My homie has a Prius with 30k miles on it (bought it new) and its already got misc. problems with the electrical and the synergy drive system doesnt kick on as smoothly as it did new. The car is nice when BRAND new but will cost you more to own one in the long run vs Corolla (repairs are horribly expensive). On the highway he averages 47mpg while city averages 30-36mpg depending on the outside temp (strange I know).

IMO the Corolla is a better buy or even a VW Rabbit would be a good purchase, I have another friend with a VW Rabbit averaging over 38+mpg on the highway and city averages 25+mpg.