Auto and Car Insurance

Which vehicle should I buy? Considering hybrids, miles per gal, initial vehicle cost, insurance, etc...?

We need a vehicle, and with all the options available now, I'm having a hard time determining overall cost for owning and operating a traditional car compared to a hybrid. The new 2008 Tahoe Hybrid costs $50,000 but will it save me a ton of money in gas compared to a non-hybrid SUV that might cost me 35,000? We need seating for 6, so I'll consider any vehicle with that capacity, but really don't like the gas mileage of most SUVs, especially now with our Explorer - terrible gas mileage. If you consider the overall expense of the initial purchase, gas price, insurance, repairs, is a hybrid really saving me that much that I should pay $50,000? Any suggestions for cars that seat 6 would also be appreciated. Obviously, I'm trying to find the lowest operating costs. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. $15,000 will buy lots of gas, if you spend $3000 a year or gas it will take 5+ years to make up that difference. plus you have to still buy fuel for the hybrid, so if you spend $1500 a year for fuel with the hybrid would take you 10yrs to make up the difference.... buy the regular SUV and put the $15,000 in the bank
2. I'm not even sure you need an SUV. If you drive a lot, you'll save money on a Hybrid Tahoe over a regular engine Tahoe. But I think you could do even better than a Hybrid SUV. The Honda Odyssey would probably be much cheaper to own. If you add up the price of a Tahoe Hybrid, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs and residual value, you'll probable be saving more with a Honda Van. If you're not going to be doing a lot of heavy towing or off-roading, I don't see why you need a truck-based SUV. The Odyssey has a great reputation and would have all the features you could need or want. Honda Odyssey http://autos.yahoo.com/honda_odyssey/ MSRP: $25,860 - $40,610 Invoice: $23,428 - $36,757 3.5L V6 244HP 16/23 mpg 3.5L V6 241HP 17/25 mpg Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid http://autos.yahoo.com/chevrolet_tahoe_hybrid/ MSRP: $49,590 - $52,395 Invoice: $46,119 - $48,727 6.0L V8 332HP 21/22 mpg 6.0L V8 332HP 20/20 mpg with 4WD