I don't think there is a big case to be made for saving money.

We have two and bought them exclusively to beat the HOV. From that standpoint, they are priceless, especially now that the loophole is closed.

Lease a hybrid/electric car that will cost no more than around $200/month. this will at least cover the cost of what you would have to pay for gas and there may be some other tax incentives. Almost like having a free car.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Odd that no one is discussing the cost of the battery which is substantially more expensive than for a regular car.

We are 7 1/2 years and 125K in and haven't had to replace the battery yet.

Ours is only 5 years old, but we have friends with a Gen I Prius circa 2001 with over 180K miles and they haven't had to replace the hybrid battery yet.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Odd that no one is discussing the cost of the battery which is substantially more expensive than for a regular car.

Here is your answer. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1078138_toyota-hybrid-battery-replacement-cost-guide

We have a 2006 Lexus 400H 90,000 miles original battery **~~knock on wood~~**

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Odd that no one is discussing the cost of the battery which is substantially more expensive than for a regular car.

Here is your answer. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1078138_toyota-hybrid-battery-replacement-cost-guide

Very helpful, thank you. I wasn't aware that they lasted so much longer than traditional car batteries and that the warranties were so extensive.

There are two batteries in the Prius. The big one and the similar to every other car. The one like every car has is more expensive, but it also lasts quite a bit longer. Ours lasted 6 years. The "big"battery is still going strong.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Odd that no one is discussing the cost of the battery which is substantially more expensive than for a regular car.

Here is your answer. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1078138_toyota-hybrid-battery-replacement-cost-guide

Very helpful, thank you. I wasn't aware that they lasted so much longer than traditional car batteries and that the warranties were so extensive.

Anonymous wrote:Odd that no one is discussing the cost of the battery which is substantially more expensive than for a regular car.

Here is your answer. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1078138_toyota-hybrid-battery-replacement-cost-guide