The way I see the math (on any vehicle I purchase), while also using a similar 2-year timeline to “earn back” $1500, is savings per month. Using the same $1500 and 2 year timeline, 1500/24=$62.50 a month I save by picking the hybrid assuming my mileage by year is consistent and fuel prices are similar. $62.50 per month pays for a lot of other stuff.
I’ve had a spreadsheet saved for about 15 years now that breaks down annual fuel costs per year, per every mpg value from 10mpg to 60mpg, to “see” what I might be getting into and/or having to compromise with a new vehicle. I can change the fuel price or annual miles driven and update the sheet accordingly. What I’ve learned over the years is that above 40mpg for me and my situation doesn’t really matter anymore because the savings (or loss) become so insignificant. Going from something that gets 10mpg to something that gets 15mpg is massive. But using that same 5mpg as a difference going from 40mpg to 45mpg is tiny in comparison. For me, the mpg difference between ecoboost vs. hybrid is clear enough to stay hybrid.
However…..while I did order the anemic 2k hybrid tow package, I already own another truck that can tow significantly more when needed. The Mav will be replacing an older Prius that gets slightly better fuel economy, but 1) it’s older, 2), can’t tow a paper bag, 3) has no pickup bed at all. We love the Prius, but we’ll sacrifice a few mpg to get some towing, a small truck bed, and oh BTW a brand new vehicle. Had I not already owned another pickup (with much higher tow rating), I would likely have taken a bit of a closer look at the ecoboost. Unfortunately, 4k is still not even close to what I’d need to replace the other truck.
I’ve had a spreadsheet saved for about 15 years now that breaks down annual fuel costs per year, per every mpg value from 10mpg to 60mpg, to “see” what I might be getting into and/or having to compromise with a new vehicle. I can change the fuel price or annual miles driven and update the sheet accordingly. What I’ve learned over the years is that above 40mpg for me and my situation doesn’t really matter anymore because the savings (or loss) become so insignificant. Going from something that gets 10mpg to something that gets 15mpg is massive. But using that same 5mpg as a difference going from 40mpg to 45mpg is tiny in comparison. For me, the mpg difference between ecoboost vs. hybrid is clear enough to stay hybrid.
However…..while I did order the anemic 2k hybrid tow package, I already own another truck that can tow significantly more when needed. The Mav will be replacing an older Prius that gets slightly better fuel economy, but 1) it’s older, 2), can’t tow a paper bag, 3) has no pickup bed at all. We love the Prius, but we’ll sacrifice a few mpg to get some towing, a small truck bed, and oh BTW a brand new vehicle. Had I not already owned another pickup (with much higher tow rating), I would likely have taken a bit of a closer look at the ecoboost. Unfortunately, 4k is still not even close to what I’d need to replace the other truck.
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