AZCivic - I guess what I'm saying is...does the $5K (expected) price differential between an LX and the hybrid make sense, given the anticipated efficiency of the two drivetrains ?

The LX (auto) is rated 30/40; I do most of my driving in suburban / highway conditions, although my work commute has a lot of stop and go at times. If I incorporate techniques like DWL, how much more can I squeeze out of that R18, and how much could one expect from the hybrid, in similar traffic conditions ? I know the variable is the price of gas, and how long I expect to keep the car. In other words, I'm looking for expected time to ROI, same as most non-hybrid drivers, when they're considering a hybrid purchase.

For the record, I manage to get 24mpg combined out of my V6 accord, which is right around EPA combined. So I think I can learn to drive the HCH-II efficiently to maximize it's potential. I will not, however, use FAS (at least not at this time) in either vehicle (at longer stops, like for a train, I do shut down the engine at least)