Fuel Saving Vehicles | Fuel Efficiency

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 vehiclesincrease the potential for repairs from the additionalsystem.

The Japanese and Europeans have micro cars thatare fuel efficient. At this time, however, they are notoffered to Americans.

Diesels are an alternative. BMW has a 320di with 160horsepower. 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 pricesare 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 forover 30 years. During the last few years,the Corolla has become a bit larger. Expectto achieve about 30 miles per gallon (mpg)in the city and about 40 mpg on the highwaywith this vehicle.

2. The Honda Civic has been a stiff rival tothe Corolla. The Civic has also recentlygrown a bit in size. The Civic is right therewith the Corolla at about 30 mpg in the cityand about 40 mpg on the highway.

3. The Geo Prizm will cost about $1,000-$1,500 less than a comparable yearCorolla or Civic. The Prizm will achieveabout 29 mpg city and about 38 mpg onthe highway.

SUVs can really eat the fuel, however, theyare convenient for hauling cargo, and somedefinitely have a real advantage in bad weatherand off-road conditions.

4. The Suzuki Esteem wagon provides somecargo-carrying ability and reasonable fueleconomy. Expect to achieve about 28 mpgin the city and about 37 mpg on the highwaywith this vehicle.

5. The Subaru Legacy wagon/Outback wagonand Forester can all carry cargo plus theyhave all-wheel drive. These vehicles generallyhave the most powerful engines out of thosementioned above. Expect to achieve about22 mpg in the city and about 27 mpg on thehighway.

If you are in the market for a vehicle, be certainto do your homework. Consult the April (automotiveissue) of "Consumer Reports." This resourceis available at most public libraries.

If you plan on buying a used vehicle, also besure to read a couple of archived new vehicleroad tests (review road tests that were conductedat the time the vehicle was new) on the used vehicleof interest in auto magazines (many are archivedat your local library) or Internet sources such as"Car and Driver," "Motor Trend," "Road & Track,"or "MotorWeek." Information from the road testswill allow you to zero in on which of the vehiclesdiscussed above will be the best for you.

Last, but not least, be certain that you do notoverpay to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. Forexample, if you pay say $1,500 more for a vehiclethat achieves five mpg more than your currentvehicle, you would need to drive it about three yearsto get $1,500 in fuel savings. However, sayyou pay an extra $500 for a vehicle that achieves10 mpg more than your current vehicle. In a littleover six months, you would recoup your $500.

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for thePrice: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-UtilityVehicle, or Minivan and Save Money." His web site:www.drivethebestbook.com accepts all transportationquestions.

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for theprice ..." His web site http://www.drivethebestbook.com accepts all transportation questions.