Tailgating, originally uploaded by mslaura.

Ooooooh, I love my new (used) car! Yes, the 2005 VW Passat Diesel Wagon is in the house, getting 36 mpg around town. It's super-swank, luxurious, spacious and everything else. It even has really dark tinted windows, a boon and a blessing for fair-skinned folks like me and the boys. That was one of the things that I was really sad to give up in my Hybrid Civic....my "limo dark" tinted windows. Cha, I didn't have to give it up at all!

Dan got 45mpg bringing it home from Petaluma. Sweet! We haven't filled up with biodiesel yet, but I'm looking forward to visiting the local biodiesel retailer here in San Jose and getting our first tankful.

I love the tailgate. So useful and comfy, and perfect for changing diapers. I put a sheepskin in the cargo area and Bugs is all over it. The second I open the hatch for anything he jumps in and starts lounging.

This car is SOLID. Driving it is like driving a tank, compared to our lightweight hybrid. But it's still very zippy when you step on the gas. There's a little bit of a diesel lagtime, but once the power kicks in...whiplash time!

I do miss my engine turnoff at idle, but oh well. I love the new wheels. My ride is PIMPED, baby!