1. Toyota Camry Hybrid
2. Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
3. Nissan Altima Hybrid
4. Toyota Prius
5. Honda Civic Hybrid

The study by NADAguides.com also provided the number of miles each model would have to drive before breaking even, broken down by metropolitan area (and current gas prices).

Los Angeles ($4.59 per gallon)

Camry hybrid vs. Camry XLE – 18,292 miles
Malibu hybrid vs. Malibu LT – 32,206 miles
Altima hybrid vs. Altima 2.5 S – 37,580 miles
Prius vs. Camry LE – 41,626 miles
Civic hybrid vs. Civic LX – 57,216 miles

Source: PRNewsWire, NADAguides.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Which Hybrids Make Financial Sense?

Larger than the Hyundai Accent, and not much more expensive, the Hyundai Elantra provides a good option for families who need a car that’s a little larger, or has more features (like cruise control) and it offers better safety ratings.

And it comes in “Purple Rain”. Okay, right now, I need this car. Which sucks because it only gets 25 mpg in the city/33 highway with an automatic transmission and 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway as a stick, but I can’t help being drawn to its Prince-like fervor. I don’t want to be your weekend… Ahem, moving on.

The GLS comes with ABS, tire pressure monitoring, front, front side and side-curtain airbags, 60/40 rear folding seat, power windows, locks and heated mirrors, keyless entry with alarm and trunk open … lotsa features, in other words. Add in A/C, an upgraded stereo system (6 speakers with AM/FM/XM/CD and MP3 capabilities) and sunroof, among other things, plus spoiler and mats, etc, and you’re looking to spend under $17,000. (Skipping the sunroof *sob* would save you roughly $1000.)

The SE is roughly $3000 more, and comes with Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control and Brake Assist, 16″ Alloy wheels, standard fog lights, standard AC, a telescoping steering wheel, leather and heated seats optional, audio controls on the steering wheel … basically a bunch of crap that is available through an aftermarket dealer for less should you decide you need it in the future.

And yes, I realize a sunroof falls under aftermarket crap you can add later … but it’s so much cooler a sunroof can contribute to better gas mileage, technically speaking. :p On either model, adding an automatic transmission costs roughly $1000.

For a look at more inexpensive cars with better-than-average green ratings, go here.

Source/Image Source: Hyundai USA

Post from: EveryJoe

Environmentally-friendly & Affordable: Hyundai Elantra @ $16,000

I really prefer the SE with the sunroof package. Um, all because of the potential impact on gas … and emissions … and not even a little because it’s “the cool one”. Honestly. Even with the fun stuff added, you come away with a car that has a lot to offer and with the rebate going right now, it’ll cost you under $15,000.

If that’s more than you want to spend though, the GS can be scored – with upgraded audio, etc -for under $12,000. The GLS 4-door is also under $15,000.

Fuel-efficiency is best (27 mpg city/32 mpg highway) with a stick, but automatic (24 mpg city/ 33 mpg highway) for roughly $1000 more per model. Like many of the smaller cars, there are problems when it comes to taking a hit. Rear passenger tests only scored 3 starts for side collisions in the Accent. The rest were pretty good however, at 5s and 4s. Safety ratings can be seen here.

Standard features on all 3:
Dual front advanced airbags with OCS
Driver and Front Passenger Side-impact airbags
Side Air Curtains (front and rear passengers)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Child seat LATCH system
Front seatbelt pretensioners

Not (factory) available? Cruise control. I don’t get this, particularly with the other options they carry. Also not available? A rear wiper. (I have these on two cars and honestly use them maybe once a year, so I was very surprised to see people complaining about them.)

Each model has its own list of upgradeable options, even colors. If you like the Accent, but want more room, the Hyundai Elantra is also an inexpensive option.

[image source: Hyundai USA]

Post from: EveryJoe

The Environmentally-friendly & Affordable: Hyundai Accent @ $12,000

Spectra Blue Mica Prius - 2008 

I posted earlier about finding affordable leasing options, but this is an alternative that can give you the financial and physical flexibility you need. It also gives you a way to end your lease early in case you run into money trouble.

Swap-a-Lease allows you to get rid of a lease that’s too expensive, and pick up the remainder of someone else’s. This is perfect for someone like me who has AADD – auto attention deficit disorder. :)

Go to the site. Search for a hybrid model you like. If nothing comes up, you can revise your search to find ANY hybrid listed on the site. It’s very convenient, and there are some leases lasting just a few months, to a full 70 months.

Happy Hunting. :)

Post from: EveryJoe

Lease Prius, Highlander hybrid, etc – Short-term and rent (or get out of one)