The basic appeal that high MPG cars hold is two-fold: They’re environmentally friendly, and they’re easier on the pocket book each time the gas light turns on. The question many have to ask, though, is what other factors should be considered and how much less do they cost with all factors combined? Sure, the new Nissan Altima Hybrid sounds appealing with its estimated driving range of over 600 miles between gas stops; however, before you run to any Nissan Chicago or San Diego dealerships, (or anywhere in between) consider all the facts about high MPG cars.

2010 Toyota Prius
Hyrbids are great, but do they make financial sense?

The Pros:

  • There are less frequent stops for filling the gas tank.
  • Less fuel is burned, thus less damage is done to the environment.
  • Tax credits are given to fuel efficient car owners.
  • A high MPG car owner can sleep better at night knowing that he or she is lessening their environmental footprint.

The Cons:

Contrary to popular belief, there are a few cons to owning high MPG cars. First, high MPG cars are not exactly considered stylish and could rarely blend in with a crowd. In fact, usually they scream ‘fuel efficient’ as they often reflect their efficiency in their typically compact design. Another issue is their lack of power. These issues can be overlooked as they are not usually deal breakers to most environmentally conscious buyers. The last issue, though, is one that few have considered…

That issue is an eyebrow-raising question concerning whether or not they really save their owners more money in the long run after all? That question seems odd until the figures are outlined. When you look at the MSRP of a standard version and a Hybrid version of the exact same car while keeping the average MPG in mind, it’s important to consider both the upfront cost as well as the continual gas costs throughout the years. In many cases, the upfront cost is so much more expensive that it can take the full estimated life of the vehicle before the savings on gas begins to make up for the initial inflated price tag.

Indeed, there are definite pros and cons to owning high MPG vehicles. Depending upon individual preferences and the varying factors for each type of fuel efficient vehicle, the investment could end up being either incredibly savvy or incredibly foolish. That is why every environmentally conscious car buyer should really look at the pros and cons before making such a purchase.

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