SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The prices drivers are paying at the pump continue to skyrocket and, some car dealers say, that has some consumers looking in a new direction.
"The hybrid inquiries have definitely jumped up, in the past couple months," said Burdick Nissan Sales Manager Scot Heister.
Heister says at his store, sales of the Nissan Altima Hybrid have been steadily increasing. He says the car delivers costs savings, including more than $2,000 in tax rebates.
"Another benefit is obviously gaining in the miles per gallon segment. This vehicle gets 35 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway, so you can really save at the pump."
Despite all of the perks, some drivers say they've never thought of buying a hybrid.
"I don't think we've ever really considered it, no," said Buffalo Resident Carrie Gardner.
Are hybrid car sales keeping up with surging gas prices? News 10 Now's Giselle Phelps hit the streets to find out if drivers are making the switch.
Others have given it some thought.
"We did a little bit, we're just not ready with the technology, we're not sure how advanced it really is," said Canadian Resident Diane Giles.
But, when it comes to technology, Heister says with the Altima Hybrid it’s all in the self-charging battery. The battery alone powers the car when its driving around the 30 mile mark, cutting down of gas usage and Co2 emissions.
"It's worth it, if you're interested in conserving the environment," said Heister.
Drivers like Joe Lamendola said they're just waiting for the right time to make the switch.
"If Mercedes came out with a hybrid, I would probably think about buying it. I'm in love with my Mercedes," said Lamendola.
One average, the sticker price for a hybrid is about $5000 to $6,000 more than a regular all-gasoline vehicle.