"I was walking across the parking lot in September weighing the $27k cost of a new Prius versus $27k for a new Ford Escape. Then I realized that the only people who told me about the 'horrible battery expense' had been wrong about:
- hydrogen cars
- Iraq
- GW Bush
- Taxes
- Race
- Religion"
LOL!! This is so true. The more I think about it the more I realize it happens to me too.
10 Grand? Try closer to 2 grand and even then I've read $1,100 in parts with labor at the going rate...
Not sure on the emissions thing. I do know different engines have different ratings...even the same 4-cyl can be changed to be cleaner. Seems there are CA versions (low-emission) and then the rest of the country gets polluters. Depends on sulfur content of the available gasoline, too.
'04 Seaside Pearl #7. Fumoto oil drain, mudflaps, rear bumper scuff protector & rear warn system, compass mirror, EV mode button, 8" subwoofer in right rear cubby & 6" subs under seats, power lumbar in the front seats, Coastaletech hitch w/ Aspen bike/snowboard rack. iPod2car, 2 amps, Alpine component speakers, and DVD video, solid 47 MPG @ 70000 miles.