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Anyone capable of discussing gas without politics? Anyone?

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In regard to the hybrid tax stuff, it depends. (Though I've certainly never heard of a penalty) I got $1500 off last year's taxes for my Prius.

Here's an excerpt from USA Today about the new energy bill:

USA Today
But the feature that could cause the biggest stir is the hybrid tax credit. Consumers could slash tax bills by $1,700 to $3,000 depending on the model if they buy a hybrid starting Jan. 1, according to an analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists, which backs the legislation. It's "not a home run, but a good, solid double" in the drive to save energy and cut air pollution, says the group's David Friedman.

At present, buyers get a $2,000 income-tax deduction for purchasing a hybrid, which combines an electric motor with an internal-combustion engine to save gas. The deduction was due to fall to $500 next year. A credit is more valuable than a deduction because it represents a dollar-for-dollar reduction in a buyer's tax bill.

The new energy legislation includes a bigger credit for hybrids that save the most fuel compared with 2002 models and those expected to conserve the most fuel over the life of the vehicle.
 
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MolGenBuckeye said:
In regard to the hybrid tax stuff, it depends. (Though I've certainly never heard of a penalty) I got $1500 off last year's taxes for my Prius.
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Interesting bit on yesterday's news (TV) about the pay-back (if any) from diferent Hybrid vehicles. Sum and substance, only the Prius payed back over a 5 year period -- to the tune of $800 net. They did not state the benchmark gas price - but my guess is it was lower than current levels.

Now that gasoline is hitting new highs, could be the savings are better?

The pay-back efficiency was affected by the intent and design of the electric portion of the vehicle. Prius was one of few that really used the electric motor in normal driving and "bought back" as much energy as possible during highway driving. The hybrid SUVs -- sucked.
 
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sandgk said:
Interesting bit on yesterday's news (TV) about the pay-back (if any) from diferent Hybrid vehicles. Sum and substance, only the Prius payed back over a 5 year period -- to the tune of $800 net. They did not state the benchmark gas price - but my guess is it was lower than current levels.

Now that gasoline is hitting new highs, could be the savings are better?

The pay-back efficiency was affected by the intent and design of the electric portion of the vehicle. Prius was one of few that really used the electric motor in normal driving and "bought back" as much energy as possible during highway driving. The hybrid SUVs -- sucked.
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I ran some numbers earlier this year on purchasing a hybrid Toyota Highlander. I believe it was going to take over 5 years to get the "extra" cost out of it if gas prices were $1.50 higher than they are now. Granted, I do not drive a lot so getting my money back would take longer than people who drive 50 miles on their daily commute. Also, this was based on the premium people were paying for the new hybrids.
 
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BuckinMichigan said:
I ran some numbers earlier this year on purchasing a hybrid Toyota Highlander. I believe it was going to take over 5 years to get the "extra" cost out of it if gas prices were $1.50 higher than they are now. Granted, I do not drive a lot so getting my money back would take longer than people who drive 50 miles on their daily commute. Also, this was based on the premium people were paying for the new hybrids.
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Your numbers sound interesting, tho I bet a hybrid prius or accord would have better MPG than a highlander (maybe not, JMHO).
 
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Interesting bit on yesterday's news (TV) about the pay-back (if any) from diferent Hybrid vehicles. Sum and substance, only the Prius payed back over a 5 year period -- to the tune of $800 net.
Click to expand...
That's interesting to hear. We didn't buy it expecting to make back the entire difference in cost from a standard car, but hoped to get some back. Now that gas prices are higher, the savings should be bigger, yes.

You're right, the big difference in the Prius from some of the others is that it was actually designed as a hybrid car, with lightweight materials, etc. Some of the other vehicles are just the same frame with a different engine. I'm surprised the Honda Insight didn't pay back, though it's too small to be useful in a lot of cases. Maybe they didn't cover it for that reason.

Your numbers sound interesting, tho I bet a hybrid prius or accord would have better MPG than a highlander (maybe not, JMHO).
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They certainly have higher overall mileage, but the savings could differ. Going from 10 to 20 mpg is a bigger savings than going from 35 to 45 mpg. (Just an example, I don't know the actual mpg offhand)
 
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jwinslow said:
Your numbers sound interesting, tho I bet a hybrid prius or accord would have better MPG than a highlander (maybe not, JMHO).
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Agreed. The improved mileage was impressive, but nothing like what you get with the smaller hybrids, like the Prius. Unfortunately, the next car has to be something at least as big as the Highlander.
 
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