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The cost of transportation can be expensive, and higher fuel prices
does not help matters. The following vehicles have good ratings, and
they will help to stretch your fuel dollars.
The following are some vehicles that will
help you to keep rolling longer and avoid the pump:
1. The Toyota Corolla has been around for over
30 years. During the last few years, the Corolla has become a
bit larger. Expect to achieve about 30 mpg in the city and about
40 mpg on the highway with this vehicle.
2.
The Honda Civic has been a stiff rival to the
Corolla. The Civic has also recently grown a bit in size. The
Civic is right there with the Corolla at about 30 mpg in the city
and about 40 mpg on the highway.
3. The Geo Prizm will cost about $1,000- $1,500
less than a comparable year Corolla or Civic. The Prizm will achieve
about 29 mpg city and about 38 mpg on the highway.
SUVs can really eat the fuel, however, they are convenient for
hauling cargo, and they definitely have a real advantage in bad
weather and off-road conditions.
4. The Suzuki Esteem wagon provides some cargo
carrying ability and reasonable fuel economy. Expect to achieve
about 28 mpg in the city and about 37 mpg on the highway with
this vehicle.
5. The Subaru Legacy wagon/Outback
wagon and Forester can all carry cargo plus they
have all-wheel drive. These vehicles generally have the most powerful
engines out of those mentioned above. Expect to achieve about
22 mpg in the city and about 27 mpg on the highway.
If you are in the market for a vehicle, be certain to do your
homework. Consult "Consumer Report's" automotive issue
(April). This resource is available at most public libraries.
If you plan on buying a used vehicle, also be sure to read a couple
of archived new vehicle road tests (review road tests that were
conducted at the time the vehicle was new) on the used vehicle
of interest in auto magazines (many are archived at your local
library) or Internet sources such as "Car and Driver,"
"Motor Trend," "Road & Track," or "MotorWeek."
Information from the road tests will allow you to zero in on which
of the vehicles discussed above will be the best for you.
Last, but not least, be certain that you do not overpay to drive
a fuel-efficient vehicle. For example, if you pay say $1,500 more
for a vehicle that achieves five mpg more than your current vehicle,
you would need to drive it about five years to get $1,500 in fuel
savings. However, say you pay an extra $500 for a vehicle that
achieves 10 mpg more than your current vehicle. In a little over
one year, you would recoup your $500.
Article
reprinted with permission.
Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money." His website: www.drivethebestbook.com accepts all transportation questions.
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