Is a hybrid for me (Based upon the following driving routine)?
I have just accepted a job which will give me a roundtrip daily commute of 85 miles a day. I’ll be driving from Poway, Ca (150’) to the Julian, Ca area (4500’) through winding mountain roads. I’ll have freezing temperatures occasionally.
I’m looking at either the Prius or Civic hybrid (mainly for the mpg),
For the kind of driving I’ll be doing, is a hybrid really worth it or should I just stick with a regular gas civic?
I have also been told that if one part of the hybrid system breaks down, the entire care is un drivable. Is that true (I would hate to break down on a mountain road).
I’ll be buying new right after the December 25th (New job starts on Jan 4th) so I’d appreciate your comments ASAP.

Thanks

One other comment, how are they in icey conditions? I've heard that teh Prius is NOT the vehicle to use in icey/slippery conditions. Is that true?