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If you are considering a Prius solely because of emissions, then what I am suggesting may not apply to you. If you are only considering a Prius because of 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.

All of these vehicles come standard now with side-curtain airbags and ABS and VSC/TRAC as of 2010. The Scion xD has the same, also has power windows/locks/mirrors standard. The Yaris is the most base of the lineup. With available upgrade's all of them are can be made comparable equipment wise. The Prius comes very well equipped, it also starts around $22,000. Does the approximate506 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 $1.81 a gallon)

Prius 46 MPG - Annual Fuel Cost* $589

Yaris 31 MPG (auto) - Annual Fuel Cost* $877

Corolla 30 MPG (auto) - Annual Fuel Cost* $904

Scion xD 28 MPG (auto) - Annual Fuel Cost* $969

The Prius starts at about $22,000. Automatic wise, the Yaris from $14,000, 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 well below invoice at this time in our region, near MSRP in many areas still. You can buy the other 3 cars near or below invoice. The Prius, Corolla and Yaris even have special financing, Scion has low finance rates available

The Prius will save you, at 15,000 miles a year, about $300 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 over 8 years before you have saved enough in gas purchases to get the $6,000 more you paid for the Prius back! Even if you keep your cars 10 years or more, does it make sense to pay $6,000 more now to just break even? What can you do with an extra $6,000 or more if you pay cash? What can you do with an extra $150 a month in lower payments if you finance? That extra money in your pocket now means it will actually take 11 or more year's to start to break even.

All of these cars maintain their value well and have very low long term costs when it comes to maintenance.