2 Out of 3 Hybrid Owners Switch Back

Prius owners stay a little bit truer
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 10, 2012 7:36 AM CDT
2 Out of 3 Hybrid Owners Switch Back
In this June 28, 2011 file photo, a pair of Toyota Prius hybrid autos bearing yellow California DMV decals on their left front of their bumpers, carrying the drivers alone, are seen in carpool lanes.   (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

America's love affair with hybrids has turned out to be more of a fling for many owners: A new study finds that when they go to trade in, about 65% of hybrid owners pass on getting another hybrid. The numbers, based on 2011 data, do fluctuate based on the model: Prius owners were slightly more likely to stick with a gas-electric ride, with 41% selecting another hybrid; for Honda hybrid owners, that number sunk to less than 20%, reports MSNBC.

The fact that most people own a car for six years could be a contributing factor: It takes seven to 10 years for most hybrid owners to see savings over comparable conventional vehicles. And MSNBC notes that more fuel-sipping non-hybrids are hitting the market, including diesel rides and Hyundais that get more than 40mpg on the highway. (More hybrid car stories.)

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