Hybrid update
Not only was today the first time I actually saw a Civic Hybrid on the road, I also got a call from the Honda dealership (I went to the one in Shelton, where I enjoyed avoiding the oh-so-annoying hardsell)... they said it should be delivered in three weeks! I'm pretty psyched about it. And for a quick recap on why I bought a Civic hybrid:
Why spend the extra $6k? ($16k regular vs. $22k) Was it just a feel good thing? In part, but the investment should pay off in the long run. The savings include:
1) $2100 federal tax credit (http://www.aceee.org/transportation/hybtaxcred.htm)
2) $1000 state sales tax exemption on hybrids that get over 40mpg (http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/progs/view_ind.cgi?afdc/5758/0) ($16k x 6% = $1000) and
3) $2000 savings in gas (about an extra 10mpg) over five years(https://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=calcMPG)
Tim White
Town Council, 4th District
TimWhite98@yahoo.com
8 comments:
What, no comments? What happened? I sent you a comment and was looking forward to seeing if it made it to your site and also your reply, but I see all the comments are gone.
Does this mean that my comments about the net loss after 5 years of hybrid ownership conflict with your decision to buy one, hence sticking your head in the sand?
I wish you well with your choice, but facts are facts and unfortunately they don't lie.
Georgels
George S... hahaha... come on... give me some credit. This post is an update. You commented on an old post. My response to your comment is on the old post (click on February 2006), not here. I'm guessing that you're relatively new to blogging? Because that would be poor blogging protocol, if I did that. So I wouldn't do that.
And if you do read my comment, I think you may feel differently. I asked you two things... 1) are you sure we're talking about the same thing? (I'm guessing that we may be on different pages) and 2) what month/edition of Consumer Reports did you reference?
Tim,
There's an additional savings associated with hybrids, though it doesn't put more money into your pocket, at least not yet. Because hybrids use less gas, they emit fewer pollutants (hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide) that decrease the quality of air we breathe. This decrease in air quality is often treated by economists as consumption. By introducing pollutants into the air, you are in effect destroying a certain amount of air that others could have used (i.e. for respiration). So the less you pollute, the less air you consume. Now, if, but more likely when, you have to pay for the amount of air that you consume, owners of hybrids would realize an additional savings. For now, you will have to accept the satisfaction of consuming less air and thereby, improving the overall quality of air.
Tim, forgive my utter ignorance. No, I am not a blogger and I wouldn't have a clue on how to get to your "old post", whatever the hell that is.
For you information, the article is in the April '06 issue. If I can cut and paste it successfully, I will email it to you.
Incicentally, I don't like going by the name "Anonymous". I'm not ashamed of my name. Isn't there a better way than having to select Anonymous.
Educate me, please.
Georgels
For anyone who is following this blog... Georgels emailed me. We had an exchange. And the end result was that his comments were based on the belief that I had bought a Honda Accord Hybrid. However, that's not the case. I bought a Honda Civic Hybrid. He now agrees that my decision to buy the Civic Hybrid makes good financial sense. (Although... George... if I've misrepresented you in any way, please feel free to comment. I think I know you well enough to say you will!)
Tim,
You've commented and quoted me quite accurately. I appreciate that.
George
Tim,
FYI, everyone in my 'hood has a civic hybrid (even the little old ladies in my building) or Prius. Of course, nobody needs to drive because the public transport is so good. You would fit in among these weirdo green liberals.
m.a.
The point of a hybrid vehicle is not simply a financial decision. In case you haven't noticed, our environment is in need of some TLC because of all the pollutants being put into the air by man made elements, including exhaust from vehicles. Hybrids cut down on greenhouse gasses and our dependence on foreign fuel. Does anyone honestly need a Hummer, especially in New York City or right here in town? Hasn't anybody noticed the extreme weather patterns lately? The hurricanes, tsunami's and mudslides. It's predicted that this year will only increase in extreme weather patterns.
It's refreshing to see someone purchasing something that helps the environment. After all, don't we owe the earth?
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