Smooth car Gene. The Leaf looks good also, but I see them priced upwards of $32K. Are there tax credits and other incentives bringing them down to $19K?
The Leaf can be had, nicely appointed at $29k. California has a $2500 rebate, the feds give you $7500. So that makes $19k in California. Other states have rebates or more or less. I forget which but a few states give back $5000, one give $7500! That $7500 from the state plus $7500 federal gets you a Leaf at $14,000.
My 40 mpg Civic Hybrid that I just sold, would use in the course of 100,000 miles at California gas prices, $10,000 on gas. If you get 20 mpg, you'll spend $20,000 on gas.