If you're driving downtown in completely stop to crawl traffic, the hybrid makes a lot of sense. You won't want the car 9 years down the road if the batteries need replacement, but for a few years it would be very good.
Resale is high for the first few years too.
Mileage on the highway or in everyday isn't as great as the numbers on the window, but it's still better than a Civic/Corolla but a little bit. But you're paying thousands more.
As for reliability, it has been exceptional. There have been cases where the car wouldn't start when you press the button, but if pressed again it would. That sort of thing. Overall, quality and reliability have been top notch though. Obviously the spotlight would be on this new technology, and Toyota made sure to do it right.
Quality isn't a worry for me.
It's just:
- at $30Gs, it's much more than the econocars or diesels which offer only slightly less fuel economy. The main environmental benefit of the hybrid beyond mileage is the reduction in emissions coming out the tailpipe.
- It IS a hatchback tho, which provides more versatility than the small Corolla.
- If traveling on the highway/on trips, the Prius is a very light car and the car isn't as composed on the road as some other cars. Might get tossed around more and just isn't as buttoned down.
- If you're planning to keep the car for many years or kilometers, the cost of battery replacement is largely unknown (estimated to be about $5,500 - $9,000)
I had considered a Prius myself. If you're an urban dweller, spend lots of time in traffic, and like the car then it's worth serious consideration.
