With two children, big grocery purchases and a drive to save the planet, we'd been considering getting a new car even before the Cash for Clunkers program. The Trooper was a good car, but I felt bad about the environment every time I filled that guzzler. And I wanted something safer for my kids.Some people think we're trying to be big ol' cowboys with a diesel vehicle, but the Sportwagen fit our needs perfectly. We had to educate ourselves about it, but diesel is so much cleaner now. It's a great little car for only about $26,500 after the trade-in.
Diesel may not be the best choice for someone with a lead foot, but it works for my family -- without us sacrificing gas mileage or paying a nutty premium for a hybrid. And it's cute! I like a car with some sass.By Julianne Pepitone, CNNMoney.com contributing writer
NEXT: Julie Callahan: Farm truck to cruiser
Last updated August 05 2009: 8:26 AM ET
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