Why Hybrids and Diesels Don't Always Save You Money

And Why You Shouldn't Cross Them Off Your Shopping List

Published: 03/01/2011 - by Ronald Montoya, Consumer Advice Associate

Hybrids and the current crop of clean diesels offer impressive fuel savings over their gas counterparts. But hybrid and diesel technologies aren't cheap and often add thousands of dollars to a car's sticker price. As recently as 2010, the federal government offered tax credits that helped soften the financial impact. That spurred sales and encouraged consumers to adopt this new technology.

But these tax credits stopped on January 1, 2011. With their expiration comes a good question for consumers: Are hybrids and diesels a good value?

A few years ago, Edmunds editors came to the conclusion that hybrids didn't make ... Back to article

By lilgreenchik
on 03/03/11
9:01 AM PST

I love my diesel! And i especially love that i only have to fill up my tank once a month!!!!

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By rnaeye
on 05/08/11
6:59 AM PST

Great article, thank you. I was looking for an article like this. I no longer need to calculate the numbers myself. I suggest that this article is updated regularly as new models arrive and price of cars change.

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