A Guide to Buying a Fuel Efficient Car
1. What are your needs?- Most people buy cars because of certain makes, models, looks, or features, that is all fine and dandy but when buying a fuel efficient car you need to think of the driving aspect before any others. What will you be using the car for? Commuting to and from work? As a second car when making errands or long trips? How many people will you need to seat? These are questions you must address before you begin researching cars.
2. Picking the right size – Once you figure out how your new vehicle will be used, its time to think about what kind of vehicle you want to purchase. Do you need a something that can carry large loads or a lot of passengers? Do you prefer a large car or a compact car? These questions are important because fuel efficient and size are related. The bigger and heavier the vehicle, the less fuel efficient. There are many sizes to choose from so choose wisely. (SUV, minivan, pick up truck, crossover/wagon, mid-size sedan, compact, subcompact)
3. Start your engines – Engine size is another big determining factor or fuel efficient. Choose a four-cylinder vehicle in place of a six-cylinder, and a six-cylinder in place of an eight-cylinder. Less horsepower means more money in your pocket, than wasted on gas. This is another place where the use of the car is important. If you are using the car for errands and things around town and not for highway use, a four-cylinder engine would be perfect. If you intend to use it mainly for the highway if you can’t make due with a four-cylinder, you can go with a six-cylinder.
4. MPG research is necessary – Once you figure out what size car and what size engine you are looking for research MPG of different makes and models. This can be an easy way to choose between one car and another, the cars might be similar all the way through, but differ on MPG.
5. Try a hybrid on for size – Hybrids are a good choice when it comes to fuel efficiency, and many car companies carry at least one hybrid model one a days. Some companies even have hybrid SUVs. Toyota Prius, Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Camry hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid, Toyota Highlander hybrid limited, Saturn vue Green Line hybrid, Honda Accord hybrid, Lexus RX400h, Nissan Altima hybrid, and Honda Insight - if you are interested in a hybrid car make sure to keep on top of the news. Many car companies are coming out with new hybrids, electric cars, fuel cell cars, and hydrogen cars, however some are only available in certain parts of the country.
If you cannot afford a new car, or like the car you have and don’t want to buy a new one, maybe buying a conversion kit is for you. Although these can be costly depending on your car, some people might consider them a better alternative.
Some other things to consider:
Color – Buy a light color instead of a dark colored car. They reflect light better and help keep the interior cool. In this respect, you can see that color affects the usage of your heater and air conditioner use.
Cruise Control – This can help increase your mileage when used properly – on long flat stretches of road. It’s great for people who spend a lot of time on the highway.
Power Control Options – Having power seats, window, and locks is a great convenience and of course it makes the car seem more expensive, however they also way the car down making it less efficient.
Sun/MoonRoofs – These act like open windows on cars and adds drag to the car making it harder to “slice” through the air. Also, if you have a pick up truck get a cover for the bed its the same concept as the sun/moon roof. The open bed decreases drag.
Roof racks – These also increase drag, especially when they are loaded with bulky items.
Air conditioning - Today it comes standard on most vehicles and in many parts of the country it is a necessity. However, did you know that it adds a hundred pounds or so to the car’s weight and uses energy even when the switch is in the off position? That means you are loosing 3-4 mpg in the city. So if you can, do without it.
source greenopolis.com
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