You may be wanting to invest in a hybrid or electric car because of your concerns over greenhouse gases and the environment..

Before you even set foot in a dealership you must be aware that they are expensive and almost all models have their issues eve the top of the line expensive ones.

Hybrid vehicles combine electrical and gasoline power sources, either alternating between the two or using gas to generate power for the other. Making frequent stops at the right time are essential to electric powered vehicles because they are fueled by the mile.

The price is the biggest factor in choosing either model. Even the best known models, such as the Toyota Prius, carry a price tag of $22,000 and only up gas mileage to 50 mph, meaning you’ll need several years to recover your investment compared to a cheaper fuel-efficient gas model. Other hybrids get lower mileage and tend to carry a higher price tag, meaning even longer payback on your investment.

There are really no good choices out there when you look at the prices and benefits such as the Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion at $27,000 when you only get 39 miles per gallon and at a better price but even worse mileage we have the Mini Cooper which costs $19,800 but only gets you 36 miles per gallon.

The price becomes even higher if you are considering an electric model Most still in their production stages they start at $40,000 the cheapest and are expected to be released this year hopefully. Running on electric power for up to 40 miles the Chevrolet Volt has a gas powered backup generator that keeps the battery charged for extended trips. The Nissan Leaf carries a similar price tag, without a backup generator, but goes 100 miles on a charge. Expected to be available next year, the Tesla Model S sedan is expected to cost $57,000, but will travel 300 miles between charges. So electric power will be good but you must consider the option of taking shorter trips so that you can plan charges and leave time for the charges to finish.

The big purchase price is just one disadvantage of having a hybrid or electric car. The one of the biggest concerns to owners is the availability of service, as your local mechanic isn’t going to know what to do when your new car doesn’t operate properly. If the dealership you actually buy your car from is the same place you intend to get it serviced from and it is a fir distance away you will have to travel very far or get it towed back there. When accidents do happen your car’s engine will pose a great hazard to you and others involved.

Since technology and the availability of service is expected to continue improving with research and the spread of the vehicles, the best answer if you want a vehicle that runs on alternative fuels could be to wait. Along with other improvements in the vehicles, increased demand is expected to bring lower prices, which could make the investment one that pays off much more quickly.

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