We carry several popular cars, with low emissions, and great gas mileage. They sell for about $8,000 less then a base Prius. They also have excellent green ratings.

If you are considering a Prius solely because of it’s emissions, then please do not be offended by my content below. If you are only considering a Prius because of it’s fuel economy, then please make sure that you read over the information I have put together.

I did some research into costs of ownership when it comes to Toyota’s with the best fuel economy. The cars I focused on are the Scion xD, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla, and of course the Toyota Prius. My purpose here, without prejudice, is to show you the lowest cost of ownership over the estimated time you will own the vehicle.

The all new Corolla comes standard now with side-curtain airbags and ABS. The Scion xD has the same, also has power windows/locks/mirrors standard. The Yaris is the most base of the lineup. Through upgrade's all of them are comparable equipment wise. The Prius comes very well equipped, it also starts around $23,000. Does the approximate 46 MPG average the Prius gives you really pay for itself?

The Corolla, Yaris and Scion xD have very low emissions so their carbon impact is good if that is also a concern you have.

I will use the government’s numbers at www.fueleconomy.gov: 15,000 miles a year* (this seems to be at $3.50 a gallon)

Prius 46 MPG - Annual Fuel Cost* $1143

Yaris 31 MPG (manual/auto) - Annual Fuel Cost* $1701

Corolla 31 MPG (manual/auto) - Annual Fuel Cost* $1701

Scion xD 28 MPG (manual/auto) - Annual Fuel Cost* $1880

The Prius starts at about $23,000. Automatic wise, the Yaris from $13,000, the Corolla about $15,500 and the xD $15,000. If you want a manual, not available on the Prius, you can spend even less. This is what they are selling for, not a comparison of MSRP's. Prius are selling near MSPR at this time. You can buy the other 3 cars at or below invoice. The Corolla even has special financing, Scion has low finance rates available. If you add the side/curtain airbags and ABS to a Yaris then you get close to $14,000 on the 2-door hatch, $15,000 on the 4-door automatics. The Corolla will put you over $16,000 with power options, keyless entry and VSC/TRAC.

The Prius will save you, at 15,000 miles a year, about $600/$700 a year in gas costs over the other cars listed. Even if gas hits $5 a gallon, the difference is less then $800 a year. Do you drive 15,000 miles a year? Even at $5 a gallon, it will take 10 years before you have saved enough in gas purchases to get the $8,000 more you paid for the Prius back! Even if you keep your cars 10 years or more, does it make sense to pay $8,000 more now to just break even in your pocket after 11+ years? What can you do with an extra $8,000 if you pay cash? What can you do with an extra $150 a month if you finance? That extra money in your pocket now means it will actually take 13 or more year's to start to break even.

All of these cars maintain their value well. All have very low costs when it comes to maintenance, as you rarely need to do more then regular maintenance.