Justify cost of a Prius!

VisualMonster · 04-30-2005, 12:38 PM

I currently drive a '00 Ford ZX2, which averages about 30mpg. Lately I've been REAALLY aching to upgrade to a new Prius, but my g/f is insisting that it is an unnecessary expense since my car drives just fine.
She is kind of right, I haven't had any problems at all with the ZX2 and it does get good mileage (compared to most cars).

But I still want to upgrade, so I'm trying to show her that there really is no expense (over the lifetime of the car).

Here's how i'm trying to show this:
* Assuming 170,00 Miles (over next 12 years), and assuming $3.50 gas/gallon cost (very conservative I think), and $3.50 per quart of Oil

1. Gas Savings: $9,015 <-- ZX2 @ 30mpg, Prius @ 55mpg
2. Oil Savings: $100 <-- ZX2 uses 4.5 quarts, I think Prius uses 4 Qts
3. Tax Savings: $500 <-- estimate, from the $3000 Tax Deduction
4. Brakes Savings: $300 <-- Doesn't the prius wear out brakes slower, due to regen braking?

5. Sell ZX2: $6,000 <-- ZX2 has almost 60k miles
6. Sell Sound System: $500 <-- Hybrid has 6 speakers, much better than my ZX2 did stock, I would not need to upgrade.
7. Sell 17" Rims: $500 <-- ZX2 has 17" rims that I would sell separately, I would keep stock rims on Prius.
8. A/C Savings: $1,500 <-- ZX2 does not have A/C, I would add this within next couple years if I don't upgrade.
9. Timing Belt: $100 <-- Needs to be replaced in a year.
10. Clutch: $200 <-- Needs to be replaced in 40k miles
11. Alignment: $65 <-- Needs to be done ASAP

12. Driving a greener car: $priceless <--- had to throw that in there!!

Current Total: $18,780 <-- Had to remove the priceless effect since it wont help for my argument, lol

This leaves me with an upgrade cost of $5,000.
Now, the resale value of Prius vs ZX2 would be much higher, soooo... this erases that $5,000 cost...

This means total cost = $0.00!!

Any thoughts?? Any of my cost savings totally inaccurate? I'm going to dealer today, just to look at them and find out what the wait time is (and see if there is an MSRP markup).

kidtwist · 04-30-2005, 12:48 PM

One comment: wait until you hear a Prius sound system before you decide whether it's actually an upgrade. Most people think that even the "premium" sound system that comes with the #6 option package is only adequate.

coloradospringsprius · 04-30-2005, 01:21 PM

If you get the AM or BC option packages, you get Vehicle Stability Control. VSC alone decreases your chances of being killed in an accident by over one-third compared with a car without it. That falls into the "priceless" category for me.

Link: http://www.highwaysafety.org/news_releases...04/pr102804.htm

You may not want to tell your wife this, but you probably won't get 55 mpg from the Prius - though a few drivers get this and even more. My impression is the majority of owners fall into the 45-51 mpg range. The two main non-negotiable determinants are the length of your average drive (longer is better) and the weather where you live (warmer is better).

**Tideland Prius** · 04-30-2005, 03:38 PM

- Don't forget you're getting two extra doors and hatchback versatility.

- The Prius brakes will wear out slower if you brake lightly and use regen.

- Prius uses 3.5 quarts doesn't it?

- The Prius has more safety features (I strongly suggest getting VSC)

DaveinOlyWA · 05-01-2005, 12:24 AM

i think the stereo is more than adequate. there are many things about driving a Prius that simply can not be quantified. its an attitude adjustment on the good side that may lead to a lower stress level in your life. cant put a price on inner peace in my book. it may not be the cure all for what ails ya, but it definitely helps!!

**TonyPSchaefer** · 05-01-2005, 12:34 AM

Is it possible to rename this thread something a little more appropriate?
Something like. . .
"Justify the cost of 1,000+ Marines"
"Justify the cost of our children's future"
"Justify the cost of stagnant American technology"
"Justify the cost of doing nothing"

Just a thought.

myride · 05-01-2005, 12:36 AM

:P Ill try to add to your pos. points on this subject.... start with the insurance rates for both vehs. i know my $17000 01 chrysler seabring 4 door and 4 cylinder (only front air bags and NO ABS) cost me more a month on ins than my 26K 04 prius (got package 9 with 6 airbags and vsc ) it might be the difference in your girlfriend giving in. Or do what i did..... LET HER DRIVE IT SOME !!!!! :mrgreen: also look at tire life on your ford. i have had good luck with mine at 16K miles showing no wear.

8AA · 05-01-2005, 07:29 AM

Maybe your state offers an additional tax credit, but if you're referring to the federal tax deduction, it's only $2000 (and will go down to $500 in 2006).

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml

Now there is talk of a more substantial tax credit that might be offered by the federal government in the future. So far it's just talk and may or may not be retroactive.

removeum · 05-01-2005, 09:07 PM

8) VisualMonster,

The 04 and 05 Prius have a timing chain. So there is no timing belt to be changed every 60,000 miles. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Ben

Wolfman · 05-01-2005, 10:02 PM

The largest flaw I see in your figures, is that you are mentioning the resale of the Escort ZX2 twice.

Brakes and clutch are difficult to determine when they need to be replaced. Unless you are dogging both, they should have quite a lenghty lifespan. I have nearly 107k on my truck, and am still on the original clutch, brakes, and tires.

Rims and stereo equipment? I wouldn't even begin to add these into the equation. Maybe you'll get what you think they're worth, but most likely, you will not even get close.

