There has always been a lot of press over the Toyota Prius. It gets around 45 m.p.g., is a hybrid that runs on gasoline, and “looks” the part of the Green Movement Car: Like a suppository.

If you are in the market for a new car, let me point you toward the 2009 TDI Diesel Jetta. It whips all over the Prius. It looks like a real car, not one with those stupid half wheel covers over the rear wheels, it gets BETTER mileage, and diesel burns cleaner than gasoline. It is also much more affordable than the hybrids. Hybrids do well around town, but actually get worse mileage on the highway than most non-hybrid cars! Yes, diesel is more money per gallon, for now, but the price would have to be more than double the price of a gallon of gas before you would lose on the diesel deal.

TDI stands for Turbo-Direct Injection, and is the technology behind the powerful and efficient motoring under the hood. In todays economy of high oil prices and economic worries, don’t blame the oil companies! Read my blog entry here, for more on that. Instead, be smart, drive safe, and give the new TDI’s a chance, from VW.

Honestly, though, I don’t think people are very affected by the high gas prices, yet. Actions speak louder than words, and people are still passing me on the highway like I’m standing still. Until they all slow down, I don’t believe anyone really cares about the price of gas. Quit belly-aching about it. Quit calling for oil companies to give up all their profits (6.8% last quarter for Shell Oil. By the way, where should their profits be? 3%? 1%? Should they work for free? Who gets to decide the amount a company makes? If you answer anything other than: “The Market”, then I have some serious questions for you! If Ford made 6.8% profits, no one would care, but if Shell makes that, everyone is up in arms!)

Slow down and buy a TDI Jetta, and enjoy the savings!

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