Theres never been a vehicle like this before!!

[larryj54]

Reprinted from my post on TeamZX2: regarding the actual costs of fuel economy. Isn't the REAL goal PERSONAL economy?

So, I look up the price and mpg of a Prius: $24,000 & 65MPG

How does that compare to a 1998-99 ZX2 that might cost $2,000 and get 35mpg?

Assuming 15k miles per year, and gas @ $4/gal, the data is as follows:
Prius= 230.77 Gal @ $923.00
ZX2 = 428.57 Gal @ $1,714.00, or $791.00 more than the prius

But the Prius cost $22,000 MORE than the used ZX2 (or pick yer used car)

So what is the payoff to owning the Prius? WHen do you actually save $$$

How does 27 years sound? @ $4/gal
If gas was $2/gal, it takes over 55 yrs to save $ with the Prius.

Things to think about when thinking "economy".

[cfg83]

larryj54 -

Good points. That's why I'm not anxious to get *any* new car these days.

Don't forget the cost of insurance. That's another reason to keep a good used small car on the road.

CarloSW2

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by larryj54

Isn't the REAL goal PERSONAL economy?

No, not necessarily. Not to me, at least. I look at extreme fuel economy in much the same way as other people think of extra horsepower or leather interiors. I'd be willing to spend even more on a car (within reason) than I did on the current Insight, if it'd give me better fuel economy while otherwise supplying what I want from a car.

[larryj54]

Other than obsession, what is the point of spending $20,000 to save $1.37 on a tank of gas? Its absurd! That is not economy, its delusion. If you are an activist and you are out to make a statement.. fine.. but don't pretend you are saving any $.

[blueflame]

We could all give up coffee, never get a DVD, etc etc, and things that dont sustain us, no luxury at all.

Wear clothes threadbare, glue slabs of rubber on our shoes, sell all our toys, live in the woods on roots, berries and wild animals......and sit cross legged waiting for godo...

Some hippy friends of mine constantly deride the rich, annoys the hell out of me.
People are mostly under a fate.... unless they consciously make an effort to talk with godo....

I dunno..... maybe the revolutionaries are right.... off with their heads!!