Fuel efficient vehicle - what would your choice be?

[Tristan]

Here is a question for the big brains here on TOL:

If you were in a market for a fuel efficient vehicle today, which models would you most interested in? My requirements are for seating for 4 adults, and room in the back for a largeish dog; having a roof cargo rack would be a bonus.

So, what new models would you be considering given the criterion? Any used models to keep my eyes out for?

I've been out of the auto market for so long I have no clue which models might be best to look at that meet my criterion. I'd appreciate your knowledge in this regard.

Thanks,

Tristan

[dagwood]

I am a car guy and just went through this. My requirements were 4 adults, fuel efficient and cheap because I drive 100 miles a day min. I chose a 2008 Scion Xb. It is the number one resale value car in the USA. It is classified as a wagon so the insurance is as cheap as can be. Gas is good not great, I can get 30 mpg hwy. if I keep at 70. I get 26 mpg above that. Scion sticker prices are what you pay, I hate car dealers. Base price I believe is $15600 and that is with a lot of goodies. The other car I would recommend would be a Honda Element or CRV both are classed as SUVs for insurance but offer a roof rack as factory option. I think the Xb would have to get an aftermarket rack, but that is not a problem. Gas mileage is slightly less on the Hondas. All of these cars are Consumer Reports Best Buys. Scions are not for everybody, it's a love it or hate it kind of thing. People that understand look at it as a blank canvas. Mine is heavy modified within a month of buying, 18" momos, tint, inside lighting, momo shift knobs and pedals, and it is lowered 2.25 inches. I told you I was a car guy. The cars to stay away from are any new GM product, the electronics in them is so complicated they are doomed to failure.

[Tristan]

Dagwood,

Thanks for the reply. I'll check it out.

- Tristan

[Tristan]

I've come across a listing for a Diesel Jetta wagon; it comes with a roof rack and has a decent amount of stowage in the back... Anybody know what the estimated life on these vehicles are?

It has 60k miles on the engine / transmission now. Are the small diesels like the big ones, in that they're capable of very high milage?

How about the issue of low-sulphur diesel. Will that cause issues with the older ( '02 ) engine?

Thanks for all the feedback...

Tristan

[Myladysu]

yey youngin, did you use to work with a great looking guy names Ralph, who had a gorgeous wife both of them glowed in the dark. What about it!!!!

[Monty]

I recently added a new Hyundai Sonata in the driveway as a more fuel efficient alternative to the 4x4 vehicles. Still in the break in phase (under 1000 miles) but so far I am unimpressed with the MPG, 20 in the city and 23 on the fill up before that which included a 200 mile highway road trip. Hoping for improvement soon.

Monty

[Lei]

I have a '98 Jetta Turbo Diesel. She gets 53 miles to the gallon
and has 159,000 miles.
I love her and refuse to trade her in !
I have a friend with one who gets even better mileage using biodiesel
fuel. Also have heard of one running on filtered transmission fuel.

[Tristan]

The TDI Jetta is what I'm looking for, though I could be swayed to another make/model. Problem is they are like hens teeth, and when I find one, it seems bloody expensive.

Case in point, saw a 2002 Jetta Wagon TDI with 115,000 miles, in aparrently great condition a couple of counties over. Firm price of $16,000, which just seems high to me.

I know that diesels have a theoretically longer lifespan, but it seems to me that vehicle has at least 30% of it's lifespan used, perhaps more.

I could probably sell the small car I have for between 7-9k, which means the difference is 7-9k. My car gets 20 per gallon of gas, and if the Jetta Wagon gets twice that, then it would still take a long time to break even of fuel costs alone.

I believe that the ability to use biodiesel or some other alternative fuels is an advantage... but how much is that worth in $$$?

Boy, this search has been frustrating.

- Tristan

[Desertrat]

I think too many poeple look only at the gas mileage, and don't consider other factors. First, of course, is the question of how many miles it takes to offset the added capital cost vs. the present operating cost. If the new car cost after trade-in is equivalent to 3,000 gallons of gas and you've been getting 20 mpg, that means 60,000 miles before break-even. IMO, for the average city-dweller with short trips, it's not worth it.

