I'm pretty positive that HOV allowances for hybrids in Virginia are going to be phased out now that hybrids are becoming so much more available and popular. IMO, buying a hybrid for gas savings or HOV use is a little silly, since the more usable the hybrid is (i.e. four-door sedan, SUV), the less the percentage of actual fuel savings is.
OTOH, if you're a greenie or otherwise concerned about reducing emissions on top of the other small benefits, and are willing to pay the premium for all that (plus the novelty/popularity factor...you know that it's part of it), then why not go for it?
Personally, I'd take a new diesel over a hybrid, especially if you're predominantly doing highway driving over city. Hybrids lose a lot of their advantage in highway driving.
