Energy Efficient Vehicles

Lowering Energy Costs

Purchasing a more fuel efficient car or even making some basic adjustments to your existing car will go a long way towards plugging that flood of cash going into your gas tank.

From a frugal standpoint, you'll find these strategies to save money, including energy efficient vehicles; will keep more cash where it belongs, with you.

Saving Money And Hybrid Used Cars

Popular hybrid cars include the Cadillac Escalade, Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. I have friends that own the Escalade and the Prius and they’re very happy with these vehicles.

When shopping for a hybrid, the most important factors you'll want to consider are

• Gas Mileage

  There's no doubt that this is a huge consideration. Bottom line, you want top notch gas mileage to keep more money in your wallet. Here's how you can calculate how much money you'll be saving in annual fuel costs with your hybrid.

  Assuming you drive 12,000 miles per year and gas costs you $4.00 a gallon. You're shopping for cars and have come across your two favorites. One is a hybrid and one is not.

  The non-hybrid gets 20 mpg city, while the hybrid gets 46 mpg city (no kidding - take a look at the Toyota Prius). (12,000/20) X 4 = $2,400. For the hybrid, (12,000/46) X 4 = $1,043; that's an annual savings of $1,357 in gas costs; that immense!

  Now that's only if you drive 12,000 miles. If you drive more than that annually, your cost savings using a hybrid get substantially larger; which you can see by running the numbers.

• Cost

  Hybrids are going to cost you more than non-hybrids. So you'll want to figure out if the additional hybrid gas savings outweighs their additional cost. Start by looking at the calculation above.

  Now, say you’re going to keep the car for at least 5 years. Your gas savings over the 5 years would be ($1,357 X 5) = $6,785. So, if the additional cost for the hybrid is less than $6,785, then the hybrid will be the better value for you.

  Don't forget, this is just for 5 years. Beyond 5 years, the cost savings favor the hybrid even more as you'll see by doing the math.

  Here’s another important tip; you'll also save a great deal more cash when buying used over new.

• Dependability

  You'll want a car that is well engineered and reliable. When it comes to reliability, you can get some excellent car reviews at Edmunds.

• Comfort

  Cost savings is the name of the game, but you don't want do drive something that's uncomfortable or that you'll need a rope to get in and out of.

  The best way to figure this out quick is to sit in the car and take it for a test drive.

Further Tips - Energy Efficient Vehicles

• Weight - The heavier the car, the less fuel efficient it is. Luggage racks, running boards and unnecessary items in your trunk all add more weight.
• Tires - Just keeping your tires properly inflated to the maximum recommended pressure is the way to go. Tire pressure that is below the maximum brings fuel economy down.
• Driving Style - Constant speeding will eat up gas fast.
• Engine Size - You'll achieve better gas mileage with a four cylinder over a six.
• Researching MPG - You can take a look at Carquotes to compare mpg by vehicle make and model - a great website.

Best Fuel Efficient Cars - Summary

Take Care!