It's extremely difficult to compare a Hybrid's purchase price with that of a NON Hybrid of the same model. As we know, manufacturers don't equip the base model of each the same way. Camry vs TCH. Civic vs Civic Hybrid. Prius vs ??? NO fair direct comparison. Read on.....

The decision to purchase a Hybrid vehicle is much more than just $ savings , or fuel savings... ("financial sense") We all agree on that, I think.

Some people would prefer, and be happy with a base Camry LE 4 cyl that would serve their needs, just fine, but not offer the same up-level amenities that the base TCH offers...yet still provides very decent fuel economy, reliability, and resale value. For about $19K. Others would want to compare the cars at an "as close to a similarly equipped level" as possible. Others compare what vehicle they are replacing, when considering what their savings (years to pay back the "Hybrid premium") would be with a Hybrid. Others compare only with what other cars they would choose to buy.

In my case, I would not have bought a car when I bought the TCH at all, and would have kept driving my 03 Highlander V6. I averaged roughly 19mpg in the Highlander, and now average roughly 38mpg in the TCH. I really don't care how long it takes me to "save the Hybrid premium". I thoroughly enjoy all of the creature comforts that my loaded TCH offers, so much in fact, that I expect to have a very hard time finding a replacement when then time comes. NOTHING else comes even close! Approx $30-31K gets you NAV, leather, moonroof, auto headlights, auto dimming rear view mirror, keyless entry and start, stability control, bluetooth, tilt and telescopic steering column, high level audio system, reliability, resale value, quietness, 600-700 mile range on a full tank, AND 38MPG? (just to name a few!)

Incredible value!