| Gas prices this year will drive a lot of us - no, not | | | | gallon. At today's predicted top prices, that would |
| to drink! - to research how we can make things | | | | come to about $3.60! One caveat, though, almost |
| more affordable, either the car or the gas, so we | | | | all of the hybrids get incredibly better mileage in |
| can decrease our busting gas budget and bring it | | | | the country, where they speed along with no |
| back to normal. Hybrid cars have found their | | | | complicated stops. Hybrid cars cost more, often a |
| greatest hour of fame because of the 2008 gas | | | | lot more, but good old Uncle Sam will pay in the |
| prices and the increase cost in just filling up your | | | | neighborhood of $1500 if we are good citizens |
| gas tank for the week. Driving down the freeway | | | | and purchase a hybrid car, so the sticker price is |
| today, folks no longer stare as the hybrid that | | | | not that much of a shock. |
| goes by - there are lots of them. Eight years ago | | | | Good mileage like that mentioned doesn't come |
| a friend bought a Honda Insight, when it was the | | | | without a price, however. Hybrid cars run on very |
| thing. Hybrid cars were not well known at the | | | | little fossil fuel, partly because as they go down |
| time and friends and strangers stopped to pick his | | | | the road, the huge batteries that are under the |
| brains as he filled up. Now most of the big | | | | hood (or in the trunk) are charging. You don't |
| manufacturers have put out a hybrid car or two. | | | | have to plug them in, and the charge they get as |
| Usually there is a coupe, very pared down with | | | | you drive is free. Big problem, though is the day |
| two seats, and another model, family style. | | | | the batteries need to be replaced. That's right, |
| Hybrids are not known for having a lot of room | | | | batteries don't go on forever, no matter what |
| inside, so they are most popular for city driving, | | | | the Energizer Bunny tells you. Replacement is |
| where you can un-cramp fast. It's a pity, because | | | | expensive. Does the cost eat up most of the |
| where they really shine is on the long stretches. | | | | savings you made at the gas pump? It's hard to |
| Recent reports on these cars shows that they do | | | | get a concrete answer to this. A lot depends on |
| save on gas. Mileages range from 24 mpg on the | | | | the quality of the battery that is originally in your |
| larger models to - believe it or not! - 64 miles. | | | | new hybrid car, but it pays to ask that question |
| This larger number is for standard transmissions | | | | when you go to the dealer showroom |
| rather than automatic. But for savings like that, | | | | Want to hear another advantage in being a hybrid |
| heck, who minds shifting?? Think of it - you could | | | | car owner?? Hybrids are "green." How's that for |
| drive from San Francisco to Sacramento on a | | | | snob appeal, these global warming days? |