So, let's say you're all set to buy an alternative fuel vehicle, perhaps that attractive natural gas Honda Civic GX. But when you went to the dealer, the price stopped you in your tracks. Why would this car cost $6,930 USD more than its gasoline counterpart? Why not just go gasoline and save the extra bucks?
Don't give up yet. Yes, we know that one of the common beefs about alternative fuel vehicles is the price tag--they often cost more up front than their gasoline counterparts. And while you're probably eligible for a rebate or tax credit to take some of the heat off the cost, remember to stop and take a look at the reasons to go alternative--it's not just about the sticker price.
Reduced Maintenance. Say you go for a Honda Civic GX or propane vehicle--you'll not only cut your monthly fuel budget (natural gas calculates out to about 30 cents less than gasoline), you'll also cut your maintenance bills and emissions. Alternatives like propane and natural gas burn cleaner and certainly won't dirty the motor oil like a gasoline or diesel engine. And that equals reduced maintenance. Hybrid vehicles tend to be very easy on the braking and drive train systems also; get the whole story on what's involved in maintaining an alt fuel vehicle.
Translation: Cleaner, more efficient, longer-lasting, and fewer mechanic's bills. And isn't that what we all want and need in a vehicle?
It's Not Just the Dollars--or Pesos or Francs. Sometimes savings can't be measured directly in units of money. The reality is that driving your vehicle is the one regular activity that has the single largest impact on the earth regarding climate change. In terms of money, it's not just what it costs you to buy it and run it. No, it's really about much larger intangibles. The big picture.
Alternative fuels help cut down fossil fuels burned. One gallon of regular petrol saved equals 20 pounds of heat-trapping carbon dioxide not released into our atmosphere, plus carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur, and countless other intangibles that affect other immeasurables--and measurables--over the long-term: namely clean air, clean soil, and clean water.
Domestic Security. Yes, it's on everyone's lips these days. And yet the fact remains that America is highly dependent upon a consistent flow of crude oil to meet the day-to-day requirements of our petroleum-hungry nation. In one average month, the United States imports to the tune of 12,721,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Whew. We need to develop a strong base of energy independence.
For example, choose a car that gets 5-mpg better fuel efficiency--perhaps a hybrid--and you'll go from consuming 600 gallons of gasoline per year to 500 gallons per year. Since it takes one 42-gallon barrel of crude oil to produce 19.5 gallons of gasoline, that's 5 less barrels needed, just for you. Multiply that across your hometown (and your lifetime of driving), and we're talking thousands--if not millions--of barrels of crude oil that each of us can directly affect. Yes, alternative fuels are part of that solution.
Better Health. For the first time ever, because of our technologically advanced society, we are exposed to many environmental toxins. What comes out of your tailpipe may be invisible to the naked eye, but the cumulative effects speak loud and clear. As in our example above, choosing a car that gets 30-mpg (instead of 25-mpg) will keep 600 pounds of those heat-trapping gases out of the air, not to mention your lungs.
Stand Up & Be Counted. Not only will you feel better about your contribution to society, you can inspire others to change. When more people put their money where their mouth is, the smart businesses that are working hard to bring us viable alternatives are supported. And in turn, more products will be available for everyone to make wise choices.
More Free Time. Need we say more? Think about it: buy a reliable and efficient car, keep it in good working order and hang onto it for a long time. No car payment and fewer bills means less time working, which translates into more time to do all you really want to. Whether you go for a pre-owned car or new, crunch the numbers and head for a life of less stress. And who doesn't need a shorter to-do list?
And Remember: Pocket Change Does Add Up. Let's take this sample case in point: you change from a car that gets 25 mpg to one that gets 30 mpg. Only a 5-mpg difference. Say you're driving about 15,000 miles per year and buying gasoline at $3.00 gallon. Each week you'll find yourself with $5.77 USD per week more in pocket change--or $300 dollars in one year. Not really worth it, you say? Consider the fact that if you invested that extra $300 (at 8%) each year for 10 years, you'd have over $4,600. Now that's something to shake a stick at.
So go ahead and take a second look at that Honda Civic GX or any one of these alternative fuel vehicles. Or do your homework and check out some of our alt fuel vehicle test drives for a hand up on the competition. It's not just about the price, you know. Try taking a macro view and look at how your money-style and life-style mesh. And the legacy you leave behind.
Really, how can you afford not to?