The dilemma…
Many city and state governments are giving special treatment to those who drive hybrid vehicles. Some states allow drivers of such vehicles to driving the car pool lane with only the driver and no other occupant. Some cities have allocated special parking spaces for hybrid vehicles.
Now comes the dilemma. Carmakers are now building hybrid vehicles that have 500 to 800 horsepower. These vehicles, the new Porsche Hybrid for example, get 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. To me, that is not in the spirit of "going green" that should be legislated. It is also not worthy of special concessions by city or state governments.
I've been driving a hybrid Toyota Prius since 2002. I was in the market for a new vehicle and when I went to the Toyota dealer I was going to buy a pickup truck. As I drove to the dealership I stopped for gas and was appalled to see that gas was $2.34 per gallon and going up. When I got to the dealership I looked at the EPA rating and saw that the pickup truck I was thinking of buying got an estimated 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. I looked at the Toyota Prius and saw that it got 47 MPG in the city and 46 MPG on the highway. I am not a rocket scientist but this made more sense to me than the pickup.
I was not making a statement about "being green" as much as trying to save some green. I was not looking for special parking or being able to drive in the carpool lane by myself, it just made sense. Of course, two months after buying my Toyota Prius gas prices dropped to below $1.50 and many people laughed at me but I've never looked back and would buy another Toyota Prius when this one wears out.
It all comes down to why you buy a hybrid vehicle.
Is it a status symbol?
Is it for special treatment?
Or does it just makes sense?
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without express written permission of Paul Henderson, RE/MAX Professionals, Tacoma, WA.
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