9.8
Four years, 14,000 miles per year, home charging available. The hybrid won. Change any assumption and the winner might change too.
Same purchase price, different ownership cost. The SUV will cost you more in tires, insurance, and registration every single year.
Five numbers separate a good deal from an expensive mistake. Most people only look at two.
Without home charging, an entry-level EV loses to a used hybrid on total cost. With home charging, it's close — but the hybrid still wins for many drivers.
For a 40-mile commute, hybrid wins for most people. EV wins if you charge at home and keep it long enough. Public charging only? Stick with hybrid.
Low mileage without service records is just a number. Age, maintenance, and how the car was driven matter more than what the odometer says.
The three-year-old car costs more today. The seven-year-old car can cost more over time. Run both.
"Three minutes. Price, title, photos, service history. Most listings fail one of these. Move on before you get attached."
Three years used to be the sweet spot. In 2026, push it to four or five. That is where the value lives now.
New feels safe, used feels cheap, CPO feels like a compromise. Run the math before you pick one.
Saving $200 is not worth 40 hours of your life. Count your time. Most 'money-saving' plans fail that test.
Features are why you want the car. Ownership risk is what it actually costs. Shop in that order.
Most car advice tells you how it feels. This blog tells you what it costs.