I still scratch my head when I see co workers pull into the hanger parking lot driving a big pick up, Ford Mustang GT or SUV. The first question how can they afford that and how can they afford the gas.
You probably would have been better off buying a four cylinder fuel efficent non-hybrid car. When you add up the number chances are you are really not saving any money. Unless you plan to keep the car 8-10 years.
Actually, the Prius was and is still unique enough for any "premium", although I feel I got a pretty good deal on both mine. The reason - I traded a Chrysler 300M for my Prius. The Prius has more front seat headroom, just as much front seat legroom, MORE rear seat legroom, and the hatchback design gives it a versatility that you don't find any many other cars. Granted, I can't haul a sofa in the back, but I have no trouble toting around two labrador retrievers, or some smaller furniture, or even a lawnmower. Add to that I have spent $0 on any maintenance outside of oil changes, and it's all the better.
I know I was filling the tank of my 300M weekly, and I fill my Prius once every other week, with half the gas the 300M took. People say the battery will cost when it has to be replaced, but it's got a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty on it. I do plan on keeping the car...well, I may give it to my daughter in another 3 years. All I know is that without changing my driving habits one bit, I am now getting 45 mpg on average. If I drive with a lighter foot and anticipate stoplights better (which I have done in an experiment) I had no problem getting a 50mpg average on a tank of gas. I also get a $100 a year gift card from work for my "ozone reduction" efforts, plus there are more and more places in my area where alternative fuel vehicles are getting a close in parking spot.
Oh yeah, I grew up riding in a 1956 Plymouth Belvedere, a 1968 Plymouth Valiant, Plymouth Fury III's and Chrysler Newports. Actually got broadsided by a semi in one of the Fury III's and I survived my teens to make it a half century on this planet. I really don't see where SUV's are any "safer" for kids than a sedan. In fact, the false sense of security provided by SUV's makes the LESS safe unless THEY are the ones doing the hitting. Matter of fact, I passed an accident Friday...a guy rolled his Expedition (so much for the "safer" argument) and he wasn't wearing a seat belt. He ended up face down in the mud with an SUV on top of him. The guy following him got a lawn crew to take a tow chain and lift the truck off his face.
But again, I have absolutely no sympathy for someone who drives an urban assault vehicle as a daily commuter and whines about the price of gas. AS far as I am concerned, they have noone to blame but themselves. Now...excuse me while I go hug a tree.
