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Buying a Car TodayWhat's important when buying a car in today's market.
Fuel efficiency and safety aren’t the only considerations when thinking about buying a car. Should you consider a hybrid this time around? And, where do you start your au
Buying a car to most people is a big decision -- perhaps the biggest financial choice for an entire year or even a decade. And now in this fuel efficient era during the Iraq War and after two of the most devastating hurricanes in Gulf Coast history, there's a growing need to consider things other than safety, reliability, design and mileage. Global warming. now at the brink of being recognized by powerful governments it seems, has more and more citizens worldwide being mindful of Earth-damaging emissions. Fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions are finally top-of-mind marketing for our country's mega car companies too. The timing is ripe for citizens to think about buying one of today's hybrids for their next automotive purchase. Here's where to get started when thinking about buying a car from surfing the internet for facts and information to reading gas guzzling and hybrid car reviews from a real person's perspective. According to ConsumerReports, three new hybrid models (Nissan Altima, Saturn Vue, Toyota Camry) were released this year and an estimated four more will be released in 2007 (Chevy Malibu, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Lexus LS 600h) and an additional nine by 2008 (Chevy Silverado, Ford Edge, Ford Fusion, Ford Five Hundred, GMC Sierra, Lincoln MKX, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Milan, Mercury Montego). A recent hybrid overview article in ConsumerReports.org also points to hybrids as "delivering the best fuel economy," "can save you about $680 per year in gasoline costs" and "emit less pollution, with some models classified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles." Consumer Reports picked these three hybrids - the Honda Accord, Lexus RX 400 h and Toyota Prius as "outstanding overall packages that score at or near the top of their categories in our ratings." Its upcoming April report on "top picks for 2006" includes two hybrids: Toyota Highlander and Toyota Prius. But all is not rosy. For consumers, hybrids are definitely the more expensive option and are still, therefore, mostly bought by the environmentally concerned. For instance, a recent Consumer Reports' reliability and owner-satisfaction survey report shows hybrids produce lower emissions, save on gasoline costs and can get you that coveted yellow car pool ribbon, but car owners do not recover the price premium when buying these more expensive machines. In fact, says the report, "extra ownership costs over five years range from $3,700 to $13,300." The report also urges consumers to be aware of the differences between hybrids and to "look carefully at all aspects of the vehicle before buying." For more comparisons and discussions of current hybrid makes and models, check out GreenHybrid.com, where you'll find breaking news such as tax credits (up to $3,150 for your 2005 return) and coming-out party information on the latest hybrids (like the 2008 Cadillac Escalade). Want to check out a review of the Lexus RX 400h, the only luxury hybrid SUV on the market? Click over to my most current story for a look at the Range Rover HSE ($84,000) vs. the Lexus RX 400h ($53,000). You'll be amazed by the Range Rover HSE's luxury amenities and super smooth drive and at the slick design and fuel-efficient ride from the seat of the award-winning Lexus RX 400h. Want to chat about buying a car? Please drive over to a discussion or start your own discussion thread. Also, Please feel free to send Sheryll Alexander an email at buyingacar@suite101.com.
The copyright of the article Buying a Car Today in Buying a Car is owned by Sheryll Alexander. Permission to republish Buying a Car Today in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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