Hybrid, diesel buyers can still get some of that sweet tax rebate money

Unless there's a successful lame-duck push in Congress, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicle tax credits, still available on select models, will expire on December 31st. Luckily, you've got more than three weeks left to head down to your local dealer and cash in on some of that sweet rebate money. Unfortunately, some hybrid models from Honda, Toyota and Ford are no longer eligible for the credits, because more than 60,000 units (the cut-off point for the rebate) have been sold thus far in the U.S. Here's a look at which vehicles qualify for how big a credit:

• Nissan Altima Hybrid: $2,350
• BMW X5 and X6 Active Hybrids: $2,200
• Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid :$2,200
• General Motors full-sized SUV and pickup hybrids (such as the Tahoe and Silverado): $2,200

There are also diesel rebates available. Eligible diesel models include:

• Audi A3 TDI: $650
• Audi Q7 TDI: $575
• BMW 335d: $900
• BMW X5 xDrive35d: $1,800
• Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTec: $1,800
• Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BlueTec: $900
• Mercedes-Benz R350 BlueTec: $1,550
• Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec: $1,550
• Volkswagen Golf TDI: $850 (automatic)/$650 (manual)
• Volkswagen Jetta TDI: $650
• Volkswagen Touareg TDI: $575

In addition, the natural-gas Honda Civic GX qualifies for a whopping $4,000 credit. Admittedly, many of the eligible models are, even after credits, still pricey, but we tend to think that the Jetta TDI is a killer bargain, rebate or not.

Photos copyright ©2009 Sebastian Blanco / AOL

[Source: Alt Transport]