>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.
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OTOH, some people (like my son) drive a hybrid as a matter of principle. I think the next few cars we buy (a new one for Marshal soon and eventually one for Nathaniel) will be hybrids, too.

Tamar