Used Prius selling for more than new one

NEW YORK, April 12 (UPI) -- Some used models of Toyota's super-efficient gas-electric Prius hybrid car are selling in the United States for more than they cost new.

Kelly Blue Book and Harris Interactive report buyers who want to avoid the typical two-month wait for a new Prius are paying a premium for a used one, CNN said Tuesday.

The Prius, which combines an electric and a gasoline engine, is estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency to get 51 miles per gallon on the highway and 60 mpg in the city.

The nature of hybrids results in city driving mileage always exceeding highway driving mileage, the opposite of mileage ratings for conventional internal combustion engines, the EPA said.

Kelly, which documented buyers of new Priuses paying above the sticker price for the cars, recommended interested drivers wait the two months entailed in getting a new model.

The new car lists for $20,975 to $26,640, Toyota says.