These days, there's a lot of talk about the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid cars. But what really constitutes a new car being called a "hybrid"? Here's some facts to mull over*.

"Safe" for the Environment.

Cars that are deemed to be a "hybrid" are cars or SUVs that have not only a gas engine, but they also have an electric motor as well, enabling them to consume less gas and therefore put out less pollution, making them less harmful to the environment. Now, don't be fooled--if you're environmentally conscious, a hybrid may be the way to go, especially if you're looking to obtain a new car, but so would riding your bike everywhere. So what makes a hybrid such a good (or not so good) purchase?

Easy on your Wallet?

Only you can answer that question, but applying for a new or used auto loan with Bay Cities is definitely easy with rates that are hard to beat!

While you'll undoubtedly find that the gas mileage is outstandingly refreshing--you need to ask yourself if you will ever make that extra $4,000 in savings at the gas pump back. You may not. For an estimate on how many gallons you'll be saving, try the this gas calculator. Before you take the plunge, here's a list of the pros and cons of a hybrid car.

The Cons of Buying a Hybrid Car

Maintenance Costs

Obvious Con. One thing you'll need to consider is that traditional mechanics may have a problem working on your car if something goes wrong, and it may be weeks -- even months -- before certain parts come in. For working on it alone there may be additional maintenance costs.

Trouble Reselling

Another obvious con. Hybrids aren't household "items" yet, and therefore may be harder to resell, especially if it turns out that they're like the eight track model right before the cassette tape hits the market.

The Pros to a Hybrid Car

Tax Break

Whoa, now there's a Pro! In fact, the government may allow a tax break upwards of $2,000, so this could be a mighty Pro to push you into purchasing that hybrid. And it would definitely help offset the additional $4,000 you spend on the sticker price.

Gas Mileage Through the Roof

Another plus, plus, plus! With the cost of gas consistently going up, you'll find that this pro alone may push you into purchasing a hybrid car. The mileage is substantially higher, and you'll even be helping out the environment, which leads us into our next pro.

Tree Hugger

Well, okay, you won't exactly be a "tree hugger," but you will be helping out the environment with less gas intake and less pollution output. Mother Nature will be thanking you, and so will the U.S. government.

And the Verdict is...

Well, that's up to you. There certainly are some very interesting points to purchasing a hybrid, and ultimately, the decision lies upon your shoulders. Sure, you'd be helping out the environment--government studies have shown that emissions are 90 percent more clean with a hybrid than "regular" cars--but are you helping out your wallet? Only you can decide.

One thing is for sure, you can count on Bay Cities for great auto loan rates and getting pre-approved is only a click or phone call away -- 510-690-6166!

*Hybrid facts and figures from Hybridcars.com