The Prius is the most economical import. The Focus is the most economical domestic vehicle. The most common new vehicle auto loan is five years. So this comparison is based at 5 years.
Toyota Prius, 48 MPG City and 45 MPG Hwy.Retail $22,175
If you drive 13,000 miles per year and get 46.5 miles per gallon at $3.499/gallon you will pay $978.21 per year. That’s $4891.05 over 5 years.
Ford Focus, 24 MPG City and 35 MPG Hwy. Retail $14755
If you drive 13,000 miles per year and get 29 miles per gallon at $3.499/gallon you will pay $1568.52 per year. That’s $7842.51 over 5 years.
The Prius costs you $7,420 more just in MSRP but only saves you $3,000 in fuel costs. Sales taxes and property taxes are more expensive with Prius. As are auto insurance rates, and monthly finance payments.
Import cost efficiency is a myth. This is just one example. You can use these formulas to compare any two vehicles. Buy Domestic vehicles for domestic jobs. Fix our economy.