Orland Park Area Toyota and Scion Explores Whether a Hybrid Is Right for You

Oct 16, 2014

Over the last few years, almost every auto maker has rolled out a hybrid vehicle of one type or another. As the marketplace gets crowded with hybrids, it can seem like a no-brainer to get one, but hybrids aren’t perfect for everyone yet. Your Orland Area Toyota and Scion dealer gives you three questions to ask before buying a hybrid.

Where Do You Drive?

Hybrids were originally designed to help the wastefulness of city driving. Sitting at stop lights with your engine running is the worst way to help the planet, your lungs, or your wallet. That’s why hybrids switch to the battery when the gas isn’t in use and recharges when it is. So your first question is how much time do you spend in crowded, light-filled streets versus open highways. If the former, a hybrid could work out. If not, a high-efficiency conventional engine might be a better bet.

How Much Do You Drive?

Next is a question of time spent in the car. Do you have a 45-mile commute every day? A hybrid is probably not the best solution. If you drive for a living, going from one town to another, conventional is likely to work better. If you spend all day in the car on the streets of Chicago, then a hybrid is absolutely a good fit.

What Do You Carry?

There’s a reason you don’t see too many hybrid pick-ups. If you tend to carry heavier payloads or you transport more cargo, a hybrid might not give you the power to make it effective. On the other hand, if you’re carrying passengers, dropping off kids or running for errands, a smaller hybrid can be a perfect option.