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PrintMore Bang for Your Buck: Hybrid Cars
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Laura Garrigan
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Even with gas prices slightly on the decline, paying at the pump can still be hard to stomach. But if you're looking to cut back, maybe it's time to consider a new set of wheels. In tonight's more bang for the buck, we're going to show you the latest in hybrid cars.
(WSVN) -- Talk about a pain in the gas.
Here in South Florida, if you want to avoid being pinched at the pump, there are a few choices. You can either take the bus, try walking, or how about shifting to a hybrid.
O.K., maybe it's not wild and crazy but it is logical and practical. At Honda, customers have a couple of choices - the Insight and the Civic.
Michael Bretz from Rick Case Honda: "Mainly when youre accelerating, you're burning the most gas. now, the electric motor will assist in helping you.
The two door insight is geared mostly for individual consumers.
While the Civic is marketed more for familes. Both cars will cost around $20,000 dollars.
Neither one needs to be plugged in. And like other hybrids, both will give you automatic passage into the h-o-v lane even without an extra passenger in the car.
Michael Risucci from Maroone Toyota:"Its more fuel efficient. its enviromentally more efficient."
At Toyota, the prius hopes to turn heads with a more european look. There's a reason why this car won Motor Trend's Vehicle of the Year.
For mileage, it's about right in between the Insight and the Civic.
The cost, think somewhere in the low 20's.
But for an added bonus, how about this navigation system?
New car owner George Mass is pretty happy with his new set of wheels.
George Mass: "I estimate its going to save over me over $200 dollars a month of gas which almost pays for the car so its almost like a free car."
Other hybrids coming out this year include a dodge truck, a ford suv, a lexus suv, and coming this august - the silverado from g.M the first hybrid pickup ever.
Joyclyn Waters GM Corporation: "It helps conserve gas in the fact that it shuts the engine off in a start stop condition when youre at a traffic light or a stop sign. We are looking at 10 to 15 percent improvement in gasoline"
Miami-Dade County was so impressed with the hybrid movement, it purchased over 150 vehicles.
Olga Diaz: "We are yielding right now half the fuel consumption over our traditional gas powered vehicles of similar sizes."
Plus the batteries don't have to be recharged or replaced and the maintenance thus far seems to be minimal.
Olga: "It was a new technology for us and our mechanics."
If you're buying a hybrid car, it's probably best to go to your dealer's mechanic. Also here's another incentive - you'll qualify for a tax rebate.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: lmartinez@wsvn.com
Rick Case Honda
I-75 at Griffin Road
15700 Rick Case Honda Way
Davie, FL
954 364-3154
Maroone Toyota
4050 Weston Road
Davie, FL
954 659-1800