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(NC)-The cost of gas has a lot of Canadians miffed at the pump and reconsidering their next new vehicle. As a result, hybrids are fast becoming a hot ride. By most estimates, their numbers are expected to double this year. Which hybrids are you most likely to start seeing more of in the coming year?
The most popular hybrid cars quoted online for auto insurance by Canadians through www.kanetix.ca are:
. Honda Civic Hybrid
. Toyota Prius
. Ford Escape Hybrid
. Honda Accord Hybrid
. Honda Insight
. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
. Lexus RX400h
. GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Hybrid
. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS Hybrid
Hybrid car buyers are lured to the car's highly touted benefits - a fairly clean alternative that is easy at the pumps. As an added bonus, if the hybrid buyer lives in British Columbia, Ontario or Prince Edward Island, a partial sales tax rebate is also available.
The hybrid's popularity, however, extends beyond the driver. Insurance companies are getting in on the act. In the US a number of insurers offer insurance premium discounts for hybrid owners. In Canada, there are now at least three companies that offer hybrid owners an insurance discount - usually about 10%.
Like any new kid on the block, there is much talk about how much hybrids cost and what they're like. While fuel efficiency is certainly a bonus, hybrids are slightly more expensive than their non-hybrid version - often from $5000 to $6350.
Rumours abound about the cost to maintain hybrids. It's often thought they cost more to upkeep. To offset this perception-and to put their money where their mouth is so to speak-some manufactures offer warranties that extend beyond the basic coverage. Toyota for example, offers an 8-year (or 130,000 km) warranty coverage on their Prius and Highlander hybrid-related components. Warranty aside, it's also been reported that a hybrid's regular preventative maintenance costs are comparable to its gas-powered counterpart.
If you're in the market for a new car and are interested in the hybrid, auto makers are coming out with more hybrids every year. And as gas prices continue to rise Canadian consumers are buying them.
- News Canada