Hybrid Car ??

This may help some: http://www.carseek.com/articles/hybrid-vs-gas.html

There are many articles available via a google search.

Me?  I like the idea of the hybrid.  But I own all my cars and don't want a payment.  We've never bought a new model car.  After some time we'll see what the used hybid market is like (Do they hold up? Are they being sold?  Are tehy cost effective?) and go from there.

I had similar thoughts, but Zubaz beat me to the post (as usual)....it's that 'right click' thing he's got. The questions he posted are very good ones. For me though, seriously one of the most important questions was the one you mentioned: the environmental impact. Also, the point about 'used' models was a point I hadn't considered but they are being snapped up really quickly and the manufacturers can't produce them fast enough so that's another consideration.

Also, if Detroit gets rescued (which seems likely and no, I don't want this to go political) the hybrid production is going to go way up so prices might well come down.

Lastly, I couldn't afford one myself so I bought a kit and now am a proud owner of a DIY Hybrid:

Hybrids are a "feel good" type of solution.  They make you think you are doing something good when in reality you are accomplishing nothing.  I have talked to many mechanics who took hybrid training and all of them said the same thing.  The maintenance and repair costs are so high you will most likely pay more for a hybrid than with any other type of car.

Another good consideration. Wouldn't you expect those costs to come down, though?

Also, take a look at this a pros and cons type of thing.

It depends on why you are doing it.  Doe the going green thing mean more or less than spending money?

Although  . . i do wonder how much better it is.  I mean . . it takes teh same amount of energy to move a one ton car one mile, right?  Is the energy savigns just NIMBY?

According to The Second Law of Thermodynamics, you're right....but also wrong because while the car is generating kinetic energy from the gas engine, it's also generating electricity for the Electric motor. So the fuel is utilized "better". It's done by 3 mechanisms:

Regenerative Braking. The electric motor applies resistance to the drivetrain causing the wheels to slow down. In return, the energy from the wheels turns the motor, which functions as a generator, converting energy normally wasted during coasting and braking into electricity, which is stored in a battery until needed by the electric motor.

Electric Motor Drive/Assist. The electric motor provides additional power to assist the engine in accelerating, passing, or hill climbing. This allows a smaller, more efficient engine to be used. In some vehicles, the motor alone provides power for low-speed driving conditions where internal combustion engines are least efficient.

Automatic Start/Shutoff. Automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and restarts it when the accelerator is pressed. This prevents wasted energy from idling.

Unfortunately, teh Fourth Law of Thermodynamics also comes into play: No amount of fuel or electrical engerny applied to Zubaz's spelling can ever fix the prolbem.

So OK . . it uses teh enegy better.  Fair enough/

Great choice Doc, and you get fuel for your dung burning stove too.  Cow crap works better for mud hut wall though.  The horse and donkey Pooh is too lumpy.

I would go green on everything if I were financially able.  Living in Florida we have unlimited Sun fuel.  Hopefully the prices will drop as the technology advances.