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The hybrids cost about $5,000 above the all
gasoline cars. The hybrids have most all of the components of
a gasoline car plus the electrical components. I believe that the Japanese auto
makers are doing "real world" testing for the electric motor, recharging
system, etc. In five years, they should have all electric offerings.
The Japanese and the Europeans have micro cars that
are fuel efficient. At this time, however, they are not
offered to Americans.
Diesels are an alternative. BMW has a 320di with 148
horsepower. It gets about 50 mpg at 100 miles per hour.
0-60 is about 8.1 seconds. This car is not imported into
the United States at this time.
Kia and Hyundai are coming up in quality, but the prices
are coming up just under the pricey Toyota and Honda.
I offer the following fuel efficient vehicles because
the cars are proven, are reasonably priced, and are
available.
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:
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 miles per gallon (mpg)
in the city and about 40 mpg on the highway with this vehicle. 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. 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 some
definitely have a real advantage in bad weather
and off-road conditions.
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. 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 the April (automotive
issue) of "Consumer Reports." 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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