The age-old question: hybrid or used car?
A few months ago, my and my cubicle-mates (two hybrid owners and one proud owner of a Honda Fit) had a discussion: is it better to buy a used fuel-efficient car or a new hybrid, given all of the energy that goes into making hybrid batteres?
I argued, I think persuasively, for the hybrid. So did weatherblogger Frank Roylance, an early adapter who owns one of the early Prius models, a 2002 Prius Classic, as well as a newer one, which his wife drives. Of course, I bought a used hybrid, so I guess in my case it's a moot point.
But over at Slate, The Green Lantern tackles the question again, and he's armed with a lot more information than I was. He compares the Prius to a used Corolla, and said the hybrid is by far the better deal, IF you can afford it.
I'm wondering how hard it is to find a used hybrid these days. When I bought mine two years ago, gas prices hadn't quite hit $3. And they were hard to find then. I bet anyone who has one now is loath to give it up.
I report on the environment and Chesapeake Bay. A native of West Virginia, I have focused mainly on Maryland's environment since moving here in 1983. Along the way, I've crewed aboard a skipjack in the bay, canoed under city streets up the Jones Fall from the Inner Harbor, and gone deep underground in a western Maryland coal mine. Recently, I have been covering the growth and development transforming the landscape. I love seafood, rambles in the country and good stories. I hope to share some here.
Comments
The hybrid/used car is an interesting debate. I haven't heard anything recently about two issues of concern. Fact or fiction? Is it true that when hybrids are in a serious accident the high voltage can inhibit speedy rescue and can it actually harm emergency responders and/or the vehicle occupants if certain wires become exposed? Also, are the spent batteries a possible environmental danger?
Posted by: Tim White | July 9, 2008 9:11 AM