[beepbeep]

Hi,

My current commuter (17yo VW Golf) is getting 25MPG. It is reliable but getting pricey in upkeep/fuel/road tax so I am looking for something that can make my 25 mile (roundtrip) commute a tad cheaper. Also, it would be nice to drive something with antispin and cruise control.

I am divided between following options:

2012-2013 Opel Ampera (Basically first gen Chevy Volt in drag)
2012-2014 Prius XW30 Plug in
2012-2014 Prius "vulgaris"

Ampera/Volt:
+can make whole trip on one charge.
+ more power?
+ nicer interior
- more complicated than Prius
- Chevy quality
- batteries are more expensive to replace
- only 4 seats

Prius XW30 Plug in:
+ reliable
+ 5 seats
+ good residuals
+ Easy to wrench on
- less range
- boring interior

Prius "non-plugin":
+ Cheapest
+ 5 seats
+ good residuals
+ easy to wrench on
- higher cost per mile
- boring interior

Volt/Ampera and Prius are roughly in same price range. I would love Ampera but batteries are out of warranty now and is hideusly expensive. Also, transaxle is very complicated and so is cooling system. Prius is an appliance, but a good one. Lexus is somewhat of an overkill for commuting but can be used on longer trips.

I drive roughly 10000 miles a year and fuel costs 6$ per gallon (yes). Road tax is 30$ vs 300$ a year.


What would be your pick?