We have a new hybrid (our second) and feel this is a decent compromise. It gets good gas mileage at 31 mpg and suits it's purpose well of shuttling the wife and I around to run errands. It's not a powerhouse but we knew that going in. The manufacture gives us a 100k warranty on batteries and power train. We'll trade before it reaches that mark.
That being said, when the weather is nice I drive my Duster. I'm building a 416 W2 motor for it now and I plan on beating on it pretty heavily. I figure I have less than 20 years left being able to handle a high HP car with no power steering and a four speed. I may have to buy fuel in 55 gallon drums but I'm gonna keep driving it as long as I can. After I'm gone, my wife and kids can sell it to the first young person that shows interest in it for $1.