GAS PRICE`s are going up I heard it this morning,...

[Hawkeye6]

When you say the hybrids are fine for one or two people, do you mean for hauling one or two people?

Fabs:

Yes, that's pretty much what I meant. I have not done any extensive research on them, just some superficail reading. but they did not seem to really meet the kind of needs that I reasonably anticipate with a family of 4, tow of whom are on the verge of their teen years. I'm not even sure the OUtback's rear seat will give them comfortable leg room for a longer drive.

I also kind of question the economics of hybrids. My understanding is that they are currently commanding a premium over similar sized and equipped gasoline-only vehicles. And that the premium is too large to be readily offset by a reduction in fuel costs, even at the higher prices that we are seeing now. (And will only get worse if the predictions that gasoline will drop back into the near $2 range in 12 to 18 months come true.)

I hav eheard that there are moves afoot for some tax credits from various States and also that the HOV lanes may be opened to hybrids even if the driver is solo. If that ocmes to pass, there may be some non-economic incentives in certain areas of the country. Like out where you live. But out here in the rural heartland we don't have HOV lanes.

H.