With hybrids costing from $10,000 to $30,000 more than a regular car, is the price tag worth it? How are you ever suppose to recoup your investment or is the feel good factor suppose to be enough?

We would probably get our money back because we keep our cars till they just won't go anymore. Our last two cars were driven till they were about 15 years old.

But would it really be worth it? We want a one, for the gas milage but until they start showing up on the used lot I think we will have to go with the metro, volkswagons, and other high milage "gocarts".

I've discovered they aren't worth it for us, we live in a rural area, and pretty much all we do is highway driving. I guess it's the starting and stopping that charge it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Are you saying you are dissatisfied with your hybrid? I didn't realize that the starting and stopping is what charged the electric motor. (if I'm understanding what you said)

My husband has tried to explain to me how the hybrid works but I'm still not sure about it and would be leary of one. Plus, we couldn't afford the extra initial cost at the time.

From what I understand, each hybrid is different. But I thought they would switch to gas in order to charge and then back to the batterey (on their own). Is this not right?

Is it true that a battery cost upwards of $8,000 to replace? I am just wondering how long a battery will last? I mean, truly, you might as well upgrade your car!

Just one more reason NOT to by a hybrid. That's crazy (and more than I spent on my last car). Not wonder it hasn't caught on yet.

Yes...well, there HAS to be another way! I know that there are other “hybrid” solutions they are coming up with. I think when Nanotechnology takes off, you will see another “tech revolution”...especially in electronics, the auto industry, and in medicine. It will influence every facet of our lives I believe. The National Institute Institute of Nanotechnology in Alberta is one of the leading edge institutes in the world. They are even working on processes of getting oil out of the oil sands a lot more economically.

We have a friend that has converted his car to use cooking oil that he gets and cleans for local resteraunts. I have enough problems not over indulging in french fries, I couldn't imagine driving around smelling like them all day.

My husband and I considered a hybrid. However, we checked into the cost of auto insurance. It was 4x what we are spending now! They said that until the hybrids become more popular, and thus the parts are more easy to come by, the hybrids will be more expensive to insure.

I heard that you can claim a tax credit. But, to me, that won't be enough to move us towards buying a hybrid.

Plus, until we have a few more years to see how these hybrids are lasting, you'll find me in the traditional 100% gasoline card.

I never even thought about the insurance on a hybrid being more than on another vehicle. Is that because of the increased cost of the hybrids or for some other reason? I'm wondering if they are really expensive to repair.

That’s unbelievable Stephanie! I wonder if the insurance varies with each hybrid or if they are relatively the same. Does anyone know? I also heard a rumor that this company is working on a diesel/steam solution...and it wouldn’t be that difficult for cars to cross over.

The more I hear, the more I am sure that they are NOT worth it. More for the car, more for the parts, more for the batteries, and more for the insurance. I think that far outweighs the LESS that you might be paying for gas!

I would think it's worth it if you dont want to pay out of the butt for gas.

I´m in Germany, where everybody is more concerned with the environment and they have many programs to go for cleaner cars. Here the gallon of gas cost around 7$... many people are looking into hybrids. But I think that for now they are still a "gadget" I believe that maybe in few years when they are even more fuel efficient, then it´ll be worth it! I saw on CNN a report about the car of the future, and Shell developed a car that runs 5300 milometers with 1 liter of gasoline. Of course, it wouldn´t go faster than 50Kph, and it was very very light, with solar power cells included. So, the capabilities are there. It is possible to do it... In few years things might be different!

I agree, it isn't worth it for me either...mostly highway driving, as well. They are good cars but a little too pricey for my budget