The Most Cost-Effective Hybrids
This week, Jim Gorzelany from Forbes.com took a look at the most cost-effective hybrid cars on the market right now. Considering the average hybrid costs $5,243 more than its gasoline-only equivalent, you wouldn't expect many of them to recoup that investment, but 11 hybrids were projected to do so over a 5-year period, according to research company Vincentric.
Taking into account total ownership cost factors including depreciation, fuel costs, financing, insurance, maintenance, repairs, fees and taxes, the research showed that some hybrids such as the Lincoln MKZ can produce savings of as much as $7,000 over its gas equivalent.
Check out the full list below and make sure to use the free CarWoo Deal Finder to get the best deals on any of these vehicles.
| Hybrid Vehicle | Gas Alternative | Cost Savings Over 5-Years |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln MKZ Hybrid | Lincoln MKZ | $7,001 |
| Mercedes Benz S400 | Mercedes Benz S550 | $4,242 |
| Lexus HS 250h | Lexus IS 250 | $3,747 |
| Toyota Prius V | Toyota Matrix | $1,804 |
| Toyota Prius c | Toyota Yaris | $1,469 |
| Ford Fusion Hybrid | Ford Fusion | $1,202 |
| Kia Optima Hybrid | Kia Optima | $779 |
| Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid | Porsche Cayenne | $672 |
| Honda Insight | Honda Civic | $656 |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | Hyundai Sonata | $319 |
| Lexus RX 450h | Lexus RX 350 | $17 |
My Recommendation for Car Shoppers
TrueCar No-Haggle, Edmunds Price Promise, and 1-800 Car Show are the quickest way to see the lowest car prices in your area. These sites show you no-haggle prices from dealers closest to you - and the deals are usually really good. This should be the first step you take when negotiating your car price. Follow this up with my checklist to make sure you squeeze out every last bit of savings.California Residents - Important:
There is a new online car buying service called Roadster, available only to California residents, which I highly recommend you try - especially if you hate the stress of haggling with a car salesman. They provide an expert concierge who negotiates the price of the car and delivers it to your home with zero hassle - you never have to interact with a dealership. Here is my in-depth review of Roadster and why I recommend it.- Gregg Fidan
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About: Gregg Fidan
Gregg Fidan + is the founder of RealCarTips. After being ripped off on his first car purchase, he devoted several years to figuring out the best ways to avoid scams and negotiate the best car deals. He has written hundreds of articles on the subject of car buying and taught thousands of car shoppers how to get the best deals.
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