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Rwebb
Please note I'm not right winger- I'm a registered Democrat. But at least I know where you're coming from. If the car makes a political statement for you that's great- post it in the Politics section.
Second you're flat wrong. A quote for the battery is readily available on the web and at your local dealer. Look it up. They're expensive and they're not at all easy to recycle.
As to resale values; Kelly Blue Book reports that a 100,000 mile 2004 Prius in good conditon brings $8,675 at trade in. In excellent condition it brings $9,475. There are plenty out there so if you really do want one for half price I suggest you do your own looking.
Warren Brown, the automotive editor of the Washington Post, (a liberal writer for a liberal paper) states that he thinks yesterdays hybrids will be about as valuable as yesterdays laptops. I don't always agree with Warren but in this case I do. The current hybrids are pretty primitive and I think the technology will advance much more quickly in the near future. My 2004 Imac isn't worth anywhere near what a new one is and has half the capability. I have no doubt that by 2010 it'll be worthless.
Third, if you believe in the Consumer Reports mantra you really should be in a Buick.
Finally, Ben is right. In short, the car is much more about appearing to save the planet than actually saving it. And their owners and proponents seem to be awfully defensive when the facts are pointed out.
If you really want to save the planet buy a Deux Cheveux. At least you won't look like a dweeb in a Prius with some stupid political statement on the back.
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