They can have my SUV when they pry the steering wheel from my dead, cold hands.

I will tell you why. Because I paid it off eight years ago. Eight years without a car payment and its attendant interest rate more than makes up for some piddling four dollar a gallon gasoline.

As for hybrids, if you do the math you will find that you need to own one for about five years before you realize any savings. They cost a lot more than a regular gasoline powered car of the same make and model.