Oil change frequency for a garage queen car?

Actually, a “regular” hybrid’s engine runs most of the time, alternating with battery power to propel the vehicle. The embedded algorithms make the moment-to-moment decisions as to which type of motive power is propelling the vehicle at any given time.

By contrast, a plug-in hybrid allows the driver to choose whether to run in EV mode exclusively, or whether to allow the vehicle to run in HV mode, during which it operates like a “regular” hybrid. Because most of my driving is “local”, I choose to operate my plug-in in EV-only mode almost all of the time, and I only select HV mode if I am going on a highway drive of more than 50 miles.

“Regular” hybrids usually have sufficient battery power for no more than 3 miles, at city speeds. Once it reaches its limit, it automatically switches the gas engine back on, so that it can recharge the batteries and move the vehicle.

If I had a “regular” hybrid, I would change the oil every 6 months/5k miles. With a plug-in hybrid, much less frequent oil changes should be necessary–if the driver operates in EV mode most of the time, as I do.

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How much is the insurance, plates, and property tax?

Because the oil change cost could be just the tip of the cost of the ownership iceburg.

Property Tax?

Some states assess an annual tax on personal property, such as cars, livestock, and certain types of equipment. I am pleased that NJ doesn’t do such things.

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Virginia counties have a personal property tax on motor vehicles. This includes cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, RVs, and anything else I missed.

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Some states have a personal property tax. In SC they only levy it on vehicles, boats, trailers. Buy a new car these days and that first year property tax will be over $1000. Less each year after that. The tax bill comes shortly after you buy the car. In subsequent years, the tax is added to the cost of plates renewal. Skip a year on the plates renewal and you have to provide proof that the vehicle was not driven on a public road before they will allow renewal.

We call that an excise tax here in NH.

I think I was a junior in South Dakota and got a notice to list my assets and pay the property tax. All I had was my car, gun, golf clubs, clothes, and books. Plus a Minnesota resident, so threw it away. I might be a wanted man though now.

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