Hybridgruven 2

[subplotkudzu]

Previously I did some math on my Hybrid, calculating how much money it has saved me in gas vs. how much more it cost to get a Hybrid. My theory is that you should compare the cost of the Hybrid to the cost of the next most expensive model. Apparently that’s not how auto writers do it, as I just came across a figure of $4,500 for the “Hybrid premium”. That means that my Hybrid is apparently identical to the Civic LX, plus the extra tech.

 

If we abide by the $4,500k number it would take me another 2.2 years to cover the difference IF gas stabilizes at $4.50 per gallon. That’s 7.2 years total, or about 125,000 miles. Assuming the battery lasts out it’s warrantee of 150k I’d come out $500 ahead. If it lasts to 200k (which is entirely likely based on current estimates) I’d come out $4,000 ahead. This is with the stabilizing of gas prices. Assuming it goes up 50 cents a gallon a year during that time (bringing us to a “sky is falling” $7.50 a gallon in 2015) I’d have saved $5,700.

 

But I still wonder why we should abide by the “hybrid premium” concept. The economic theory here seems to be that the purchasing of the ultra low emission, high tech, low gas model is based purely on economic factors, while the purchase of the LX vs. the EX-L is based on the desire for creature comforts. No one argues that you shouldn’t buy for the creature comforts because you’ll never make your money back on them, of course, nor do any of the auto writers discuss how promoting new technologies might also be an intangible benefit.

 

So let’s look at what the $3000 difference between the LX and the LX-E buys you these days, shall we? And while we’re at it, we’ll asterisk the ones that the Hybrid also has:

Solid rear disk brakes vs. rear drum brakes (Hybrids have a totally different break system)

XM® Satellite Radio3

Digital Audio-Card Reader

Wheel mounted audio controls*

Blue Ambient Console Lighting*

Leather seating surfaces for both front and rear seat occupants

Leather-trimmed center console armrest

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Heated front seats

Remote trunk release

Intermittent windshield wipers*

Heated side mirrors

Chrome Exhaust Finisher

 

Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not seeing $3000 worth of love there. XM radio,  heated leather seats and a chrome exhaust finisher? Please. Call me a function over form kind of guy, but I’ll take the snooty egoboost of promoting new technology over some extra bling any day....

Comments

[brianrogers.livejournal.com]

Bear in mind that while the LX does not have intermittent wipers, the Hybrid does. And the seats in both other models are cloth covered, so the heated seats is less of an issue.

I just don't see that as being worth anywhere near as much as the sense of preening superiority I get from being a Hybrid early adopter. Think of it as having a really frikin' 'uge I-Phone.