To
hybrid or not to hybrid. As a car buyer, you look at the sticker prices and gas mileage stats for two similar cars. One (
the hybrid) is more expensive but gets better mileage. The other is cheaper to buy, but you'll have to fill 'er up more often. So you're left wondering: Is it worth it to pay more upfront for the hybrid?
The answer, in most cases, is yes, according to a recent study that estimated costs of various cars over five years and 70,000 miles. Take a close look at the data, however. Some hybrids are much better buys, with far more impressive fuel efficiency, than others.
And get this: The researchers also studied clean-diesel automobiles, and they turned out to save the most money of all for car owners.