Been thinking over and watching my gas consumption the past month or so and I'm beginning to think that buying a new vehicle (hybrid or not) may not be the best move for me.

Yes, I "want" a new car because I don't like riding with others on small outings (my truck will only seat 2 comfortably) and I desire a smooth riding machine.

Look economically, while I can afford it -- it being paying cash for a new car -- maybe it doesn't make sense right now:

1) I'm single and only have my mortgage as debt
2) I may need that cash later if -- umm...when -- I find that special someone
3) My current 3 year old vehicle has been paid off for a little over 2 years
4) Since August 17th, I have only spent $43 in gas (17.6 gallons) and still have just under 3/4 of my 16 gallon tank left
5) On average I burn about 16 gallons a gas a month at ~22 mpg

Maybe my wants should take a backseat (a "jump seat" in my truck) to financial soundness. Me and my logical thinking

 

You seem to be a "not so good" candidate for a hybrid, on the surface. But's let's dig deeper, shall we?

1. Are you the kind of person who would get a thrill out of "hypermiling" to try and get as much use out of a gallon of gas as possible? Can you make it a game and have fun with it?
2. Do you have environmental protection issues, i.e., do you want to do more about helping the air stay clean?
3. Do you want to contribute financially to the future of hybrid technology? Buying one is a good way to do that.

Think about your needs and wants and figure out maybe what is most important to you in the realm of all this.....

Thanks !!

 

Another way of looking at it is: where is your money best spent? Japan or the US for a vehicle or Saudi Arabia for more oil?

That's an over simplification, but sometimes it's helpful to see things that way.

 

I don't think that I would get a thrill out of hypermiling, but I do like to adopt new technology early. (I bought my first DVD player in early 1998 - don't ask how much I paid )

I do like statistics, so tracking mileage is fun in and of itself
Environmental issues don't concern me until it hits me in the face, so maybe I should be more concerned.

I would like to contribute to the future of the technology, but don't want to contribute if it is always a niche item (I.e. laser disc player, betamax VCR's, Apple Computers, etc).

US or Saudi with my money, well obviously the answer is US.

 

I agree with your financial strategy. If your truck is paid for and you're trying to save money and you don't drive that much every month, the last thing you want to do is waste it on another car payment, even if it is for a hybrid.

How about selling your truck for a used Civic HX/EX or Corolla? Those cars could easily pull mid 40s with the same hypermiling techniques. Or try hypermiling your truck? It would be interesting to see if a Frontier could pull off 28-30MPG consistently.

 

siliconhills, I think you are wise beyond your age. (What ever that is)

If you could obsorb gas at 4-5$/g @ 22MPG I'd keep your current car.

If that is so, why not concentrate on increasing MPG in what you already have?
I assume you have a pick-em-up truck.
How about investing in a bed cover and see what she'll really do?

 

I been told I'm wise beyond my age for a long time. I'm at the ripe old age of 31 now

Believe it or not, I have never owned a car (well, the one convertible that I owned for 3 years, but it was a pleasure vehicle only). I have had Tonneau cover on previous trucks and really didn't notice that much of a difference. I have been trying the other techniques for a while, but since I don't drive that much, it will be a while before I know if it helping or not. I don't feel comfortable driving with the engine off, so I won't attempt those, and try not to roll through stops signs (too many police). All the other techniques I have tried.

Actually noticed that even though I stopped using my AC on my 2 mile commute home, I am actually cooler when I get home. Rolling down the windows (most of the drive is under 40 mph) cools the vehicle quicker over that distance than cranking the AC.

Maybe I'll save that money for a nice down payment on a new house in a few years - but then I might be further from work, another catch 22

 

But then again, maybe you will get a hybrid in two years when there are more and better choices.

 

Good thinking.

I think you'll find that most people buying hybrids were in the market for a replacement vehicle anyway, or at least close to it. I had a 95 cavalier that needed $1000 of work on an $1100 bluebook value- it was time to jump. Not many of us can 'just' go and buy a new car, even for a good reason. Especially we 20/early 30somethings.

Keep your eye on the market & technology offerings, and when you've truly had enough of the truck and are ready/able to jump, then go for it. No doubt what you get then will be even better than what you could get now. That's exactly what I'm doing, preparing for the day my SEER10 heat pump gives way...DX geothermal here I come!