My 2004 Prius has cost just 12 cents per mile for dealer maintenance, tires, and fuel combined over the 120,000+ trouble-free miles I've driven it so far. One of the best cars I've ever owned. The 2011 Prius should be just as good.
2004 Prius MPG from the logbook. (Complete years only):
2003-2004 -- 50.8 mpg 17,628 miles
2005 -- 52.6 mpg 14,688 miles
2006 -- 56.3 mpg 16174 miles
2007 -- 57.3 mpg 18384 miles
2008 -- 59.9 mpg 21755 miles
2009 -- 61.4 mpg 16177 miles
2010 -- 65.2 mpg 12134 miles
http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/l...shColumbiaHome
The trick to financing a car is to get approval from your bank first, then when you go to the dealer they may well beat the bank's rate. However, if you don't get approval from somewhere else first they will stick you with the highest rate they can.