April 24, 2005, 1:31AM By PURVA PATEL Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Some Houston drivers have opted to fight climbing gas prices by trading in gas guzzlers for a hybrid. Though hybrids aren't making a major dent in a market dominated by SUVs and trucks, some drivers find that hybrids translate into relief at the pump. Hybrids generally cost a few thousand dollars more than comparable non-hybrids because of low production numbers and mechanical complexity. But prices will likely come down as more models are introduced. For now, you'd have to do a lot of driving before realizing any significant savings. Still, those who have one appreciate that they're making fewer trips to the pump and are seeing savings during each trip. R.K. Jaggi of Clear Lake bought a used Honda Insight last June for about $11,000. "I spend less money than I used to even with the same amount of driving," said Jaggi, 70. "I don't have to think to see my kids or grandkids. I just go." He checks his receipts from fill-up to fill-up and compares the savings. Before buying the hybrid, his monthly gas bill averaged $150. Now it's about $80. A retired NASA physicist and businessman, Jaggi says the car gets 48 miles per gallon. "I like this car. I like it a lot," he said. "It's got speed, pickup and savings. These three things together are just phenomenal." Houstonian Claudette Lloyd, 34, bought her used Toyota Prius about three years ago because she liked its lower emissions. Lloyd doesn't know how much she saves on gas, she says, because she doesn't even look anymore. She fills up and goes. "A part of me felt really good about not contributing so much to Houston's smog," the records management consultant said. "But it's also nice not to have to fill up so much."
