© 2005 by Kyle Busch, author of:



"Drive the Best for the Price ..."

www.drivethebestbook.com

Hybrid cars cost about $5,000 more than

non-hybrids. In addition, hybrids involve two

systems - the extra electrical components (electric motor, charging system, batteries, etc.) and most all the components of a gasoline car. Such vehicles increase the potential for repairs from the additional system.

The Japanese and Europeans have micro cars that

are fuel efficient. At this time, however, they are not offered to Americans.

Diesels are an alternative. BMW has a 320di with 160 horsepower. It gets about 50 mpg and goes 0-60 is about 8.1 seconds. However, this car is not imported into the United States.

Kia and Hyundai are rising in quality, but their prices are coming up just under pricey Toyota and Honda cars.

The cost of transportation can be expensive, and higher fuel prices do not help matters. The following used vehicles have good ratings, are reasonably priced, and they will help lower fuel usage and thus costs.

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 three 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 six months, 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 accepts all transportation questions.