Hybrids are pretty much snake oil. Unless you live where it never gets too hot, or too cold, and no hills, you'll not realize all that much savings in fuel efficiency. You'll run the engine in the winter for heat, and in the summer for A/C. Compared to the cost to own and operate (and manufacturers are still selling hybrids at a loss), versus a like-sized conventional car, you'll never drive one enough to offset the added costs with fuel savings.

Craig, your diesel/electric is cost- and performance-prohibited. The main drawback is the battery technology. Until battery weight, cost, and lifespan are addressed by some yet-unknown technology, hybrids will not compete with conventional internal combustion drivetrains.

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1989 300 SEL that mostly works, but needs TLC