LittleMike - Hybrid or Diesel?

Hi all!

I need your opinions.  My 1997 Chrysler Sebring is going to the great beyond in the next few months.  We want to replace it with either a new Hybrid or new Diesel.

Question #1:  Hybrid or Diesel?  Which should we consider and why?
Question #2:  Once you tell me which type, tell me which model (and why)

-- LittleMike

Comments

[sailingcv]

Diesel in your cold climate? Have the deisel cars come up with heaters off the battery to keep the fuel from gelling while in the parking lot?

[Susan]

Deisel? No way. Gives me massive headaches and nausea with just one whiff.

So, with environment in mind, go with a hybrid.

Toyota.

[Margaret]

I'm with Susan--Toyota Hybrid. If you like bigger and you want to buy domestic, Ford has a hybrid SUV/crossover type. I can't remember the name of it. Also the Toyota Highlander has a hybrid version as well.

[Gail Martin]

I am in the same quandry but am not yet ready to buy. Why not look on line at what looks really nice to you and take each for a test drive? After you have driven them, you can better decide what feels like the best fit. I am torn between a Jetta TDI and a Civic hybrid, although I have driven neither. I know two people with Priuses and they love them.

[LittleMike]

Here are the options so far:

Jetta TDI
Honda Civic
Toyota Camry
Nissan Altima (if available in MO)

and

Mini Cooper (not hybrid, but gets great mileage)

[Mike]

You're only young once and you are rapidly approaching your sell-by date. Screw the diesel and hybrid. Get an Audi A4 Cabriolet.

http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/new_cars/Audi_A4/A4_Cabriolet.html

[LittleMike]

Mike,

Interesting option... there is one major flaw. I may be young once, but, if I were to buy the Audi (which is a great car), I would not be able to eat for the next 5 years (since my food budget will go to buying the car). Therefore, I will not be alive to enjoy the new ride. I'd prefer to enjoy young, rather than be dead.

[Allan]

Current diesels like the Jetta TDI actually have a better environmental record than the hybrids.

They get as good as, or almost as good gas mileage as the hybrid while delivering more horsepower and torque due to the higher compression ratios of the engines.

[Susan]

I swear by Honda. I had an Accord first. Now I have a Civic.

[Carrie]

I'd go with the Hybrid, and definitely Toyota. However, Allan is right is about the Jetta. And the Jetta is a spitfire of a car and very solid. Either one would be a great choice I think.