Thanks for the information . I don't buy new cars because of general sticker shock, depreciation, sales tax and insurance cost. So I guess a 2-3 year old Corolla ( Fit, Yaris etc ) would be a better buy (assuming fuel prices don't skyrocket) .
"I'm sorry for being short with the Consumer Reports reference, so he's some quotes from the article:
"Six of the 12 affordable hybrids we looked at can save you from about $500 to $4,250, even without tax credits, and pay back their price premium after only one year. They are the Toyota Prius and hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Malibu and Tahoe, Ford Escape, Saturn Vue, and Toyota Camry. For several, you can save even more by taking advantage of federal tax credits.
"It would take many years for most hybrids to pay back their premium price just on fuel savings. But fuel costs are only a relatively small part?25 percent?of the overall owner costs in the first five years. Other factors include depreciation, insurance, interest on financing, maintenance and repairs, and sales tax."
From the article, the Prius saves $2000 in fuel costs over five years verses a Corolla XLE. The depreciation of the Corolla is what makes the Prius break even after a year. Prius' hold thier value quite well."
"I'm sorry for being short with the Consumer Reports reference, so he's some quotes from the article:
"Six of the 12 affordable hybrids we looked at can save you from about $500 to $4,250, even without tax credits, and pay back their price premium after only one year. They are the Toyota Prius and hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Malibu and Tahoe, Ford Escape, Saturn Vue, and Toyota Camry. For several, you can save even more by taking advantage of federal tax credits.
"It would take many years for most hybrids to pay back their premium price just on fuel savings. But fuel costs are only a relatively small part?25 percent?of the overall owner costs in the first five years. Other factors include depreciation, insurance, interest on financing, maintenance and repairs, and sales tax."
From the article, the Prius saves $2000 in fuel costs over five years verses a Corolla XLE. The depreciation of the Corolla is what makes the Prius break even after a year. Prius' hold thier value quite well."