jordan1794

Alright so a recent discussion led me to calculate the cost effectiveness of getting a hybrid vs. a regular civic for model year 2015
These numbers assume the MSRP listed on Honda's website for a Civic Sedan LX, and a Civic Sedan Hybrid.
Also assumes $3 a gallon gasoline (Slightly higher than the current national average for the U.S.)

Regular Initial Cost
$18,490
Hybrid Initial Cost
$24,735

Mileage City/Highway
Regular 30/39
Hybrid 44/47

Alright so obviously the Hybrid has a higher initial cost, but at what point does the Hybrid actually save you money over the course of 10 years?

Assuming you get RATED MPG in both cars, for city / highway

Assuming you drive 30,000 miles a year, or 2,500 a month (Higher than average)
You would need to drive at least 42% of your miles in the city to save ANY money over 10 years.
Overall Mileage
Regular 34.6
Hybrid 45.7

Assuming you drive 20,000 miles a year, or 1,666 miles a month (About average)
You would need to drive at least 99% of your miles in the city to save ANY money over 10 years.
Overall Mileage
Regular 30
Hybrid 44

Assuming you drive 10,000 miles a year, or 833 miles a month (Below average)
There is no physical way, given the variables, to save money
Overall Mileage
Regular NA
Hybrid NA


Alright, so looks kind of dismal for the hybrid here, but we all know 30 mpg in the city is NOT what you will get with stop and go traffic.
Let's assume you get 25 mpg in the regular for city, and give the hybrid it's rated city mpg.

So we are now at:
Mileage City/Highway
Regular 25/39
Hybrid 44/47

Assuming you drive 30,000 miles a year, or 2,500 a month (Higher than average)
You would need to drive at least 20% of your miles in the city to save ANY money over 10 years.
Overall Mileage
Regular 35
Hybrid 46

Assuming you drive 20,000 miles a year, or 1,666 miles a month (About average)
You would need to drive at least 50% of your miles in the city to save ANY money over 10 years.
Overall Mileage
Regular 30.5
Hybrid 45.5

Assuming you drive 10,000 miles a year, or 833 miles a month (Below average)
There is no physical way, given the variables, to save money
Overall Mileage
Regular NA
Hybrid NA

Alright, so that's probably a more realistic environment.

However, there is another aspect to these things...
Much of it depends on the driver, and a savvy driver with knowledge and will to save gas can make the situation nearly infinitely more complicated.

Make your own conclusions, just interesting data.
If anyone is interested in my spreadsheet for their own experimentation/scenario testing send me a PM with your e-mail and I'll send the file to you. (Excel workbook)

**I make no claim these numbers are factual, I tried my best to ensure accuracy, but I am not responsible for any buyers remorse if you make a decision based on this posting**