Hi xcel,

Thanks for the advice... I'll try it and report the results. Another oil question... does using an oil different from what is called for pose any risks? Any long-term wear issues? If not, why don't all cars already use some form of 0w20?

I test drove an Accord Hybrid, a VW Passat TDI, and a VW Jetta TDI today. I took each on the identical 12 mile combination city/highway trip. I've been reading lots about diesel claims vs. hybrids, so I thought I'd do a little research. (I still could not find an Insight or decent Prius to drive)

The MPG champ was the Passat - it had a 2.0L TDI 4cyl - I got approximately 37MPG for the trip, with long streches on the highway at 65MPH getting 46MPG using cruise. The only problem I had with it were not mechanical, but stylistic.... the dash looks cheap, cheap, cheap...

The Jetta was similar to the Passat, but I had no way of getting a MPG reading - no trip computer or anything. Same cheap looking controls.

The Accord was as smooth as a dream, and I was able to make 33MPG for the trip despite not realizing the salesman turned on the AC before I left. It screams quality and refinement. I also got to play with the Nav system (although it was the version for the Odyessy... it is similar) - very cool! The handling and acceleration between the Passat and Accord are also very similar, but the Accord has a nicer ride.

The VW salesman told me that the TDI runs cleaner than a hybrid, and beats in everyway. If it were not for the sulphur emissions of the TDI, I might have gone with one despite the chincy interior. The Passat is much less expensive than the Accord (something like $6000), but does not sacrifice in economy or driving experience. The Accord makes up for the cost IMHO through reduced emissions.

I think I'll go with the Accord, but I still have about a month to be obsessive about this...

p