Help estimate MPG based on the way I drive

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jeff716a @ Jan 31 2007, 01:21 PM) [snapback]383360[/snapback]</div>

I'd think you'd see around 48 or 50. Say 48, that's 833 gallons, $2291.67.

Who know's what the trade in will be? That one's a little tougher. Don't know that it would drop like crazy, but who can say for sure. Probably depends on too many factors to predict here: gas prices, competition from PHEVs from Chevy, etc. etc.

If you are only considering a Prius because of financial considerations, then I'd be the first one to tell you to keep the Civic. If you like the gadget factor, or want to pollute less, or you drive one and like me go, "holy crap, this is the only car I've ever been close to that makes me think I'm living in the 21st Century", then it becomes an easier decision.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jeff716a @ Jan 31 2007, 01:44 PM) [snapback]383378[/snapback]</div>

Yeah, SmartKey is cool. As is the power button.

It doesn't have auto headlights like my Mother-in-law's Town Car, but they do turn off when you turn off the car. But the Prius doesn't sense daylight like some cars will and turn the lights on at dusk etc. It's probably very similar to your Civic, I would guess.

The auto climate control is great. I have a few issues with it, but it is mostly set and forget.

 

The one intangible is how much it's worth to satiate your 'new car ADD.'

My advice: don't look only at the amount of the monthly payment. Try to calculate what this'll all cost. Generally speaking, I've always felt that getting rid of a new car isn't a good idea, if you can avoid it.

I do really love the smart key and not having to find my keys in my bag; it's great how it doesn't idle in traffic all the time (this makes me feel much less stressed than when my old car would be champing at the bit, begging to go); it's quiet and smooth under most conditions and there's lots of room.

I'd guess the Civic probably handles more tightly than the Prius, which might or might not be a consideration, and the Civic doesn't (I don't think) have that intrusive 'traction control' device which cuts engine power almost back to idle if one of the front wheels spins even a teensy bit.

To my eye, the interior of the Prius is a bit more well thought out and less video-gamey...I'm in my mid 40's and, to me, the gauge cluster in the Civic was a bit (pardon me for saying, since you own one) not quite 'grown up' enough. Also, I was looking at the Civic hybrid, and it made no sense to me that a hybrid with a CVT would have a tachometer taking up such prime real estate, right in front of the driver.

But, as I said, it's all my personal opinion; they're both great cars.

 

I think you should get 45 to 50 mpg depending on how heavy you use the AC. With $10-20 difference, a piece of mind (silence) at the stop light and ultra smooth electric only acceleration are worth it already. If you need more reason, Smart Key Entry will give you the Luxury car convenience. You also get one touch (steering wheel button) Climate Control as well as a nice wide screen LCD screen to see backup camera video.

Dennis

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jeff716a @ Jan 31 2007, 12:21 PM) [snapback]383360[/snapback]</div>

Well, there's an underlying financial confusion here. It's always cheaper to stay with an existing vehicle, because when you sell it you've lost that depreciation and the interest you've paid up front on a typical amortized loan. Even when you consider the improved mileage (which will be true for you), and the existing low depreciation rates on Prii. Month-to-month you might not see much difference, but the equity in the car would drop, assuming you're not paying into an upside-down loan. If you're in it purely to save money, you'd trade down to an 8-year-old Corolla or Civic and drive it into the ground. So there's a philosophical question of why you want to buy a new car - make an environmental statement for hybrids, showing manufacturers there's an interest in low-CO2 cars; prepare for possibly really high gas prices; have something new for the mods & gizmos; fit in with expectations of friends/family/co-workers for having a nice shiny new car. It sounds like the mods & gizmos are your primary reason, so you have to decide if it's worth it to you to take the financial hit of buying a new car in general vs. keeping the one you have. That's something we can't really answer.

So, for your basic question, what is the expected mileage on the Prius? Hard to say exactly, even though you did a good job describing the basics - location, driving type, driving style. It sounds like you drive reasonably well for the Prius and the city streets (speeds under 50mph, under 40mph is even better) plays into its favor. But then there's all the A/C used in L.V. I would say 50 mpg would be a safe estimate, the CA folks would probably give you a closer value (probably higher, but I don't want to overpromise).

Depreciation won't be a big factor. Current rates are tracking other Toyota vehicles I believe. There had been virtually no depreciation at all of the 2004+ model while there was still a significant waiting list to buy one. I'm sure there's quite a few folks interested in a used Prius, including the truly thrifty ones that won't buy a new car. But even if the new model is a significant improvement (like in 2004), that doesn't make the old ones bad. The old worries about battery replacement costs are rapidly diminishing.

That's my take on it. If you're going to buy a new car anyway, the Prius is a financially sound purchase. But if the whole point is to save money, you don't buy new.

 

One thing no one has mentioned yet is that milage varies greatly depending on the length of your trips. If you usually drive at least 20 minutes when you go somewhere then the estimates above are probably accurate. But if you have a lot of short trips then you will get significantly lower milage.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Drifter @ Jan 31 2007, 03:28 PM) [snapback]383470[/snapback]</div>

That's exactly what I was going to say. I would estimate you maybe would get 45 mpg max if you aren't really trying to drive differently and your daily commute is less than half an hour one-way.

The warm weather in Las Vegas is helpful, overall, I would think.