What You Should Know Before You Buy A Hybrid

Size/Market Segment: Hybrid vehicles range in size from economy sedans to five-seat midsize luxury SUVs. Most hybrids are moderately priced, but they frequently command full sticker price — and sometimes a dealer markup on top of that.

Price: As a rule of thumb, hybrid vehicles are about 20 percent more expensive than their all-gas counterparts. The cheapest hybrids are in the low-$20,000s while the most expensive luxury model runs about $50,000. New hybrids are being planned by almost every manufacturer, so waiting a year or two will probably drive down the price while increasing the options in terms of manufacturer and vehicle type.

Engine/Fuel Economy: Hybrids break into two categories: fuel-efficient hybrids (getting from 35-50 mpg) and performance hybrids (getting from 20-30 mpg). The latter category still offers relatively good fuel economy, but the emphasis is on performance. It's also important to bear in mind that the EPA's estimated mileage for hybrids is difficult for most drivers to achieve in real-world conditions.

Safety: In general, hybrid vehicles are as safe as all-gasoline cars, but concerns have been expressed about accidents that damage or expose the batteries for fear that electric shocks are possible. However, hybrids have been on the market for five years now and accidents of this kind have not been reported. Additionally, manufacturers maintain that they have taken steps to educate emergency responders so they can help accident victims without risking injury.

Luxury Features/Convenience: Most hybrids are slightly more upscale than their corresponding gasoline counterparts. This is due to an effort by manufacturers to justify the premium that buyers pay for the privilege of saving gas. Upper-level luxury models feature the latest in electronic gadgetry and amenities.

Passenger Capacity/Interior Space: Early hybrid vehicles were limited in interior space because the batteries took up room behind the backseat or in the cargo area. Newer models have gotten better at maximizing interior space, so this is no longer an issue for hybrid buyers. Toyota's Highlander Hybrid, for instance, can seat up to seven passengers.

Cargo Space: Some hybrids are not as flexible in their use of cargo space because the rear seats do not fold down. In most cases, though, the cargo space is nearly as roomy as that of normal cars.

Operating Costs: Some drivers of early hybrids reported accelerated tire wear because of the narrower tires that offered less rolling resistance for improved mileage. But tire wear on today's hybrid vehicles should be approximately the same as that of a similarly sized vehicle with a conventional drivetrain. Other operating costs, such as oil changes and routine maintenance, are comparable to normal cars. In some cases, brakes last longer due to hybrids' regenerative braking systems. Manufacturers offer longer warranty coverage for the hybrid-specific components, usually eight years, so you're covered if something goes wrong with the batteries or electric motor. One of the few unknowns is the cost of replacing the hybrid batteries, though manufacturers contend the batteries are designed to last for the life of the vehicle.