Ok here is the scenario...I own a G35 Infiniti Coupe and I am thinking of downgrading (or upgrading how ever you think of it) to a Toyota Prius (Turbo...just kidding)...You know...trying to do my part in saving the demand on fuel and all...maybe save a couple of jobs...you know it all starts with one.
Well here is the problem.....I did the math
!!!
Here is the equation....
G35 Coupe
20.00 Gallon Tank
Best 23 MPG
Total Distance on one tank....460
Balance owed $28,000 approx
Toyota Prius
12.00 Gallon Tank
Best 48 MPG
Total Distance on one tank...576
Total Cost (including tax and interest)...$40,500
Total Investment = $12,500 (difference between balance owed and total cost of new car)
So this is how I figured it...The Prius can go 116 miles farther on a full tank of gas do therefore @ 23MPG on the G35 I would have to get 5 more gallons of fuel to travel that distance which would cost me 5 times $4 per gallon = $20.00....following me?
So I said...Ok...How many times would I have to have a full tank of gas to make back my investment in the fuel efficent car...
So I took $12,500 (total Investment) divide that by $20.00 (Cost savings per tank if stayed in G35)...which means I would have to fill up my tank 625 times and travel (Total Prius mileage 576...times...Total times you have to fill up the tank 625) = approx 360,000 miles in order to make my initial investment back of $12,500...on a average of 12,000 miles per year it would take me 360,000/12,000 =
30 YEARS!!!!! of gas savings!!!!!
Now I consider myself to be an average American...Why would I do this???? How are we expected to reduce our demand for oil when to total return on your investment is after you are dead!?!?!
I mean I tried...but its not worth it.
I have also tried to save cost in the air by doing
Flight Idle Descents...it saves approx 100 pounds per flight...
But 100 pounds per flight and multiply that by 500 departures per day and think of the cost savings and the reduction on demand we can accomplish!!!
I guess its better than buying a Prius....Any thoughts???
