Well, the main reason for the popularity of the VW diesel is that for over 20 years, it's been the only choice for those in the US seeking a relatively inexoensve new diesel car. Unfortunately, the VW has never had the reliability reputation of a typical Toyota or Honda. But unill now, all competitors for the VW diesel have been kept out of the US-market (Though GM still insists the Chevy Cruze diesel is coming later this year).

As I said, a hybrid might be an option for someone buying a NEW car. And it's very possible to get any new car to go +300K mikes in a few years. But the earliest hybrids are reaching a point where the batteries, and the extended warranty on those batteries, has expired. Is there anyone here with data on what is happening with hybrids that are now past 10-12 years-old?

There has been a trend, (not just with hybrids, but with all the new technology) for repairs to become discouragingly difficult and expensive, and motivate consumers to buy new cars every few years.
These days, someone wanting to keep a car for 15, 20 or more years (or buy a used car of that age) is considered just an eccentric minority!

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW