[fcatwo]

From what I've read, the experts seem to think most people will never break even from a cost standpoint but there would seem to be too many unknowns (like used car values 5-10yrs from now, interest rates and future fuel prices) for general comparisons. You should be able to approximate costs based on your expected use and specific situation however -- especially if you will be buying soon. Just pick two cars and compare them. I've run the numbers a couple of times and there is no way we can justify switching to hybrid based on cost because of the few miles we drive. That won't stop me from making the change to something more fuel efficient when the LI-Ions and new diesels are out a couple of years from now however.

PS: I just checked my on-line subscription to the leading comsumer magazine and they said in Sept, 06 that the most fuel efficient hybrids would require 5yrs to break even assuming gasoline averages $3.66 during the 5yr period. That's a generalization of course and I assume some people will do much better and some -- maybe not. They added that the up-scale power-hybrids would still be several $K in the hole after 5yrs but they can't possibly know whether those vehicles will be worth more or less than non-hybrids at that time.