Reply #13: More than 5-7 mpg

[democracyindanger]

Just because I'm bored:

Toyota's current minivan, the Sienna, gets 26 mpg. Figure 10,000 miles/year, and gas at $3 per.

Sienna:
10000 mi/26 = 384 gal/year
$3.00/gal = $1152 yearly fuel cost

Estima:
45 mpg = 222 gal/year
$666 yearly fuel cost

$486 saved per year

I think that's a pretty safe estimate. But other things to consider are the slower depreciation rate of the Estima--as fuel costs rise, it's value will hold better than gas-guzzling minivans (and gas guzzlers will likely see their depreciation accelerate), and probable hybrid tax breaks once we get a Dem president in place.