Q.
I've heard that there are financial benefits to buying a hybrid, but are they really worth the extra money?
A.
You'll pay more for a hybrid model up front. The Ford Escape Hybrid or Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan cost about $7,500 more than their non-hybrid counterparts. But mileage benefits are great: The Civic Hybrid Sedan gets 45 mpg (10 more mpg than the average Civic!), and with gas prices spiking, savings can really add up (it's about $300 a year). Plus, buying a hybrid makes you eligible for up to a $3,400 tax credit, and it may even save you some cash on your car insurance (up to 10 percent). For more info, check out hybridcenter.org.
Jan 18, 2011