What kind of car should I buy, gas or electric?

June 23, 2025

What kind of car should I buy, gas or electric?

Should You Buy a Gas or Electric Vehicle? What Universal City Drivers Need to Know | Victory Lane Automotive

If you’re shopping for a new vehicle in Texas, you’ve likely found yourself asking the question everyone’s talking about:
Should I buy a gas-powered car—or make the move to electric?

At Victory Lane Automotive in Universal City, TX, we help customers make real-world decisions based on their needs—not just headlines. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is undeniable, but that doesn’t mean they’re right for every driver, especially in a state as diverse in terrain and climate as Texas.

Whether you're commuting to San Antonio, hauling gear across counties, or just want something reliable for the long haul, this blog will help you understand the true pros, cons, and maintenance needs of gas, electric, and hybrid vehicles—from a local shop that services them all.

Electric Vehicles: Low Maintenance, Big Changes

There’s no doubt that EVs are changing the auto industry. They offer:

No oil changes or fuel stops
Instant torque and quiet, smooth driving
Fewer mechanical failures due to simplified systems
Federal tax credits and Texas utility incentives
Lower fuel costs when charging at home

But they also come with a new set of challenges:

Charging infrastructure is still limited across parts of South Texas
Range drops during high-heat months—especially when running A/C
EV batteries are expensive to replace if not maintained
Repairs require specialty tools and training

If you live in Universal City, work from home, and mostly drive locally, an EV could be a smart long-term choice—but only if you have a home charger or a consistent access point nearby.

Gas Vehicles: Still the Workhorse of South Texas

While EVs are gaining ground, gas-powered cars remain the most flexible and dependable option for the majority of drivers in Bexar County.

Gas cars offer:

Lower upfront cost and better used vehicle availability
Fast, convenient refueling at any of the countless local stations
Long-distance capability with no planning required
Wide parts availability and fast repair turnaround

At Victory Lane Automotive, we’ve been servicing gas engines for years—from pickups and family sedans to performance vehicles and SUVs. With proper maintenance, today’s gas-powered vehicles can easily surpass 200,000 miles—especially in dry Texas conditions where corrosion is less of a threat.

If you’re towing, taking road trips, or driving long stretches across rural areas, gas is still king.

Hybrids and Plug-In Hybrids: Fuel Efficiency with Flexibility

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are a great option for drivers who want to save on fuel without sacrificing range or convenience.

Benefits include:

Exceptional fuel economy—perfect for commuters
Electric-assist performance and regenerative braking
PHEVs can drive short distances on electric alone, then switch to gas
No dependency on charging stations unless you choose a PHEV

Our team at Victory Lane Automotive is fully equipped to maintain and repair hybrid systems:

Battery diagnostics
Inverter and cooling system service
Regenerative brake care
Hybrid tune-ups and preventive maintenance

Whether you’re driving a Prius, a plug-in Ford Escape, or a hybrid Camry, we’ll keep it running like new—without dealership prices or wait times.

What About Cost? EV vs. Gas vs. Hybrid

Electric Vehicles (EVs):

Higher purchase price
Lower lifetime fuel and maintenance costs
Charging access is essential
Long-term savings—if your lifestyle supports it

Gas Vehicles:

Lowest purchase cost
Easier to repair and maintain
Ideal for high-mileage drivers or rural road use
Higher fuel cost and more routine service

Hybrids:

Moderate purchase cost
Excellent fuel economy
Less reliance on infrastructure
Some qualify for rebates and tax credits

If you drive a lot of highway miles, gas still wins. If you're focused on commuting and fuel economy, hybrid is the best of both worlds. If you're all-in on electric and have the infrastructure to support it, EVs can deliver serious long-term savings.

Universal City’s Charging Infrastructure: Growing, But Still Limited

While Texas is investing heavily in EV charging infrastructure, many areas—especially suburbs like Universal City—are still catching up to the demand.

That means if you:

Can’t charge at home
Take frequent road trips or long drives
Live in an apartment or condo
...you may want to reconsider full EV ownership until the infrastructure matures.

Hybrids and gas vehicles still offer unmatched flexibility for everyday Texas drivers who need to get in, go, and not worry about charge levels or route planning.

Real Advice from Victory Lane Automotive

We don’t push trends. We support drivers who care about reliability, safety, and long-term value.

Here’s what we recommend:

Choose EV if you drive locally, have home charging, and want long-term fuel savings
Choose hybrid or PHEV if you want fuel efficiency with gas-powered flexibility
Stick with gas if you drive long distances, need hauling power, or want to avoid infrastructure headaches

No matter what you choose, we’re here to help you protect your investment and keep your vehicle on the road for years to come.