Given the fact that gasoline is not a renewable resource, the availablility of gas can only deplete - which means gasoline can only get more expensive. If you think gas is expensive now, wait until next year, and the year after that.
So, if you're looking for a car that you won't lose a bunch of money on, a hybrid or diesel is your best bet.
The Toyota Prius is a modern, sleek, and prestigious hybrid vehicle that is low-maintenance and fun to drive, (check it out online at:
http://www.toyota.com/prius/). It isn't cheap to purchase up front, but it will save you thousands and thousands in the long run.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a great option for diesel. The Germans know what they are doing in mechanics! These cars are sturdy, strong, sporty, fast, gorgeous to look at, and family friendly ride. These cars are comparable in price to the Prius, but will cost much more in maintenance (to keep your warranty valid, you have to pay for dealership maintenance which is really pricey). However, once biodiesel becomes easier to produce, your fuel expenses will be minimal (think 45 cents a liter in Canada, or $1.30 a gallon in the States). Check out the VW Jetta online:
http://www.vw.com/jetta/index. html
What is biodiesel? It's a renewable fuel that is made from vegetable oil. It costs about 35 cents a litre to make at home (yes, you can make it yourself, but it takes some training first). At present, you can not buy pure biodiesel, but you can purchase blends of up to 25% biodiesel blended with 75% petroleum diesel. But, it as it gains popularity - and, thus, demand - it will become much more available, and in higher blends. Plus, the Canadian and US government both offer incentives (MONEY!) to those who wish to use biodiesel for their vehicle. Biodiesel is a fantastic fuel as it will increase the farming industry (since soy and corn oils get the best performance in vehicles with biodiesel), pump money into the North American economy, and it produces considerably less emissions into the air. Find out more about biodiesel, and government incentives, at:
http://www.biodiesel.org/
