 |
|
1994
Geo Prizm |
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:
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
Reports" 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 RTM.
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.
About
the Author: 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."
1 800 839-8640 or www.drivethebestbook.com.
Website accepts all transportation questions.
|
