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as a Hypermile I am puzzled as to what I would do given this situation.

A coworker is taking a job that will allow him to have a company car. He even gets to pick out the car (must be ford). If he wants anything but the base Focus or Escape he is asked to chip in for the price of the car.

He also gets reimbursed for the gas.

He chose the base Ford Escape. He would have had to chip in around $3k to get the Hybrid Escape. As cost of fuel is not an issue he would never recoup the $3k.
Basically the $3k he would pay would financially only benefit the employer

I would be very tempted by the Hybrid, but I have kids that will be going to college.
it's not a choice I have to make, but an interesting scenario.
$3k for the fun of hypermiling, without financial gain or $3k for kids education?

I know you meant his situation and how I would handle it if I were in his shoes. I am also considering it another way:

From how his decision effects you as a coworker. You already are paying for him. Regardless of which vehicle he picks, his usage affects the profitability of the company you both are working for. By him not picking the hybrid he is most likely going to spend more company money on gas which will be less profitability for the company to use in ways that could specifically benefit you.

So my slant on your question is would you and your co-workers be willing to chip in and help him upgrade to a hybrid to save the company on fuel costs?

To answer my version: Depends on how much I personally would have to chip in. If my spending $50 towards the $3000 (assuming there are only 60 people with your company) and it would save the company enough to benefit me by the years of a more economical service life of the hybrid over a conventional ICE vehicle I would definitely do it.

To answer your question as you intended: I don't have an extra $3000 and couldn't do it if the extra money had to be payed upfront and in full. :(

Although if I had to pay the fuel costs of the company vehicle I drive and an investment in a hybrid would save enough to recover my initial upgrade including whatever hidden costs like interest on my share of the loan, if a loan were available, I would certainly do it.

I might consider a slightly less than break even result, to promote the sales of hybrids because I feel like they are a healthier choice and by being a participant I can help increase awareness and lower future production costs to make hybrids more attractive to new consumers. This applies to both scenarios, your intended question or mine. - Dale

For me it would probably depend on how much I make a year. But really if I had kids to send to college or really needed the money I dont think I would do it. I could get a base car focus and hypermile it and save gas and save the 3k.

I wonder, can he right off the money? Cause if he could, then I would get the FFH for sure!

He also gets reimbursed for the gas.

He chose the base Ford Escape. He would have had to chip in around $3k to get the Hybrid Escape. As cost of fuel is not an issue he would never recoup the $3k.
Basically the $3k he would pay would financially only benefit the employer

I'm perplexed. If he gets reimbursed, how is cost of fuel not an issue?

I'm perplexed. If he gets reimbursed, how is cost of fuel not an issue?

Well I'd say assuming he has the $50 to fill up the tank of gas and could wait a week or two for the company to pay him back that $50, it's not an issue.

Regardless of if it's a nicer car or just more fuel efficient car, I don't think it would be wise to spend more money on the upgrade. It's not his car, but the companies. Once he gets laid off he won't get to keep the car.

I agree. It makes no financial sense to donate $3000 to one's company for the privilege of driving a hybrid.

I agree. It makes no financial sense to donate $3000 to one's company for the privilege of driving a hybrid.

Obviously it doesn't make financial sense...but we should all think beyond the financial sense when it comes to selecting our vehicles no?

Some companies will listen to reason and share the fuel savings. Some companies will perish from failing to adapt and change.

I'd not pay the 3M, but would try to change policy, and look for a more rational employer.