The Prius certainly does not cost $27,000, I bought mine brand new 2008 in late 2007 for $21,000. Ok so it doesn't have Sat-Nav or leather seats.
I've driven about 55,000 miles.
- Brakes are 15% used, will never have to replace them.
- The Prius brakes don't leave dirty and ugly brake dust on the wheels.
- Tires are still stock, will replace them in a year or so.
- Oil service is *very* cheap as the engine is 1.3 liter.
- No battery changes, ever... until 120,000.
- My Prius does 58MPG highway, therefore contributing less to pollution and I am breathing less harmful gases.
- I don't have to worry about keeping my Prius spic-and-span in order to keep a certain image, a quick $4 wash at the local car wash is sufficient.
I'd really like to see the price that Mercedes charges for those services and replacement, tires? Oil changes? Brakes? Car detail? Forget about it.....Once the warranty runs out on a Mercedes, a simply oil change or transmission oil change will run you hundreds of dollars.