[born2pdl]

Let's say a guy wants to buy a comfortable, reliable used car with great mpg and reasonable cost. Maybe a used hybrid. Would something like a ~2005 prius work? I've heard that batteries in 04-05 prius' are near/at the end of their useful life. 04-05 Prius' sell for about $10k around here, but paying for a replacement battery doesn't sound fun or smart. You can buy a huge amount of gas for $3k instead of a battery.

Would I be better off with a 07-08 corolla for the same price? Or maybe an 05 elantra for ~$5k? The $5k left over would pay the mpg differential for about 1 million miles.

If it's strictly about the economics, then what's the verdict on the value of used hybrids?