Reply #11: how about a VW diesel? [View All]

[midnight armadillo]

Try the diesel Jetta wagon. 45 mpg on the highway, or a little more if you choose biodiesel which'll make your car solar powered. Mercedes was still importing diesels in 98 too. The VW's can be easily modified for more power at no expense in mileage.

Diesels are proven to run to 300k+ miles and the technology has been around since 1898. Hybrids do not yet have a long term track record. I like the idea of hybrids, but I like to own cars for a long time (my last and really first car I had for 8 years) and don't know how well the current crop will be running by then.

Diesels can also be repaired in many places. Hybrids are going to be limited to the dealership. Diesels come with a stick shift, the Prius doesn't (a big negative in my book). VW will be reintroducing the diesel Passat (not seen here since 96) next year to the US.