Choice of Prius Praised In La Grange

LA GRANGE, IL — For some, the Toyota Prius may lack the cool factor. But in the eyes of La Grange officials, it's cool to save gas, reduce pollution and have a car that lasts. And they say that's what the Prius does.

The village already uses a Toyota Prius, a hybrid gas-electric vehicle, in the police department's parking enforcement division. But it also has a Smart car, which has had so many repairs it is no longer worth keeping, officials say.

The village conducted an analysis of the Smart car and the Prius, and the Prius came out on top. It showed a nearly 50 percent difference in fuel and costs.

Trustee Bill Holder noted the analysis.

"I wanted to congratulate the staff on going with the hybrid," he said. "You don't see Chevys or Fords when you go into a cab in downtown Chicago. You see Priuses. They last and last."

Trustee David McCarty agreed.

"I think moving to the Prius is a good idea," he said, noting it turns off when it is not moving, saving money and polluting less.

The new Prius will cost about $23,000.