<prompt> Human: I have been driving a 22 year old car that I got for free that got around 27 mpg. I put approximately 3000 in maintenance in it over three years, plus a lot of my personal time and energy. The vehicle recently died.I recently got a job with a hefty commute. 90 miles a day roundtrip. Its all highway miles with no traffic. I am not willing to move.Gas prices in my area are 3.80gallon on average. I estimate my commute will put approximately 23,500 miles per year on the vehicle.My combined household income is over 120,000. We have about 50k in mortgage and a combined 270k in student loans. We have no other debts. We have an emergency fund and about 2500 in disposable income each month after paying bills and saving for annual bills. We have over 15,000 in savingschecking accounts in our primary accounts, plus other savings. We are not going to be moving to cut down my commute because it would effect the wifes job and kids school.My wife tells me I can have 3000-5000 to purchase a replacement vehicle today. I have the idea that I could get an auto loan to purchase a used Toyota Prius which costs up to 17,000. We have excellent credit and could get an auto loan for under 4, perhaps down to approximately 2.5.I think the gas savings would make the vehicle loan worth it.Im looking at a 2010 model with about 78k miles, 17k. Theres a 2007 model with 78k miles, 10k. Theres also a 2005 model with about 138k miles, 8500.Fueleconomy.gov says that my fuel costs per year with the Prius will be about 1800 based on local fuel costs and my mileage. Ive looked at 2005 Focus, 4k, 28MPG; 2003 Suzuki Aerio, 2600, 28 MPG; and 2004 Impala, 4200, 28MPG. I just spotted a 1995 Suzuki Swift, 2300, 43 MPG.The Prius seems to be a better deal. What am I missing?EDIT: I just learned that I can fix my 1992 model for approximately 3000. But looking at the non-Prius options, I could just get a newer beater to replace it.Heres my math so far:I drive 5 days a week, 52 weeks per year, 90 miles a day 23400 milesGas is 4gallonDivide 23400 by whatever the MPG value is for each vehicle and multiply by fuel cost45 mpg 520 4 208033 mpg 709 4 2836 - 2008 Honda Fit28 mpg 836 4 3344Find the difference 1264 annual savings of Prius over 28 mpg vehicle.756 annual savings of Prius over 33 mpg vehicleNow find difference in costs of vehicle to determine how long it will take to break even on fuel costs vs. purchase price.10,000 Prius minus 2600 Suzuki Aerio 7400 differencePrius minus 6300 Honda Fit 37007400 divided by 1264 5.85 years to recoup higher cost of Prius over Suzuki Aerio3700 divided by 756 - 4.89 years to recoup higher cost of Prius over Honda FitOpine away redditors!FINAL EDIT:I picked up a 2002 Hyundai Accent, 30 mpg, for 2500. Done and thank you!  <response>: Consider the economics of the choice.A beater:Pros cheap to buy no debtCons will most likely require expensive repairs soon. fuel mileage will probably be bad generally the younger the car, the better the fuel mileage is. comfortability if your drive is long you want air-conheater, power-windows etc. no resale valueA new car:Pros will generally not require expensive repairs for several years better mileage more comfortable warranty far better resale valueCons more expensive you will be in debt for a whileThere are probably several others that I have not thought of, feel free to fill them in.Personally I would get the 2007 model. 