I am sorry, this is all very complicated for me. When people buy hybrid cars, they are looking for low fuel costs, low pollutant emissions, the latest technology, or all three. For a time, there was a reasonable concern that the novel systems could lead to increased maintenance costs.

However, people took that chance, and all that could be made were purchased. An overwhelming proportion of the buyers were very satisfied. The maint concerns have affected only a very few.

Prius (and almost certainly other hybrid cars) have turned out to be the cheapest transportation, with all costs included. If fuel costs increase in the future, this cost differential will increase.

Many internet postings do indeed focus on how to drive for the highest fuel economy. Roughly speaking, these efforts can reduce you from 22 cents per mile total cost to 21. Or thereabouts. By saying this I mean no disrespect to those who are always looking for the best way to drive. I happen to believe that Prius makes driving so simple, that it leaves people looking for something else to do. That 'other' includes posting to these groups.

DAS