Additional Simplifying

Sold the Mercedes.

Zipcar works well.
It feels futuristic.
Their website shows what cars are available where and when.
Check one out and provide a return time (SMS message extensions are available if you're running late).
When you walk up to the car just put the proxcard next to the sensor and it unlocks.
The key is on a cable next to the ignition.
Drive as needed.
Return it to the original parking space and wave the proxcard at the sensor to lock it and check it in.

Car #1 - the Honda Civic Hybrid. Basically, it's a Civic which is worse to drive than the original in exchange for a few more MPG. Which is disappointing because the whole point of the Civic is a small car which drives well. (Given the vtec engine option and decent tires)

On the hybrid: between the regenerative brakes, battery assist and poor tires it makes for a hopelessly non-linear driving experience. Constant brake pressure produced inconsistent levels of braking depending on whether regeneration was working. Consistent accelerator pressure produced such poor acceleration that it didn't matter whether the batteries were working or not.

At least the interior build quality was good - no notable rattles or wear at 28k miles on this car.

Come to think of it, in the last year or so I've driven nearly every sub-15k-new sedan platform on the market. I'll use Flexcar to get to the last couple (Toyota/Scion and Subaru) and then come up with a list. Current leader is the Hyundai Elantra.