Frankly, I think it's worth it to pollute less, if I can afford to pollute less. The reason to buy a hybrid or electric isn't for money savings - if you just want to save money, get an old stick shift hatchback, they get practically the same mileage as a Prius and although they might break down from time to time you're only laying out a few thousand out front.
But not putting more smog into the air... that's something worthwhile. You're doing that for the next generation.
Secondly: How much money one saves or doesn't based on gas mileage is entirely dependent on commute length / miles driven per year. Right now, for instance, I drive about 5,000 miles per year, at 20 mpg = 250 gallons of gas = $1,000. So if I had a car that got 45 mpg, I'd be saving a bit under $600 a year.
If I were commuting further and driving, say, 15,000 miles a year, going from 20 mpg to 45 mpg would make a savings of about $1,700 yearly, which does earn itself back eventually. (Also, the resale value is greater, so you can make some of that extra price tag back when you're done with it.)
Plus, when it comes down to it, there's really no reason to buy a new car rather than a slightly used car still under warranty, other than customization and/or the desire to impress your friends with how willing to pay unnecessary amounts of money you are.
Anyway. I intend to get a hybrid or electric, mildly used, and do so probably on financing whenever driving all the time becomes a necessity, whether that's in med school, internship/residency, or later.
I just can't imagine wanting a sports car... the maintenance and insurance costs are CRAZY, and if I wanted to burn tons of petrochemicals for no reason I'd just take up pyromania. 😀
