2008 Toyota Prius

 

Ten years ago Toyota debuted the world’s most popular and well-loved 

hybrid. Not only does the superb fuel economy just yell “smart 

eco-driver,” the interior space, fast response and comfy ride makes 

everyday life easier and easier on the wallet, as well. MSRP is 

discounted at $1,225 off the 2007 base model, while the 2008 standard 

Prius lists for $20,950.

 

 

 

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

 

The Malibu Hybrid has certainly drawn rave reviews so far. Buyers like 

the interior, the exterior and its anticipated fuel economy–and that’s 

why it’s on this list. With a MSRP of $22,790, the 2.4L Ecotec Malibu 

hybrid is rated at 32 mpg highway/24 city.

 

 

 

2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid

 

Nissan’s first hybrid is a serious contender in the fast-growing hybrid 

sector. Stylish, sporty, fun to drive and easy on the gas (35/33). With 

a base starting price of $25,070, Nissan offers a variety of packages to 

spruce up this set of wheels.

 

 

 

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid

 

GM’s awesome 2-mode system makes a full size SUV. With 332 hp it still 

pulls in 2008 EPA ratings that put both the 2WD and 4WD in the 20-21 mpg 

range. It has an impressive 40 percent fuel mileage improvement over the 

standard models. Starting price on this guy is $50,490.

 

 

 

2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD SUV

 

The Mariner Hybrid has a 2.3-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine and 

electric motor powertrain. The Mariner does everything the Ford Escape 

does, but with just a bit more flair. EPA fuel economy estimates are 34 

city/30 highway. The base front-wheel drive model starts at $26,430, 

while the loaded Hybrid Premium Package, won’t break the bank at $31,000.

 

 

 

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Flex-fuel

 

Tough, yet comfy, and outfitted for hard work and efficiency, this 

Silverado offers dual-fuel status (E85/gasoline) in a 315 HP engine with 

338 ft-lbs of torque. Equipped with Active Fuel Management, it has an 

EPA rating of 14/19 and has a starting price of $34,710.

 

 

 

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

 

With a powerful 3.0-liter V6 CRD turbo diesel engine bearing a Mercedes 

imprint and capability to use B5 biodiesel for an alt fueler by default, 

you can’t go wrong with the Cherokee. With 215 hp and 2008 EPA ratings 

of 17/22, it’s a great family or utility vehicle. Jeep has extended the 

availability of the CRD engine to the Laredo model which starts at 

$35,685, and they’ve discounted the Limited and Overland diesels by 

$1000 for the 2008 model year.

 

 

 

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid FWD SUV

 

One of the most fuel efficient SUVs on the planet with 155 horsepower, 

2.3-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine and electric motor powertrain 

that has a great power-to-fuel-consumption ratio. The $25,740 Escape is 

comfortable, stylish and accommodating for the whole family. With EPA 

fuel economy estimates of 34 city/30 highway, there is a choice between 

front-wheel or four-wheel drive.

 

 

 

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

 

The Civic Hybrid is spunky and attractive along with 110 hp, 1.3-liter 

4-cylinder engine and hybrid system that comes with a top-notch EPA 

rating of 49/51 and clean AT-PZEV emissions. The Civic offers plenty of 

bang for the $22,600 base price.

 

 

 

2008 Honda Civic GX NGV

 

The Civic GX NGV is the cleanest internal combustion engine in 

production today. At 113 horsepower and 109 ft-lbs of torque it’ll leave 

a smile on your face—after all, natural gas notoriously rings in less 

expensive than gasoline. And that tax credit slices a nice chunk off the 

$24,590 base price.

 

 

The 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid has officially been approved by the IRS as a qualified hybrid vehicle which will receive the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. You may be eligible to receive up to $2,350 for purchasing this vehicle.

The Altima Hybrid comes in at around $24,400 which is competitive with the Toyota Camery Hybrid. Take into consideration your tax credit and it beats it’s competition. After Nissan sells 60,000 Hybrids the tax credit will phase out so get one while the tax credit is still available.

Have you ever heard someone say when you drive a brand new car off the lot it depreciates by about 20%? Well this is very true, maybe not always 20% however it does lose it’s value immediately because it’s no longer new. This can be a huge problem for you if you are involved in an accident which totals your vehicle. You now have a loan for the entire price of your new car, you drove it off the lot and it depreciated 20% and now it’s totaled. The insurance company offers you a payoff based on the fair market value for a used car which is 20% less than you just paid! Now you end up without a car and a loan for the remainder 20%. There are ways around this such as purchasing a separate insurance policy called GAP insurance. What this does is it will cover the remaining amount you owe to the lender up and above what the insurance company is willing to pay for your car. The plans are often quite affordable and worth looking into for peace of mind.

There are good used cars and defective used cars (”lemons”). The buyer of a car does not know beforehand whether it is a good car or a lemon. So the buyer’s best guess for a given car is that the car is of average quality; accordingly, he/she will be willing to pay for it only the price of a car of known average quality.This means that the owner of a good used car will be unable to get a high enough price to make selling that car worthwhile. Therefore, owners of good cars will not place their cars on the used car market. The withdrawal of good cars reduces the average quality of cars on the market, causing buyers to revise downward their expectations for any given car. This, in turn, motivates the owners of moderately good cars not to sell, and so on.