The reality that never gets published (for the most part) is that the bring-back value on hybrids is very weak. Reason: uncertainties about battery life and care mainly. The batteries are very expensive to replace.
Because of the initial retail price tags and depreciation (loss) on value over the term of a lease, for example, do not make them a bargain in any sense. Any real savings is marginal.
I'm not convinced the resale value is going to be as dismal as some have assumed. The hybrids are fairly flying out the door at dealerships. The cost of battery replacements aren't turning out to be that high either.
You may be right, but as hybrids spread out across some popular models, I'm not so sure the resale values are going to plumet.
I do think some of the umpopular styles may have had in impact on some of the early model's resale values.
And the LONG warranty and rapidly dropping cost (40% drop in 2004) on the battery doesn't factor in?
From what I've seen on prices, the depreciation curve is perfectly in-line with other vehicles. The Prius "bring-back" value is no worse than that of a comparable Corolla in terms of % of original price.
I agree total savings are most likely marginal - but lets get the correct info out, ok?
That will change as the prices come down. Since Toyota is well ahead of the pack in developing hybrids, their prices will likely drop first. They're in position to grab an even larger share of the auto market.
Well, that would appear to make a hybrid a more attractive choice as a used car than as a new one.
Hmmm...