Leave Hybrid Technology For the Eco-Snobs! Get Great Gas Mileage on the Cheap!

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In my opinion, there are signs SOME Americans are over reacting to the current spike in fuel costs. I point to one example being the incredible price rise of the Toyota Prius. A year ago (when gas was back below $3.00 a gallon) Toyota ran discounts of up to $2000 on certain Prius Packages. Today people are lining up to pay $4000 or more over the original MSRP on used Prius’.

In my opinion, the increased demand for the Prius is based entirely on the sudden increase in the price of gas (remember, Toyota began offering discounts last year when gas prices dropped). The Toyota Prius has developed a reputation as a car with excellent gas mileage and is viewed by many as a status symbol and icon of environmental awareness. Unfortunately, this “coolness” factor adds a premium to the vehicle that makes it impractical for families looking to save money.

For those of you that are in a position where the price of gas is just to much and are not able or willing to shell out $30K for a hyrbrid , you may be interested in a recent post by my brother on the Trees Full of Money Forum:

As Ben pointed out in his article A Plea to New Car Buyers, car manufacturers have taken advantage of improvements in technology to make cars more powerful rather than efficient. Over the last 20 years that is what the market demanded. There are many cars out there that get exceptional mileage that you can pay cash for. Late 80’s to early 90’s compact cars with manual transmissions are capable of amazing mileage. I bought a 1990 Ford Escort for $425. The car is getting 36-38 mpg. Cavaliers, Escorts, Tempo’s, Omni’s, K-cars, Corrolas, Civics, Geo’s, Sentras, these are the cars you are looking for.

Yeah they are ugly, they won’t win many awards for performance either, but deliver on the mileage they will. And best of all no payments. Figure out how long it will take to make buying a $25,000 Prius at 48 mpg (highway) worth it over a $2000 or less 35 mpg (highway) beater. Sure the Prius gets 50 in town and the beater about 25 but that’s a lot of gas, insurance, excise tax and more to break even.