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Looking to buy a hybrid car? Are you
scouring the web for which are the best hybrid cars, what are the
facts about hybrid cars, and perhaps even what are hybrid cars for
sale on eBay?
Just hold on a moment and slow down. Of
course, a hybrid car is a popular choice right now. And you're
thinking that getting a hybrid vehicle is all about doing your bit
about global warming and save money on fuel. It's a feel-good,
win-win situation isn't it?
But is this true and is that all there
is to it? Well, let's just say that there are at least seven good
reasons why you should not buy
a hybrid car.
Do you need a hybrid car?
Have you thought about your purpose of
using a car at all? Who, and how many passengers will be using the
car? Driving in the city or in the country? Perhaps public transport,
a bicycle or an electric scooter could fit your needs just as well.
Just because we're all used to the
comfort of our air-conditioned boxes on wheels does not necessarily
mean we need to continue the habit, does it? You don't really
need a car, hybrid or other? Then the best thing you can do for the
environment, and for your pocket, is not to buy one.
Would your hybrid hold its
value?
OK, so you know that hybrid car prices
are above average but are inevitably coming down with a rapidly
increasing demand. You also know that any tax incentives that may
apply now may not continue forever. What does that mean? It means
that you will not be able to sell your car at a premium price
later, even though resale value is good
now. So if you buy a hybrid because you think it
will hold its value, don't count on that being true in five year's
time.
Getting your money back by
saving on fuel?
This depends on your mileage and the
model hybrid. Even in the best scenarios you will need five years
before you recoup your purchase price. Don't buy a hybrid for
economic reasons only.
What are your
alternatives?
Hybrid car technology is only
one means of saving the environment and your
money. Cars that drive on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or natural
liquid gas (NLG) do this too. Modern diesel vehicles run much cleaner
than older models and biodiesel fuel is emerging rapidly as an
alternative, not to mention ethanol blends.
So, if you cannot justify buying a
hybrid car compared to what's locally available to you in alternative
fuels, don't buy one.
Mechanical assistance?
Many mechanics are not yet trained in
maintaining a hybrid vehicle. Could you get yours repaired and
maintained locally?
Hybrids ain't hybrids
The hybrid car range includes SUVs. How
many people really need one? Buying a hybrid to roll over the
off-road environment seems a little incongruous. Don't buy one unless
you absolutely cannot do without it for good reasons.
Saving the environment?
You are probably like most people who
buy a hybrid car because they want to do their bit about global
warming. Right? Good for you. Hybrid cars are part of the future.
But...
You cannot buy a sustainable world.
Selling cars, whatever fuel they use, involves vast quantities of
energy and emissions in mining metals, transportation, production and
distribution. Whereas it is better to drive a hybrid car than a
gasoline-driven one, don't expect to save the planet from global
warming just by doing that.
It's a change in thinking that's
needed, from seeing ourselves as independent consumers, to
interdependent people who live in relationship to others and our
environments. Once you and I know that we'll act
more wisely in choosing Earth-friendly technologies that we really
need.
Cannot afford to buy a hybrid? So what?
Reach out to someone else who needs you today or volunteer in your
local environment protection group. That's really putting your foot
down in making a difference!
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