With the high price of gas --one out of three buyers is seriously considering a hybrid, according to a recent survey.

Hybrids do get better mileage than comparable vehicles, but they usually cost more.

So which hybrids will truly save you money?

Toyota dealers say with today's gas prices, they have a tough time keeping Priuses on the lot.

"They go rolling off the showroom floor as fast as they come in," said Neale Kuperman, the owner of a Toyota Dealer.

Doing hybrid math can be complicated.

For example the Prius is a unique vehicle, not a hybrid version of another car. Some compare it to the Toyota Corolla. Others compare it to a Toyota Matrix. Regardless, is the Prius a better deal over five years of ownership?

"The comparison was almost even when you took into consideration costs, operating costs, consumption, rebates that are available. The Prius came out a little bit more expensive but over the five years it was almost a wash,'' said Trace Acres of BCAA.

"It really depends on the hybrid,'' said Rik Paul of Consumer Reports. "Some will save you thousands of dollars. Some won't save you anything, and others will only save you money if you can get the federal tax credit."

And that credit is gone in Canada for 2009 models, making hybrids less attractive.

For example, BCAA says the Altima Hybrid costs you more to own over five years than the four-cylinder Altima.

The hybrid Toyota Camry, on the other hand, saves you money even without the government grant..

BCAA says the biggest money saving hybrids over 5 years of ownership are:

  • Honda Civic Hybrid save $3,800
  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV save $2,700
  • Toyota Camry Hybrid save $2,100
  • Lexus RX400h Hybrid SUV save $1,816

BCAA says hybrids that will not save you money include:

  • Tahoe/Yukon Hybrid SUV costs $9,900 more
  • Lexus GS Hybrid costs $11,000 more
  • Lexus 460 h costs $46,000 more

The Chevy Malibu Hybrid and the Saturn Aura Hybrid are around break even.

"You really have to be wary of the fact when you are looking at these vehicles that not all hybrids are created equal.,'' said Acres.

"You need to do some research if you are making that added investment of buying a hybrid. Are you actually going to get that return in terms of lower consumption," he added.

If you drive more than 20,000 kilometers per year and more than half your driving is in the city instead of the highway, the money saving hybrids we mentioned save you even more money.

If you drive less or mainly on the highway, they may not be your best option.

The price of fuel is also a major factor in any hybrid calculation.

BCAA used a price of 1.40 per liter. We can't say whether over the next five years if that will look too high, or turn out to be a real bargain.

With a report by CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen