H3 vs. Toyota Highlander hybrid

[clydecpa]

I have seriously been contemplating yielding the drive-what-I-want fun side of me in favor of the alter ego drive-what-a-responsible-father-of-three should drive me.

In comparison terms, my shopping for both ego's has left me with the H3 (irresponsible fun me) vs. the Toyota Highlander hybrid (responsible-daddy me.)

Here are the facts:
purchase price: H3 (fairly loaded, GMID discounted) $32,626..........THH comparably eq. 4x4 $40,000
Insurance difference: negligible given higher price of THH
Fuel savings: $1,058/yr., assuming $2.50 a gallon average for 87 octane for the next 5 years, H3 at 15 mpg, THH at 26 mpg averages, 15,000 miles per year

THH cost diff: $7,374
5 yr. fuel savings: $5,288
difference: $2,085

I assumed 15 mpg H3, and 26 mpg THH based on my expected driving in both, which based on my history will not be conservatively done in favor of optimal fuel efficiency. Also, my reading of real world results from owners of each vehicle seem to prove out those numbers for my driving style. I have driven both, and I can tell you, the THH must be driven SLOWLY off the line to keep from engaging the gas motor right away. 26 mpg is real world for it.

If I waited to purchase the THH until 1/1/2006 the new tax credit passsed today could get me anywhere from $650 in tax credits to $3400. Let's assume the THH is in the middle at $2000 (I think it will be closer to $1000, but I'm guessing on this one.) Now the THH and H3 are dead even in terms of total costs, though if you have a substantial car payment, you are essentially financing the future fuel cost savings of the THH due to higher purchase price, thus lowering your savings and making the H3 the better financial choice.

I've driven both, and even given the nice acceleration of the THH, the H3 is more fun to drive, can go anywhere (the THH 4x4 explicity has a disclaimer against all off road driving), and has 10 times better looks.

It turns out the decision was a no brainer after all. H3 builder, HOW SOON WILL MY SLATE BLUE LUX/OFFROAD BE HERE!!!