Amazing hoq dumb these journalists really are. He compares apples to oranges. What a moron!!!

Heh. It just goes to show you the difference a little driver skill makes in a car like the Prius.

Over thanksgiving weekend, I drove my car around the NYC area... went to Philly first, then went to Brooklyn, then romped around Queens, Manhattan, New Jersey for easily 500 or more miles...

and I was able to achieve about 52 MPG... at times peaking near 60 MPG sustained.

So my conclusion? She doesn't know what the hell she's doing. I don't drive like a granny... Psh.

Sloppy. Mebbe TOO high from her hybrid, or sumpin'.

Prius Math.

A new 2004 Prius that sold for $21,695 in March of 2003. With 25,000 miles that Prus has a trade in value of $19,800. In almost three years this car has cost the owner $1895, or $631 per year. Remember sales tax is credited back on the next new car purchase, so even if you figure in tax its about $700 per year.

The gas savings versus a similar sized car, a Pasaat for example, is about $1400 per year, based on a average 13,500 miles per year at $2.20 per gallon. I used Consumer Reports average fuel economy, not the EPA's.

( Prius 44mpg, Pasaat 22 mpg )

In those three years, that adds up to $4200.

The current tax credit also puts $3150 of real money in your pocket.

By the way the pasaat is more expensivve, depreciates faster, and has terrible reliability versus the Prius' best in class.

The Pasaat is faster by 1.4 Secs zero to sixty.

Lets see $4200 in gas savings, $3150 tax credit, only $700 per year in depreciation, I'll let you finish up the math, but you can see why you have to pay sticker, and wait 7-10 months for your car in the third production year. Pasaats, Accords, and Camrys are waiting for you at the dealer.

I get 51-54 mpg average and about 58 on the Hwy on my frequent commutes between Columbus and Cleveland.

If you want more accurate information by a master rated sales professional for Toyota, email me at Phil.bickel@tansky.com

Phil from Columbus ( Prius Owner )

And another thing, why do all these car pundits compare the Prius to a Corolla. The Corolla is a compact without standard ABS, and nearly impossible to find side air bags. It doesn't have climate control, and is a cheaper, lighter, noisier car.

They should be comparing Prius to Camrys, Accords, Passats, S40's and the like.

All that said, a Prius is still cheaper to own than a Corolla over three years, because of resale value, gas savings, and the tax Credit.

Phil from Columbus

Phil. You forgot to mention that in certain states the deal is even sweeter. In Colorado, for instance, we get a $3434 tax credit (through 2011) in addition to any fed perks. The HOV lane is under consideration here. It's already in effect in Cali.