If the primary use is commuting, yeah, it can be worthwhile, particularly when the usage runs 100 miles per day and suchlike.

Back in the late 1970s when gas prices first started going up, I did some re-organizing about how I drove. I did a lot of my shopping on the way home from work, for instance, instead of making separate trips. I did more planning before any particular drive into town, reducing the total number of casual trips.

IOW, increased efficient use of the car I had offset a large part of the fuel-cost portion of my overall cost of living.

'Rat

[firebird]

TDI diesel VW hands down.

[dagwood]

VW builds a great car but dealer support is not there for most and parts when it breaks are very expensive.

[dagwood]

If you want to know what price you should pay for any car go to kelly blue book's web sight. www.kbb.com

[momof23goats]

i would say a VW from the 60's, they got great gas milage, and had duel gas tanks.

[Idahoser]

The Ford Escort has been the gas mileage and clean emissions kind for decades. And it still works.

Adding a roof rack to a 'hybrid' makes about no sense. You're not going ot get 30mpg on the highway anymore with that up there.

35mpg highway in the Escort. And it doesn't look stupid.

[Doc1]

Consider an old Mercedes diesel 240 or 300 series from the late 70s - early 80s. Our are bulletproof and get around 30 mpg if we do our part. Contrary to popular belief, parts for these old beasts are very reasonable and most things can be found at regular auto parts stores. These engines run exceptionally well on alternative fuels. Expect to pay between $1500-$4000.

Old Isuzu diesels are very good too, but parts are getting harder to find and they don't handle alt. fuels quite as well.

Ford diesel trucks with the old pre-powerstroke International Harvester engines are great. They handle alt. fuel extremely well, but don't get great mileage. To the good, parts are very reasonable and common. Auto trans are pretty good. Std. trannies are bulletproof.

The best choice in trucks is probably the older Dodge diesels with the 6 cylinder Cummins. Decent mileage, great alt. fuel handling capability and bulletproof engines. Front ends tend to be weak, as are auto transmissions.

I can't see spending $ on a new or new(ish) vehicle in this economy. I can't see relying on anything gasoline-powered.


Best regards
Doc

[RENMAN358]

Ive been building and repairing my own since high school. Simpler is still
better. However, the vanilla flavored 1/2 T Pu with 1 color , 1 engine,
that gets 100 mpg is proly a pipe dream. At least from detroit.

The closest that ive seen to that was the GM EV 1 electric. The designer
did every thing right as far as he was allowed to take it. But,,it wasnt a
true HYBRID.

Over the years , ive seen 1 -OFF hybrids that all got better than 100mpg.
Bottom line though is IF i want one ill hafta build my own .:?

[freemen]

The new 09's are in the running for best new car of the year. I had a 2003 wagon and got great mileage and no major problems with the car at all. The new 09 has better pickup and still seems like a very nice car at this price point - less than $25000. Deals are a lot better then they were 3 months ago. I sold my old wagon to a guy that flew in from 900 miles away to buy it. Says something about the car to those in the know. I live within 30 minutes of a dealer. There are dealers in most larger towns so can get service unless you are way out in the boonies. Runs on diesel that you can make yourself with the right setup. No batteries to buy in 6+ years. Engines should last twice as long as the gas engines. Not as complex as the hybrids so should be more reliable in the long run. Just got a good write up in Consumer Reports in the last issue.

[Sir_Vival]

I recently added a new Hyundai Sonata in the driveway as a more fuel efficient alternative to the 4x4 vehicles. Still in the break in phase (under 1000 miles) but so far I am unimpressed with the MPG, 20 in the city and 23 on the fill up before that which included a 200 mile highway road trip. Hoping for improvement soon.

Monty

Yikes!!! I get 18mpg average with a full sized 4x4 Tundra pickup with 5.7 Litre engine!!
I'd be disappointed with that mileage too!