Here’s a simple, compelling argument we read in Wired that shows a used car may be a more ecologically sound choice than a new Prius:
Energy It Takes To Build Prius
113,000 BTUs
113,000 BTUs In Gasoline
1,000 gallons
Distance Driven to Break Even For Build Cost
46,000 miles
Time Needed For Average Driver to Hit 46,000 Miles
Over 3 Years
Distance Driven to Break Even with 1998 Toyota Tercel*
100,000 miles
Time Needed For Average Driver to Hit 100,000 Miles
Over 7 Years
* or any car that gets 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
** distance/year ratios built on 13,500-mile yearly average [Wired]
