I currently drive a '07 Infiniti M35x with 62k miles. I am debating getting a '11 Prius 3 w nav. I live in Colorado, so winter is an issue. I would be out $7k to get into the Prius, but a tax credit will reimburse me for half of that. Am I crazy for trading a luxury sports car for a Prius? Am I crazy for trading an AWD snow car for a Prius? I will admit that I had a '06 Prius and loved it, but the interior seems to be nicer in the gen 2.
Do you ever miss the luxury of the M (wood trim, leather, etc)? My M is paid for, so my savings is really the gas savings (~$50/mo).
If you are doing so to save money $7000 / $50 = 140 months, over 11 years. Eleven years is a long time to wish you had AWD.
For myself I opted for the leather package (seats/steering wheel) over the solar roof or nav system. Best decision I've ever made. The plastic dash everywhere has taken a while to get used to but man do I love my leather!
Don't forget that insurance costs may go down from a luxury car to a Prius. Have you considered the 2012 Camry XLE Hybrid?
I test drove the '11 Prius again last night, and I just can't justify giving up the M and paying $7k on top of that. I'm now looking at an '08 Camry Hybrid. I'm thinking it might be a good compromise...? The '12 is too rich.
