[Sovereign]

I know the eco-conscious around here are going to groan ("hybrid tanks"), but that's what I'm looking at. It appears the car I really wanted (Ford Escape Hybrid) is already bought but still physically at the dealer. Mind, the guy said "There were two salesmen who were making a deal on this car but they're not here so I'll call you tomorrow and tell you whether the deal is actually going to go through."

Could be the dealer gaming me. If not, my first choice of ride is now out the window. Note: I have a string bass and a giant computer that need to fit in here. If I join a community orchestra, the bass will need to continue to fit. Towing requirements nixed the Prius I was looking at (zero LBS officially). I will not do "kits" to add towing when the automaker says "no tow."

Anyway, what is the general impression of the 2006 Highlander Hybrid? Edmunds suggests 25MPG, other sites say up to 30MPG is possible. There are horror stories about batteries failing, but I have a feeling this is the "people complain more than praise anything on the internet" principle kicking in...