Hybrid cars cost about $5,000 more than
non-hybrids. In addition, hybrids involve two
systems – the extra electrical components (electric
motor, charging system, batteries, etc.) and most
all the components of a gasoline car. Such vehicles
increase the potential for repairs from the additional
system.
The Japanese and 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 160
horsepower. It gets about 50 mpg and goes 0-60 is
about 8.1 seconds. However, this car is not imported
into the United States.
Kia and Hyundai are rising in quality, but their prices
are coming up just under pricey Toyota and Honda cars.
The cost of transportation can be expensive, and higher
fuel prices do not help matters. The following used
vehicles have good ratings, are reasonably priced,
and they will help lower fuel usage and thus costs.
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 miles per gallon (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 some
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 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 three 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 six months, you would recoup your $500.
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 web site:
http://www.drivethebestbook.com accepts all transportation
questions.
© 2005 Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the price …” His web site http://www.drivethebestbook.com accepts all transportation questions.
2010 Subaru Legacy – Kelley Blue Book – NY Auto Show
