Working Stiff:

True story: I was on a business trip in Calgary. We had to drive to Edmonton in the snow. We were in a small Saturn sedan and had no problems, but saw many pick-up's off the road.

So what's gas up to in Canada? Last time I was there, it was over a buck a litre. That's gotta swing you towards a TCH, at least a bit? Does the Prius have power seats? I totally agree with you about the cost of cars: my TCH replaces a 1995 Dodge Neon that has 170,000 miles. I was looking at a Cooper Mini, but it has less than great service records, plus, really, how long would it take before it was old hat cramming my two kids in the back of a Mini? I do agree that the hybrid is cutting edge, but I think Toyota's got enough real world miles behind the system. Sure, next year's system will be better, but that's always true.

Take care.