So what is wrong with a Prius?

Many people are confused. Some times emotions, replace simple math.

I will be the first to admit that I watch to many car shows on TV. I was watching one of these shows, called Truck U, when they did a price comparison of a new Toyota Prius and a 96 Ford Ranger pickup. Hey, even I didn't think it was a real world comparison.

So I decided to compare my 2004 Chevy Trail Blazer, to a 2004 Prius, that I found on Ebay. This should give the edge to the Prius, because I bought my Trail Blazer, last year, before the price of fuel made my mid-size SUV, plummet in price.

Let's look at the Prius. I financed the complete cost of my Trail Blazer, so let's do the same with the Prius. Cost of Pruis, with tax an licence, about 19,500. That would put a five year loan payment at about $450 a month. Average millage for an American, 12,000 a year. At 45 miles a gallon, and at $4.00 a gallon, your looking at about 90 bucks a month, fuel cost. That makes a total cost of $32,400.00 for five years.


The Trail Blazer has a payment of $210.00 a month and gets an average of 17 miles per gallon, for a total of $25,000.00 for the same 60 months.

We are not done yet, because you have to factor two more cost to make the fair comparison. You have to count on the receiving a $2,000.00 tax credit and you have to buy new batteries about the end of our 60 month venture, about $4,000.00.

Sure, I didn't factor in the cost of insurance, because of time, but I have heard rumors that the Prius cost more, because the cost of repairs is much higher.

So if you like the look of, and the feel of the Prius, I don't think $8,600.0 is to much to pay , over five years, is to much to pay, for what you want. If the looks of the Prius are not your personal choice and gas goes to $8.00 a gallon, the Honda Civic, hybrid is not a bad idea. Same millage, but it is less trendy, so less upfront cost.

For now, I like what I bought. And you really don't want to get me started on the hole "global warming" thing (don't worry, that's for another post).

Leave a comment, Boyd