Newsweek: Toyota's new hybrid may just be the biggest thing in cars since the combustion engine. The Gas Miser
(MSNBC Newsweek) http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5963500/site/newsweek/ Does anyone see anything wrong in this? It claims that drivers need 10 years and 100,000 miles to recoup 2,000 to 3,000 dollars in savings. But right after that it gives you a comparison. 10$ per week for a Prius compared to 60$ per week for his neighbor. LETS COMPUTE THAT! (10$ per week)(54 weeks/year) = 540$ per year (60$ per week)(54 weeks/year) = 3240$ per year 3240$ - 540$ = 2700$ In one year. One year compared to 10 years.... quite a difference dont you think?
Sure is! But I have to wonder where they got the $60 figure. I last filled up for $1.89, that is over 30 gallons. Are they comparing the Prius weekly cost to a 10 mpg vehicle? Who knows what the neighbor is driving. Indeed they used the term "comparable sedans". I think it is more reasonable to use 20 or 30 mpg for the 'average' buyer's prior vehicle. In that case, something between $500 and $1000/year would be saved. Still, assuming a $2-3K "extra" cost for the hybrid should take as little as 2, no more than 6 years to recover. I still believe they are not comparing "comparable" cars as there are standard features in the Prius that are not available in other cars at the same price.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bruceha_2000\";p=\"39047)</div> Nor, more importantly, how far each is driving. I think the article is just illustrating the feel-good factor, without pretending to be rigorous about it. Fine by me.
The Prius article is just the cover story in the Enterprise section of this week's Newsweek. There are several articles devoted to alternative energy discussion, a chat with an oil executive, and other similar topics. Pretty good read so far: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4264305/site/newsweek/
