Thinking of waiting for the 2008 Prius -- lease or buy another car in the meantime?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jamarimutt @ Aug 13 2006, 09:44 PM) [snapback]302760[/snapback]</div>

You can say that again

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alpha13 @ Aug 13 2006, 07:24 PM) [snapback]302729[/snapback]</div>

I have a 2003 GT Turbo PT Cruiser that averages about 17 miles per gallon and occasionally averages as high as 20 MPG if I'm not driving in the San Fernando Valley traffic. I've had it 4 years and it has 125,000 miles on it. That equals 31,250 miles per year and because of the turbo I have to use more expensive "premium" fuel.

Lets say at 31,250 miles at 17 MPG I use 1,838 gallons per year at approximately 3.50 per gallon. That equals $6,433.00 in annual fuel costs.

If I can manage to squeeze 50 MPG out of a Prius, considering 31,250 miles per year I would use 625 gallons at $3.20 per gallon (regular gas). I would spend $2,000.00 for gas in one year.

My math tells me I would save $4,433.00. per year. The only problem for me is I'm really going to take a hit on my PT because of the mileage and it's almost paid off. I just did a major service on it including timing belt, hoses, belts, radiator and tranny flush, brakes, tires, etc. and because we take very good care of it, it still looks like a brand new car. I drive many miles for business. The thought of 50 miles per gallon and sticking it to the oil companies has me dreaming of Prius ownership.

What to do?

RG

 

Jesus man, you need a commuter car. I would even consider a motorcycle (some get 60+ mpg) if you don't need trunk space and if you go that way you could keep the PT as your regular vehicle.

Don't get a prius though. The prius gets awesome MPG but with you putting so many miles on the car the resale value will drop quickly, so you should get something that's already dirt cheap. Even if you intended to keep the prius until it died, any MPG benefit over a decent beater will probably be offset by the extra $18k or so plus expenses. I would seriously consider a motorcycle or if I needed more room, a $1-2k beater with very good mpg like a geo metro or a crx. (check this site to find old high mpg cars http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byMPG.htm)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alpha13 @ Aug 13 2006, 07:24 PM) [snapback]302729[/snapback]</div>

Check your math...it's $3,750 in savings.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kyto @ Jun 28 2006, 11:31 PM) [snapback]278448[/snapback]</div>

I am new to the Priuschat tonite. I just made what I call a business decision. I have a 500mi per week commute in the Phila area and see the gas prices going thru the roof. I own a 2004 Acura TL, loaded and love it. I avg 25mpg in town and get 33mpg on hwy. That is just not enough to hold on to it so I ordered a 2008 Black package 6 a week ago. I am selling the Acura which is a great car. Can't wait to get the Prius..was told it could be 1 month to 14 weeks. I took one out for a weekend test and drove it to work and avg 48.8 on the round trip. That made my decision and it was a weekend with no traffic. I expect to do even better. The new Prius has evey option I had on the Acura except for heated seats and I did not want to pay 600 dollars the dealer wanted for that...so I let that slide. I figuer in 3-4 yrs, possible hydrogen fuel cell car maybe available and will re-evaluare then. I would get the Prius NOW.