Should I buy a hybrid car? (And, if so, which one?)
Download the PODCAST for this report
In this report: Perhaps you love the idea of a hybrid - but do you really need one?
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This report addresses the following question:
"I’m looking at taking a step into the hybrid market.
"I am certainly not ready to make the leap into an EV, so the HEV/PHEV option seems to be a reasonable stepping stone. Though the PHEV seem to be several $ks more expensive (and more limited in availability)."
[This is because the batteries and electrical motors are bigger in the PHEV - they are designed to do more of the work. Batteries are expensive.]
"I have a trade in - a 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS, 60k odometer. A car I inherited from my father earlier this year. It is too big for my needs."
[Trade-in: Probably $6500; Private sale: $8500]
"I am looking at a net changeover of up to $40k(ish).
"I have had a test drive in a Toyota Corolla Hatch ZR Hybrid - it's nothing fancy, a bit small in the back seat (that I wouldn't use often), but will do the job. "I'm not sure the sedan model has a ZR Hybrid option available in Aust (I haven't got back to the dealer to confirm yet)?"
[ZR Corolla is hatch-only, I think]
"And the Hyundai Ionic that again would do the job, but didn't ring any bells for me (felt heavier, and the back window will need to get used to!)."
[Pricing there, about $40,400 (hybrid) and $47k (plug-in hybrid).]
"Appreciate if you can point me in the direction of other vehicles that might suit the price range that I should consider (and recommendations). There don't seem to be many??!!"
[Key question, addressed in the video above: Why do you actually want a hybrid?]
"Once I have picked what I want, I expect to get the deed done through you guys :) Car dealers certainly are not there to be on my side!!
[No - they’re not. You are definitely (at best) polite adversaries.]
"I'm sure you'll have other questions, and may want to fill me in on what I need to do to progress arrangements. "Hope to hear from you soon."
Regards,
Brian
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