Often over looked are the extra options that are standard on hybrids but missing from the low-end, econo-boxes proposed as alternatives. There are always skeptics around ready to sell to others what they won't buy and don't own.
When we were shopping for a replacement car, we narrowed the choices to:
- Scion xB - $16,424 (30/34 MPG)
- used Prius - $17,300 (52/45 MPG)
When I picked up the Prius, we asked the dealer to price the exact same options for a Scion xB that were on the Prius and it came out to be an $876 difference. Unlike a used Prius, a used Scion xB would seldom come with the same standard features in the used Prius. In spite of putting new tires, something I do with all used cars, I came within $50 of parity the first year including the insurance savings.
Hybrids have standard features that are extra on econo-boxes:
alloy wheels
functional spoilers
electric everything
upscale audio
automatic transmission
smart-key
lower vibration and noise (electric power)
The original poster is probably doing OK but one thing common in our country is the frequency that we change homes and jobs. At one time, the average was 18 months. So what works today may be the wrong answer in the future but that will be tomorrow's problem and should not drive today's answer.
Now the Nissan hybrid has the advantage of getting the full tax credit, assuming you can take advantage of it. Depending upon the state and city, there are often additional hybrid benefits from parking to state rebates. For example, the California HOV sticker adds $4k to the value of used hybrids.
There is one seldom recognized feature of hybrids, the savings in all operating costs including fuel and insurance. Once the buyer has decided on the car, the capital costs are out of the equation but the operational costs dictate the quality of life. What I tell folks is I can go on a vacation and eat something better than baloney sandwiches when I get there.
There are better hybrids coming, the plug-ins, that will totally change the economies of short distance trips:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_hybrid
Quote:
. . .
In a 2006 research estimate in California, the cost to plug in at night was equivalent to US$0.75 per U.S. gallon (3.8 L) of gasoline,[1] whereas the pre-tax cost of gasoline is just under US$3 per gallon. The cost of electricity for a Prius PHEV is about US$0.03 per mile (US$0.019 per km), based on 0.26 kW·h/mi (129 mpg) and a cost of electricity of US$0.10 per kilowatt hour.[61][62] During 2007, many government and industry researchers will focus on determining what level of all-electric range is economically optimum for the design.[63]
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We had a 1991 Camry that until the accident, was my primary commuting car getting 32-36 MPG. We had tested the 2001 Prius and Echo for my homebody wife's car and went with the Echo. But in 2005, the $3/gal. gas, my daily 20-30 mile commute, our frequent trips of 700-800 miles, and 20,000+ miles/year changed the equation when the Camry was lost.
What I find amusing is the hypocrisy of skeptics who propose econo-boxes for others but don't drive one themselves. That remains as true today as it has been since the beginning.
Bob Wilson