With all the talk of hybrid cars, fuel cell vehicles, bio-diesel fuel and other forms of alternative energy to transport us where we need to go, if you’ve been considering a hybrid vehicle for your next automobile purchase, chances are you’ve discovered a waiting list a mile long at almost every dealership in your area.  Don’t despair in fact, think of it as even more time to research a hybrid vehicle that fits your needs perfectly. Remember – hybrids come in various sizes, from the sporty two door like the smart fourtwo, to the family size Chevrolet Malibu, to the crossover styles and even the larger SUV and truck models.

With many hybrid vehicles to choose from, it may seem impossible to find a starting point to sort it all out, so below are some tips which can help get you on the road to finding a hybrid which best meets your driving needs.

1. The first step is to do some initial research to determine which hybrid will best fit your needs and lifestyle. The only way to know which hybrid vehicles you should eliminate from your initial list is to study the many different sizes, features available, safety ratings and other information which is important to you. A good place to start your research for the latest news and information is Cars for Girls’ sister site, The Green Motorist. 

2. While all hybrids can save you money when it comes to fuel costs, take a look at your budget and determine a realistic amount you’re willing to pay for those fuel costs. Take into consideration commute mileage, the size of the area you live in and how many approximate miles you travel daily.  If you cover a lot of miles in your daily commute, a Toyota Prius may be worth looking into, since it gets anywhere for 45 to 48 city/highway miles combined.

3. Remember tax incentives and credits.  While it’s true that hybrid vehicles are pricier than conventional models due to costly batteries and in some cases, two separate engines, tax credits are available to those who purchase a new hybrid.  To find out which hybrid vehicles qualify for tax incentives and credits, click here to visit the federal government’s Fuel Efficient Vehicle Tax Incentives Information Center. Currently, 2009 makes and models such as the GMC Sierra Hybrid, GMC Yukon 1500 Hybrid, Saturn Aura Hybrid and Saturn Vue Hybrid are just some of the vehicles eligible for a federal tax credit.

4. Visit sites such as The Green Motorist, Edmunds and Consumer Reports to check the pulse of the hybrid industry and to help narrow your selections with further information, details and ratings.

5. I would suggest test driving anywhere between 3 and 5 hybrid vehicles before making your decision more if you have time. Just like conventional vehicles, different hybrids will handle differently on the road and this is an investment you shouldn’t take lightly.  Hybrids are more expensive, so be certain you are comfortable with your purchase and it meets as many requirements on your list as possible.

6. Understand that a hybrid vehicle will require different maintenance as well as different warranties on things such as fuel cell batteries, so be sure you understand what is covered under warranty and maintenance plans.

Still have questions?  Check out 6 Questions to Ask When Buying a Hybrid Vehicle for even more information.

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