With news from Treehugger that the Prius has become the most popular car in Silicon Valley (1,627 bought and registered in May), I'm reminded of a car buying experience I had when Mazda's new Miata was the most popular car mid-life crisis car in America.

After a test drive of the only Miata on the lot–a red one–the salesman did his best to close the sale. When it became clear that we would wait until we could get a white Miata, the sales guy had the audacity to ask us which one of you doesn't like red? At that, we got up and walked out of the dealership.

Of course, the internet has completely changed the dynamics of car buying, putting the buyer much more in control of the situation. If you are willing to travel (or have the vehicle shipped to you) you're no longer dependent on the local dealer's inventory. Not only can you avoid many of the brow-beating, let-me-check-with-my-boss tactics, you can actually learn something while shopping.

Case in point, the Green Car Company, based in Kirkland, Washington, touts the following mission statement:

our goal is to bring awareness and education to the mainstream American population about how their transportation choices effect the environment. Our main focus is on CO2 reduction to combat global warming through the use of biofuels such as Biodiesel and Ethanol. We are also concerned about sustainability and resource depletion so we want to promote vehicles that are highly fuel efficient like the Smart Car.

We will use our automotive expertise and knowledge to stay on the cutting edge of new green transportation and our resources to promote the cause of Biofuels, sustainability and environmental education.

In addition to offering an online inventory of green vehicles and a Green Car Score, Green Car University offers a virtual Online Education and Learning Center. And Green Car University pledges to stay on the cutting edge of new green transportation and promote the cause of biofuels and sustainability through environmental education.

So, when you're shopping for a green car (no matter what color you really want) be sure to do your research from the comfort of your keyboard first–visit the Green Car Company.

Carbon Neutral Journal's choices are brought to you by Jorgensen Associates.

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