A new prius is ~ 28k?
If you look at any ICE vehicle model, a hybrid version is a super expensive upgrade.
Then demand is greater and they are harder to get — aka, marked up further by dealers.
Not really an argument. Hybrids are very expensive for majority of households to get.
Like, sure, if you can't afford the $3k, get the base I guess, but they're not a great deal more expensive, and demand is sort of cratering now that gas is cheap and the 'green halo' effect has moved strictly into the ev realm.
Interestingly it's the same way with the honda civic and insight. Yeah, the insight ~ 3k more but it also comes with more features that many folks are going to opt for anyway.
Finally, to be honest, economically, it never makes sense to buy a new car. Ever. If we really were concerned about value we'd look at prices for a beater prius vs a beater civic. The differential is there, but not that much. As much hay is made about battery degregation, prius batteries have held up surprisingly well. If you were looking for a cheap commuter I'd highly recommend it.
Unfortunately it is not just $3k.
Hybrid tend to be only on higher more expensive trims. You almost self figured that out.
Then dealer markup.
Then fees and taxes as a percentage of a larger sale.
Is-just-$3k and what you are saying is fantasy land stuff. Maybe if you could buy and configure online like Tesla one day.