Hybrid Cars

So my prehistoric Volvo is about to kick the bucket (well, it's repairable, but I'd have to throw a few grand at it every year for various parts for the rest of its life, bless it, and I can't be bollocksed), and I thought, why not get a hybrid? I have a few connections in the used car dealer crowd but none of them know that much about hybrids and nor do I. Does anyone here drive one? What? Is it wikkid, bruv? And can I get one used for <15k?

P.S. hybrid cars are a bit IDM, right?

I don't know about prices in your area for used cars, but I know that in Vancouver the cab companies have all been using hybrids for some years, and talking to the drivers they all say the maintenance on them is much less than on regular cars.

I'm thinking bout getting one too, my inlaws drive one in Japan they say it halved their gas bill.