I am getting ready to buy another car now. When gas prices were $4 plus, I was really thinking about buying a hybrid. Now with gas prices back down to $2 or less, should I. I understand the environment situation, however with the cost of a hybrid being $5k plus more, I will never make the money back over the life of the 4-5 years I am going to keep the car. So any feedback of your experience owning a hybrid, or why I should or shoulnt would be appreciated.
Depends on how much and where you drive. If you drive a lot on a highway then a hybrid is worse than a regular car. Only if you drive often in cities (slow speeds, lots of stopping and starting) then hybrids are better. But any other small car may then also be good for you if you drive it carefully (ie don't open the throttle completely every time you accelerate).
Gas price Will go up again. Trust me on this. On the other hand a hybrid is no fun. Stick to a more economical car and make sure you get it Diesel. GL!
Bio-diesel - vegetable oil, etc... is unproven. It could wreck a diesel engine. No big deal if you have an old diesel car but it would suck if you had a newer one. Hybrids work. They will continue to improve. There are some small cars like the SmartCar, that outperform hybrids. Of course it has, like, a lawnmower engine, but it gets 60 miles to the gallon. It's arguable whether you will save money on a hybrid in the long term. It's more PC though so if you want to attract earthy-crunchy girls...
If you are looking for smartcar types, My friend have some coming and they are really affordable: one is electric and one is 250cc. The 250cc get 65 mpg and has convertible option, Vey good looking. I will post the pics when I get them.