? It\'s impossible to say for every motorist. It depends upon the model you purchase, your driving habits, and where you live (some states offer tax credits). Hopefully, the information I\'ve provided above gives you a place to start.