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AFAIK the only hybrid that qualifies as the Volt, and only because it meets the technical definition of an electric car (16kwh battery capacity). What's more, it's a nonrefundable credit, meaning you won't get money back over and above your total income tax liabiity. Since few households have an income tax bill of $7,500 or more, few buyers will actually get to take full advantage of the tax credit.
Actually buyers that can afford a Volt will have a tax liability well over 7500. Volt isn't the only one btw.
Actually buyers that can afford a Volt will have a tax liability well over 7500.
My point stands -- very few households can actually take full advantage of the credit. The number of households that can afford a nominally $32,000 vehicle (after credits) is quite a bit higher than those with anything approaching a $7,500 federal income tax bill. Either way, it's basically a giveaway to those who least need giveaways, most of whom probably wouldn't even consider a Volt.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NowOrNever
I am looking at future cars,..What I would like to know from someone(s) who have extensive car knowledge, what is the difference between a 14-17k vehicle with a 40mph average VS. a "hybrid" vehicle with a 40mph average. !
Depends significantly on your driving requirements and aptitude . desire for maint / technology.
Miles / yr
City or highway?
How long to you typically keep vehicles?
Do you ever tow?
Basically, the hybrid will be more expensive to buy and maintain and POTENTIALLY a LOT more troublesome during your ownership period (if you are a 'long-term' buyer / holder.
I could never deal with the limited range and mini-fuel-tanks of hybrids (or technology requirements). I live / work / rec-'reate in the boonies and recently saw the grief it took to get a Prius out of a campground in Northern NM Once out, I think it was bound for Denver on the back of a VERY expensive tow truck. It took a 4x4 w/ winch and a flatbed to drag it to a position to get it accessble, THEN transferred to a tow (roll-back) truck once it got to town.
No tows in my 3 mil mile fleet history w/ 50 mpg cars. ...
50mpg since 1976, no dinosaurs or OPEC required
My point stands -- very few households can actually take full advantage of the credit. The number of households that can afford a nominally $32,000 vehicle (after credits) is quite a bit higher than those with anything approaching a $7,500 federal income tax bill. Either way, it's basically a giveaway to those who least need giveaways, most of whom probably wouldn't even consider a Volt.
I only saw one other hybrid on that list (the Prius plugin) and it doesn't qualify for the $7,500 credit.
No way, I bet the opposite. You actually think more people can "afford" a 40k car then who don't give more than 7500 in federal taxes after all deductions? I find that hard to believe.
My point stands -- very few households can actually take full advantage of the credit. The number of households that can afford a nominally $32,000 vehicle (after credits) is quite a bit higher than those with anything approaching a $7,500 federal income tax bill. Either way, it's basically a giveaway to those who least need giveaways, most of whom probably wouldn't even consider a Volt.
I only saw one other hybrid on that list (the Prius plugin) and it doesn't qualify for the $7,500 credit.
The prius plug in does qualify for somewhere between 3k And 6k in tax ctedits.. And re Prius pricing in general, a 50mpg Prius c starts at less than $18k, and a 40mpg, 200hp camry hybrid camry starts at under $26k, about 4k more than a 4cly. And about $2500 more than a 6.
So much misinformation on this thread about maintance and battery life/performance. The numbers are avalaible for those willing to read, with over 12 years of data. NJGOAT dud a great cost break down based on REAL NUMBERS.. its not rocket science to plug the numbers in and make a more knowledgeable assesment instead of relying on old wives tsles.. lol
No way, I bet the opposite. You actually think more people can "afford" a 40k car then who don't give more than 7500 in federal taxes after all deductions? I find that hard to believe.
For a married couple with a kid or two, household income can break into 6 digits and they still wouldn't be particularly close to $7,500 in total federal income tax liability -- and that's using the standard deduction, never mind itemizing. So yea, I do actually think quite a bit more households can afford a "nominally" 33K car or even a 40K car than have $7,500 in federal tax liabilities.
Basically, the hybrid will be more expensive to buy and maintain and POTENTIALLY a LOT more troublesome during your ownership period (if you are a 'long-term' buyer / holder.
I could never deal with the limited range and mini-fuel-tanks of hybrids (or technology requirements). I live / work / rec-'reate in the boonies and recently saw the grief it took to get a Prius out of a campground in Northern NM Once out, I think it was bound for Denver on the back of a VERY expensive tow truck. It took a 4x4 w/ winch and a flatbed to drag it to a position to get it accessble, THEN transferred to a tow (roll-back) truck once it got to town.
No tows in my 3 mil mile fleet history w/ 50 mpg cars. ...
50mpg since 1976, no dinosaurs or OPEC required
Clearly you're ignorant about hybrids so I'll fill you in.
Historically, hybrids have shown to require no more maintenance or expenses during ownership than traditional cars.
Hybrids don't have limited range or mini-fuel-tanks. My hybrid has a 20 gallon tank and I pull 600 to 700 miles on it depending on my driving pattern.
You should consider some research rather than talking about things you don't know anything about.
Now, a 1976 diesel is a primitive compared to modern cars. Sure, they can get you from A to B, but are loud, have horrible emissions, and don't have modern technology. Very few people would be satisfied with one. Someone, such as the OP, who might be considering a hybrid or a small modern vehicle is not going to settle for a piece of crap 1976 diesel car. Frankly, they have higher standards.
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Once out, I think it was bound for Denver on the back of a VERY expensive tow truck. It took a 4x4 w/ winch and a flatbed to drag it to a position to get it accessble, THEN transferred to a tow (roll-back) truck once it got to town. 
