Where do you live, and what kind of commute do you have (distance and environment)? What kind of driver are you (jack rabbit, or more patient)? Those two questions will help us give you a good answer if a hybrid is right for you, or if you would be better suited by a gas car.

Overall, I'm happy with my HCH, but I was MORE happy with it when I had a 10 mile commute and averaged 51mpg than I am with my current commute. I'm now driving 5 miles each way and have to work to hit 45mpg. It was a lot more fun "driving my video game" when I was able to get a high score every day, but it's really hard to complain about 45mpg I guess.

I don't have any of the problems that Starman has in the cold, but I have a garage, and the temps here rarely drop below 20 degrees F.

 

On my '09 sedan, I noticed that after 'siping' my tires, road noise seemed less noticible.
Also, on wet asphalt, tires held noticably better.
This is on the factory Bridgestone Insignia 200-02's.

Mileage went from breakin trip of 46mpg to freeway-to-work near 35mpg, and noticed that engine did not cut off at stops.
Turned out, I normally use the defroster (with A/C off), and that's what prevented my engine from shutting off at stops.

Hope not using the defrost continually will return mpg to more appreciated 46mpg.

hybrid newbie paul