I needed an affordable commuter car as my other vehicle is a Jeep Wrangle (not fuel efficient). We are very happy with the much better gas mileage 45 mpg vs. 12 mpg. we were nervous as the car we got had 180K, but it was a 1 owner and had a great carfax. We did have the airbag warning light come on, but the dealer we bought it from helped check and reset that. Then 1 week later the AC was no longer cold. Just took it in yesterday and no leaks just needed a recharge. The only thing that I am less than impressed with is the reception quality of the radio. Guess I will stay with Bluetooth and my ipod Nano. I have lurked out here for a while and wanted to just say Hi!
You're going to save $1,734 per year in gas. You'll also save additional money with fewer oil changes and much lower maintenance costs. How about that! Your car could easily last ten years. Ignoring the time value of money, your Prius was, essentially, free. Numbers below: Gas cost of Jeep: (15,000/12mpg) x $2/gal. = $2,500/yr. Gas cost Prius: (15,000/45mpg) x $2 = $666/yr. Net savings: $2,500 - 666 = $1,734 That's $17,340 over ten years.
That is essentially the math I used at 20,000 miles and $2.50 per gallon since I live in CA. so even better!
Yep, notably better! I just can't resist doing the math, it's so compelling: The difference between $2.00 and $2.50 is modest at these mpg's, but at 20,000 miles per year....gosh you'd save:.... Oh my god, it's eye popping !!!! 10 years: (20000/14)*2.5*10= $35,000 Whereas, in the Prius: (20,000/44)*2.5*10=$11.111 Holy crap!, you're going to save $24,000 in gas alone. Live it up, man !
Thus of us who drove Toyota Tundras were exquisitely aware of both the cost of fuel issue, and the "can only drive a couple hundred miles before I have to start looking for a gas station" issue!!
