>>German cars typically cost more for maintenance than "Japanese" cars. Hybrids are nice, but pricey. About six months ago I read some research on the cost/benefit of hybrids and found they don't pay for themselves. That was before the price of gas jumped, but still not worth it. I also recently heard that the tax incentive for a hybrid was being discontinued.
>
>hmmm... Interesting.... thanks.

Actually not discontinued per se - it was limited to the first 50,000 cars (per manufacturer or per model - don't know the details), and Toyota has sold as much by now. So they've used up their quota.