Posted on 01/13/2006 8:53:07 AM PST by HHKrepublican_2
DETROIT (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow, aiming to boost the ailing domestic auto industry and encourage conservation, on Friday outlined details of proposed tax breaks for people who buy hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles. ADVERTISEMENT
At a Ford Motor Co. research center in suburban Detroit, Snow discussed tax policy changes that would give people who buy or lease increasingly popular hybrid cars and trucks a tax credit up to $3,400.
"to assist the ailing domestic auto industry "
HOW? Is Prius built here ??
I don't ride the subway. I drive my pickup like a maniac for 40 miles everyday. I just thought that, while the gov't is giving away our money, they may as well go overboard.
How about a $5,000 tax credit for Suburban owners who haul back 10 Mexicans per month?
Hybrids are a gimmick. But the sheeple will follow.
I agree. It's government policies that got us in this mess rather than market forces.
Where's MY tax break for a 15 year old car that still gets 42mpg in town and 52 highway?
Bingo! And I wouldn't get near one of those things. Though they may appeal to the Volvo set.
Re: Real World gas mileage - That's true for almost all EPA MPG ratings. Even conventional cars.
Sure beats the Vette. Not sure if the church choir would appreciate being crammed into the back of the Vette. Actually I am sure the Vette would not be real happy about it as well. LOL!
If I had kids, I would have never bought one of these. However, it is perfect as a single occupancy vehicle. :-)
(The vet also has cup holders)
The figure I've seen is that it costs roughly $4,000 more for a small hybrid compared to the same model in standard mode. So this would probably convince quite a few people to go hybrid.
I've been thinking about buying a gas saving car next time around, but hybrids don't look worth paying extra for. Maybe this will change the picture.
But it depends on several factors. What do they mean by "domestic"? Does that include, say, a Honda or Toyota made in the U.S.?
And does this tax break come off the bottom line, or will it be killed by the AMT? All my other tax breaks are killed by the AMT, including exemptions for children.
Inquiring minds want to know.
Prius' drive much better than the cars you are comparing them to.
We have a Prius, and it drives great. It is quieter than my mom's Lexus, and handles just as smoothly.
Last week, I had to drive a rental car because someone broke into my mini-van, and the van was getting fixed.
The little rental car got great gas mileage, and was cheap. However, even my kids complained about the car. It was noisy, and not very smooth. It handled horribly.
The main point basically is that you are comparing apples and oranges. Go test drive the cars you are comparing, and then tell me what you think.
:-)
Those batteries are EXPENSIVE!
Our Prius does better than sticker.
BTW, I am not hammering on the Prius! It is all in fun at work when we argue whose car is better. :-)
But think of the rush as you stomp the accelerator with over 400 ponies and 400 ft/lbs of torque. :-)
Hybrids aren't for everyone, yet. We have a Prius and a mini-van. My husband uses the Prius to get to and from work, and he loves it!!!!!!!!! His is 5 years old, and we are already starting to figure out when we're getting the next one.
If you have ever driven one, you wouldn't think it is a gimmick. My dad (who worked for the oil industry his entire life) even loves riding in our Prius. He's very impressed with it, and he's a tough Texan who drives a Suburban.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.