Your questions answered: Can I save money by buying a hybrid car?

The high price of fuel is forcing many people to think again about their motoring choices.

The electric car option is still out of reach for most, but hybrids can make sense for short-haul commuting with more conventional and plug-in versions arriving all the time.

Diesel is good for long-haul running but not so smart for short suburban trips. And just pumping the tyres can help cut consumption.

Question:

Answer: Toyota has led from the start on hybrids and the C-HR is good. But the petrol-electric hybrid package is only available on the high-spec models, and that means spending around $40,000. If you can live with something smaller, the Toyota Yaris Cross will save you $5000 as a hybrid and still be fine unless you have big kids.

Question:

Answer: Last thing first, hybrids are generally no cheaper to service because, a) they still have a combustion engine, and b) capped-price servicing deals tend to even the playing field. There is an emerging benefit on resale – typically, model for model, Toyota hybrids are performing better than non-hybrid versions. What’s also helping tip the scales is in the most recent iterations the premium you pay in the showroom for a new hybrid is significantly reduced. From the Toyotas, the Yaris Cross is the most affordable and a smart pick, but we’d also suggest you at least test drive the Kona – it’s a carsales favourite.

Question: I currently drive a 2020 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser, driving from Bacchus Marsh to Ballarat (Vic), six days a week. It’s roughly 800-900km a week. I’m 200cm and 120kg, so I need to buy a new but bigger car as I’m a bit cramped in the RAV. Just wondering if you can recommend a bigger car that’s great on fuel but also will last me over 300,000km as I do around 50,000 a year. – Rohan S

Answer: Start by test driving the latest Kia Sportage with the diesel engine. It combines range and economy with the cabin space you need and is at the very top of the SUV pecking order.

Question:

Answer: If you’re ready for full electric, and only driving short distances and have a solid budget, the LEAF will be great. But also consider the Tesla Model 3 as it’s great value and a very good car that leads – by a long way – electric sales in Australia. You should get a great used car result for the Prius C with so many people looking to hybrids.

Question:

Answer: Mercedes-Benz has a growing range of classy petrol-electric hybrid SUVs but most seven-seater SUVs sold Down Under are still relying on diesel power. Consider the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class – there’s a plug-in version but only five seats. The Tesla Model 3 would be great for a weekday runabout.

Question:

Answer: Wait if you can. The dealer looks to be trying an ‘up-sell’ on you and it’s well over your budget. Demand for diesel power is dropping fast and that’s why you can get a Sportage diesel now but not a petrol model. Depending on supply and the relative attractiveness of diesel vehicles (some doing long kilometres are still keen on diesels), you may take a hit on resale and this depreciation could make the sums hard if you try a swap next year.

Question: My partner is looking at buying a Hyundai Tucson and likes power in her car. The dealer suggested that diesel was more economical and had more ‘guts’. As we know nothing about diesel cars, would you suggest diesel over petrol turbo? – Al B

Answer: Read a couple of the other answers here as they help summarise the pros and cons of turbo-diesels. Lots of people are moving away from diesel, even if they are more economical and have strong torque for pulling power. Diesel only makes economic sense if you drive more than 30,000km and do longer trips, because they cost more to buy and service and usually come in an AWD package you don’t need in the suburbs.

Question: I am traveling to Queensland in June by road in a Holden Commodore VF running on dedicated gas. I have been told that there are no LPG servos between Dubbo and Goondiwindi, so is there any way of me finding out which still have gas on that route? I have travelled up the Newell Highway many times in a VE Commodore, but that was dual-fuel. – Reg K

Answer: LPG is dying fast without the gas-powered Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. But your rumour is wrong and this website shows plenty of outlets on your planned route.

Question:

Answer: The Subaru will be vastly better than your old Corolla in every way, from comfort to safety. It’s a good move. On servicing, no need to stay with Toyota but if you’re happy with the service then why change?

Question: I am currently driving seven-seater Toyota Avensis but wish to downsize to a smaller car. I’ve been looking at: the Kia Niro Hybrid, out of my price range; Hyundai Venue, some reviews not great; and Toyota Yaris Cross, which I like. These cars have a higher seating position which I prefer. I would not want to spend more than $33,000. – Kaye O

Answer: The Toyota Yaris Cross will definitely suit, but you should also take a comparison test drive in a Kia Stonic. The Kia will surprise you and is arguably better value including a longer warranty.

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