Wait till you have a high-mpg car and want to replace it--then you're really screwed. My wife currently has a Prius and the time is coming up -to get something new (say within the next year). It has proven to be slightly small for us as we'd like to be able to drive the four of us and our bikes. The only vehicle that has any hint of good mileage and space is the VW SportWagen TDI coming out this fall which *might* have mileage similar to the Prius if rumors hold true. But if we don't like it? Then there is absolutely nothing available or on the horizon that meets our criteria.

For your wife, what about a base Mini Cooper or Clubman? They get mid-30's and while small are not as gutless or cheap feeling as the Yaris.

I have a Honda Fit and don't really care for it. Yes it gets good mileage, but it has no power (beyond what I think is reasonable for the mileage), has no features, and is somewhat rattly. I don't feel unsafe in it, however.
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Matthew Cervi
'73 tii