With gas prices spiking and climate change out of control, are you looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle that will save money, burn less gas and emit less of the carbon that’s causing the climate crisis? You’re in the right place! We’ve teamed up with FindTheBestCarPrice.com to bring you these tips for how to buy a fuel-efficient vehicle in your price range.
Fuel efficiency and saving money go hand-in-hand.
Most cars burn oil-based gasoline. Burning just one gallon of gasoline releases about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. CO2 causes climate change, and climate change is causing the extreme weather conditions we’re seeing more and more. Forest fires? Extreme heat waves? Floods? Drought? Those are all caused by climate change, so the less CO2 we emit the better.
Fuel-efficient vehicles travel farther on a gallon of gas.
A car that only covers 25 miles on one gallon of gasoline emits twice as much CO2 as one that gets 50 miles. It also costs you twice as much money to fuel as a car that gets greater MPG.
The more fuel-efficient your car is, the less money you’ll spend at the gas pump and the less carbon you’ll emit.
Here’s another way to look at it: you can get to the same destination using half as much gas and money if you drive a fuel-efficient vehicle.
These days, you should easily be able to find a gas-saving car you can afford. Here’s how:
How To Buy a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle in Your Price Range
Don’t Buy a Car That’s Too Big – In most cases, the larger the vehicle, the heavier it is and the more gas it will consume. Know how much room you’ll need in your vehicle, and how you’ll use it most often. This should be obvious, but it isn’t to some people. If you’re a two-person household and need a vehicle to commute in an area with flat terrain and a mild climate, you won’t need a Hummer!
Wondering how much insurance for a hybrid costs? See what hybrid vehicle insurance discounts are available.
Don’t Pay For Options You Don’t Need – I once tried to talk myself into an SUV because I just thought I “might” need a more rugged vehicle “someday.” I’m so glad my good sense prevailed. I didn’t need that bulk, a realization that is saving me a lot of money today. Other options that add to the cost of a car include sunroofs, fancy floor mats and hubcaps, luxurious leather seats, fancy crossbars and roof-rack accessories, and extended tire warranties. Rather than pay for these extras, spend the same amount of money on a fuel-efficient car.
Read the Fuel Economy Label, then Compare MPG. Cars will have a label from EPA and DOT that shows what their anticipated MPG is and what your annual fuel cost should be. Use the label to compare the various vehicles you’re considering.
Consider Hybrids, Plug-in Hybrids and Fully Electric Vehicles. Hybrids primarily run on gasoline, but have an electric battery that helps boost mpg to 40 or 50 miles. Plug-in hybrids drive first on a battery that is recharged from a power outlet and by regenerative braking. I have a plug-in hybrid and am currently getting about 110 mpgE (miles boosted by electricity). All-electric vehicles run only on electricity, so do not emit carbon dioxide when you drive them.
Figure Gas Savings into the Overall Purchase Price of Your Vehicle. A plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicle generally require fewer or no oil changes than a vehicle dependent on a combustion engine. The money you save on oil maintenance and gasoline could easily cover the premium an efficient vehicle might cost. Also, the money you save on gasoline with a more fuel efficient car can help lower your monthly payment.
Look for Holiday Car Sales and Deals! Holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day and President’s Day usually see car sales.
Negotiate, Especially If You’re Trading In One Car for Another. Get the most money you can for your trade-in, and use it to pay against a new car. Ask about leasing vs. buying, as with most leases, you’ll pay nothing for routine maintenance.
Buy the Newest Car You Can Afford. FindtheBestCarPrice.com notes that newer models of most vehicles are more fuel-efficient than older models.
NOTE: Partnerships help us bring you the expertise you need to lead the greener life you want. Our editorial opinions always remain our own.
