I realize we're getting off topic here from what Chuckanut was asking. I guess that's why I like this forum so much. With the occasional exception (perhaps someone having a bad hair day), those of us who stay at least within 90 degrees either side of the topic rarely draw too much ire.
So, FWIW, I'm completely fascinated by the concept (and technology) of wringing the most "work" out of a given quantity of energy (from LEDs in lighting to hybrids and EVs for transportation.) Perhaps I flatter myself, but even though I have no engineering experience and very little practical mechanical ability, I believe I have (mentally) designed a car which could get 60 or even 70 mpg. The thermodynamics are favorable. It's mainly a matter of reusing the wasted energy of the typical ICE. The hybrids already do a good bit of that, but there's a lot of potential left when you consider that a typical ICE is at best about 20% efficient (15% might be a better figure, but it varies). Now, the only problem is that to actually build my "dream car", it would probably cost way more than it would ever save in fuel costs - at least at $4/gallon.
So... To get to my real point (finally!). Once we conclude that hybrids are "real cars" and that you can "live" with them and actually travel with them, I still struggle with the whole concept of spending an extra (How much? 20% more for new to 80% for used) pile of money to buy a hybrid rather than a regular car. I'll give one example from personal experience. My 19 year old "beater" on the mainland finally had to be shot between the head lamps last year (actually - I sold it for $100 to a guy who drove it for ANOTHER 10 months). I replaced it with a "shiny" old 2000 Buick tank for $5500. Between some (questionable) suspension work and (not questionable) new tires I put another $1500 into it. I drove it 7,000 miles without a hiccup. I expressly bought THAT car because I knew we would put a lot of road miles on it. On the road, it got better than 30 mpg (70/75 mph). I drove a one-day stretch from St. Augustine FL to Chicago and my 65 year old arthritic back didn't hurt. At the end of our mainland stay, I stored the vehicle for next year (free with a good buddy). I'm sure I could have gotten my $5500 back out of it at that time (still had just 70K on it and KBB says $5700 to purchase).
Even at 55 mpg with a shiny new hybrid, I don't think my $/mile could be beat (not even close). All of this is debatable, of course. If someone is fascinated by the technology (as I am) maybe it's worth the extra cost of the hybrid. Otherwise, I think the best argument would be the "reliability" of new vs used. Personally, I maintain my car and also have AAA. So, to Chuckanut, I would say, you've probably received excellent advice as to the "livability" of a hybrid. If that was the only remaining question you had prior to purchase, I would have to say "just do it" and enjoy. If you still have questions about the costs, I'm sure our local hybrid owners would love nothing better than to regale us with their tales of mpgs. I too would love to hear the stories, but I think I'll keep my Buick a while longer. And guess what? YMMV
