I agree with my fellow TCHer, Randy! I was not planning to buy my hybrid this year, but unfortunately, I was sideswiped at 60mph on a curvy road here in Pacifica in April, and my 91 Previa took the brunt of it. Even tho the Previa looked okay on the other sides, and the engine had just been rebuilt, my insurance company refused to cover the total costs of repairing my vehicle. They said I could drive a salvaged vehicle and that they would give me what they thought it was worth which would have not paid more than 50% of the repair costs.

So, my DH is patiently waiting another year to replace his 88 Integra, I did lots of research and I mean LOTS before we chose the TCH. I am glad that I did because I would have gotten either a Prius or a Civic LX until I started reading owner blogs about certain issues that those owners were having that I would have too if I bought those vehicles. My hours of researching and test driving made it a very easy decision to buy the TCH. And my husband who wasn't planning on spending that much for a car originally, was okay with spending that much, because we had done that research. If I spent that much time on clothes shopping I would never get out of the mall! OTOH, there are people who buy cars like that and I wish them well.

And for the record, YES, I am making a statement with my car purchase. I am interested in the following:
cutting down on toxic emissions
good mileage
safety and comfort for alas an aging bod!
encouraging others that hybrid cars are not THAT Geeky or Techy!
encouraging others that hybrid cars are fun!

I could go on a lot more but I have already!