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"TIPS
ON CARS"
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freebie online. It's for a completely free
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Get a free subscription to Parents Magazine!
Higher Fuel Prices? Wheels That Will
Keep You Rolling
Adapted from
"Drive the Best for the
Price..."
If you would like to receive more information about the article, please
contact Mr. Kyle Busch or
visit his Web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com
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 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 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.
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:
www.drivethebestbook.com.
The Website accepts all transportation questions.
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