I hope you figured out that 5k would have purchased ALL of the fuel one would use in a Corolla for the first three of four years? Have you also added into you calculations the $4,000 cost of replacing the batteries at some point?
mike
My '04 Prius cost about $5,000 more than a comparable non-hybrid, so I
> factored in the loss of income from that money differential (we pay cash
> and keep cars until they're not economical to fix). Also, there are
> differences in maintenance. For example, my Prius may never need a brake > job...
>
> And there's one more savings: time. In my driving environment, I estimate
> that my HOV-lane access is worth 2.2 hours per month - and time is money.
> Those stickers aren't available any longer, but mine are good till 2011
> and I can guarantee that I'll keep this car at least that long.
>
> A great car!
>
>
> javawizard wrote:
>> There's a calculator at
formatting link
in which you can enter the
>> estimated mileage (or kilometerage) you drive per year, the mileage
>> your current car is getting, the mileage a proposed new car will get,
>> and it will show you how much money you can save. If you already have
>> a fuel-efficient car, you can have fun running as-ifs and after-the-
>> fact comparisons.
>> Take care,
>> - Jeff -
>>