Actually, I commute 38 miles to work, 34 of which is Highway. I get my mileage setting my cruise control at about 75mph, so I'm sure it would also improve if I stayed closer to 65.
But yes I purchased my "Used" 2002 Echo with 700 miles on it, and yes, I got it for $10,000. I caught it at the right time when everyone wanted 03s and this one was sitting on the dealerships used lot.
Saving $160 each year does not justify paying $210 more in car payments each month.
I test drove the Prius and the Echo when I was shopping about for a new car. The Prius was a classier than the Echos were, but in the end, I went with the Echo.
Why?
most of my commute is highway - About 90% of it. As you get up to those highway speeds, the improvement in mileage just did not justify the added expense. I get between 37 and 40 miles to the gallon (depending on AC usage). The Prius under the same conditions may approach 44 to 46? And at almost twice the cost of the Echo.
I still get better fuel economy than most out on the road, and I didn't pay through the nose for it.
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Actually, I commute 38 miles to work, 34 of which is Highway. I get my mileage setting my cruise control at about 75mph, so I'm sure it would also improve if I stayed closer to 65.
But yes I purchased my "Used" 2002 Echo with 700 miles on it, and yes, I got it for $10,000. I caught it at the right time when everyone wanted 03s and this one was sitting on the dealerships used lot.
Saving $160 each year does not justify paying $210 more in car payments each month.
I test drove the Prius and the Echo when I was shopping about for a new car. The Prius was a classier than the Echos were, but in the end, I went with the Echo.
Why?
most of my commute is highway - About 90% of it. As you get up to those highway speeds, the improvement in mileage just did not justify the added expense. I get between 37 and 40 miles to the gallon (depending on AC usage). The Prius under the same conditions may approach 44 to 46? And at almost twice the cost of the Echo.
I still get better fuel economy than most out on the road, and I didn't pay through the nose for it.