By Amradorn 
About two weeks ago, I bought a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid—the first car I’ve owned that’s not strictly gas-powered.
In the short time I’ve had it, I’ve driven around 150 miles, just running errands around town—commuting to work, heading to game sessions, and grabbing groceries. What’s impressive is that I’ve only used about a quarter of a tank of gas. With my truck, I would have burned through a full tank in the same time. At this rate, a full tank in the Fusion could last me nearly two months of my usual driving before I’d need to refuel.
That’s pretty amazing to me. Granted, the truck is paid off, but the car payments on the Fusion are a bit of a stretch, and I’m required to carry full coverage insurance until it’s paid off. So, financially, I’m not much better off, as the savings on gas get offset by the payments and insurance. Plus, it’s a used car—11 years old now—so there’s always the possibility of mechanical issues cropping up sooner than with a new vehicle.
I’ve never owned a brand-new car; I’ve always bought used, mostly because I’ve never been able to afford a new one. In fact, this Fusion is the newest car I’ve ever owned. The truck, a 2005 model, is nearly 20 years old and desperately needs a new transmission.
Still, I can’t help but feel a little bit excited. It’s nice to have something newer, even if it’s not brand-new. The hybrid technology is something I’ve never experienced before, and I’m curious to see how it holds up over time. Maybe in the future, I’ll get even more into hybrid or electric cars, but for now, I’m just enjoying the ride—literally.