04-30-2005, 12:38 PM	#1
VisualMonster Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 10 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Justify cost of a Prius! I currently drive a '00 Ford ZX2, which averages about 30mpg. Lately I've been REAALLY aching to upgrade to a new Prius, but my g/f is insisting that it is an unnecessary expense since my car drives just fine. She is kind of right, I haven't had any problems at all with the ZX2 and it does get good mileage (compared to most cars). But I still want to upgrade, so I'm trying to show her that there really is no expense (over the lifetime of the car). Here's how i'm trying to show this: * Assuming 170,00 Miles (over next 12 years), and assuming $3.50 gas/gallon cost (very conservative I think), and $3.50 per quart of Oil 1. Gas Savings: $9,015 <-- ZX2 @ 30mpg, Prius @ 55mpg 2. Oil Savings: $100 <-- ZX2 uses 4.5 quarts, I think Prius uses 4 Qts 3. Tax Savings: $500 <-- estimate, from the $3000 Tax Deduction 4. Brakes Savings: $300 <-- Doesn't the prius wear out brakes slower, due to regen braking? 5. Sell ZX2: $6,000 <-- ZX2 has almost 60k miles 6. Sell Sound System: $500 <-- Hybrid has 6 speakers, much better than my ZX2 did stock, I would not need to upgrade. 7. Sell 17" Rims: $500 <-- ZX2 has 17" rims that I would sell separately, I would keep stock rims on Prius. 8. A/C Savings: $1,500 <-- ZX2 does not have A/C, I would add this within next couple years if I don't upgrade. 9. Timing Belt: $100 <-- Needs to be replaced in a year. 10. Clutch: $200 <-- Needs to be replaced in 40k miles 11. Alignment: $65 <-- Needs to be done ASAP 12. Driving a greener car: $priceless <--- had to throw that in there!! Current Total: $18,780 <-- Had to remove the priceless effect since it wont help for my argument, lol This leaves me with an upgrade cost of $5,000. Now, the resale value of Prius vs ZX2 would be much higher, soooo... this erases that $5,000 cost... This means total cost = $0.00!! Any thoughts?? Any of my cost savings totally inaccurate? I'm going to dealer today, just to look at them and find out what the wait time is (and see if there is an MSRP markup).

04-30-2005, 01:21 PM	#3
coloradospringsprius Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 171 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	If you get the AM or BC option packages, you get Vehicle Stability Control. VSC alone decreases your chances of being killed in an accident by over one-third compared with a car without it. That falls into the "priceless" category for me. Link: http://www.highwaysafety.org/news_releases...04/pr102804.htm You may not want to tell your wife this, but you probably won't get 55 mpg from the Prius - though a few drivers get this and even more. My impression is the majority of owners fall into the 45-51 mpg range. The two main non-negotiable determinants are the length of your average drive (longer is better) and the weather where you live (warmer is better). __________________ --Mark '05 Seaside AM

05-01-2005, 12:36 AM	#7
myride Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston Tx. Posts: 61 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Justify cost of a Prius! :P Ill try to add to your pos. points on this subject.... start with the insurance rates for both vehs. i know my $17000 01 chrysler seabring 4 door and 4 cylinder (only front air bags and NO ABS) cost me more a month on ins than my 26K 04 prius (got package 9 with 6 airbags and vsc ) it might be the difference in your girlfriend giving in. Or do what i did..... LET HER DRIVE IT SOME !!!!! :mrgreen: also look at tire life on your ford. i have had good luck with mine at 16K miles showing no wear.

05-01-2005, 09:07 PM	#9
removeum Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 404 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Justify cost of a Prius! 8) VisualMonster, The 04 and 05 Prius have a timing chain. So there is no timing belt to be changed every 60,000 miles. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: Ben

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04-30-2005, 12:48 PM	#2
kidtwist Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 183 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	One comment: wait until you hear a Prius sound system before you decide whether it's actually an upgrade. Most people think that even the "premium" sound system that comes with the #6 option package is only adequate.

04-30-2005, 03:38 PM	#4
Tideland Prius Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 13,909 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 11	- Don't forget you're getting two extra doors and hatchback versatility. - The Prius brakes will wear out slower if you brake lightly and use regen. - Prius uses 3.5 quarts doesn't it? - The Prius has more safety features (I strongly suggest getting VSC)

05-01-2005, 12:24 AM	#5
DaveinOlyWA Opps !! I Did it Again!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Puget Sound, WA Posts: 9,661 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 5	i think the stereo is more than adequate. there are many things about driving a Prius that simply can not be quantified. its an attitude adjustment on the good side that may lead to a lower stress level in your life. cant put a price on inner peace in my book. it may not be the cure all for what ails ya, but it definitely helps!!

05-01-2005, 12:34 AM	#6
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 8,418 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 16	Is it possible to rename this thread something a little more appropriate? Something like. . . "Justify the cost of 1,000+ Marines" "Justify the cost of our children's future" "Justify the cost of stagnant American technology" "Justify the cost of doing nothing" Just a thought.

05-01-2005, 07:29 AM	#8
8AA Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 492 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Maybe your state offers an additional tax credit, but if you're referring to the federal tax deduction, it's only $2000 (and will go down to $500 in 2006). http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml Now there is talk of a more substantial tax credit that might be offered by the federal government in the future. So far it's just talk and may or may not be retroactive.

05-01-2005, 10:02 PM	#10
Wolfman Moderator (on leave) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Paradise, TX Posts: 1,205 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	The largest flaw I see in your figures, is that you are mentioning the resale of the Escort ZX2 twice. Brakes and clutch are difficult to determine when they need to be replaced. Unless you are dogging both, they should have quite a lenghty lifespan. I have nearly 107k on my truck, and am still on the original clutch, brakes, and tires. Rims and stereo equipment? I wouldn't even begin to add these into the equation. Maybe you'll get what you think they're worth, but most likely, you will not even get close.