[Gene]

An article (link below), I found positive on the "should I buy? Question"
It asks more questions about the technology and the break even $$$ facts of life. It is an article about money, not enviromental based but does discuss the technology.

I kicked the question around for two months and am gald I did purchase the "MarvMobile". No regrets.

link:
http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles/sm ... r/9701.asp

PDF attached too.

 

[Nathan]

Cents (Sense) and Value

I'd argue that from the standpoint of value, the Prius is second only to the Insight. Both are arguably loss leaders. For what you pay you get alot. Yes, you take part of the risk with the new technology, but the Prius has been amazingly trouble free--especially the hybrid technology. Most of the chronic problems reported seem dealer-specific rather than car-specific.
For a counterpoint that stresses value this article is kind of nice.
http://www.hybridcars.com/wholet.htm

As for resale. Because the tax breaks of which I am aware only apply to the new car, the resale price must drop as soon as the car is purchased. In some states this is alot. So the article's comment that the resale value is not retained must be viewed through this prism.

As for the bottom line dollars and cents analysis that would make the Prius the skinflints' choice, well, is that how we want mankind to prepare for the future of this planet?
Nathan