Steps for Buying a Fuel-efficient Car

So you're in the market for a car and want to do something about global warming. Here are the steps to take to maximize your fuel efficiency in your choice.

1. Get the right-sized car that fits your needs.
The first thing to do is identify what the primary use for your vehicle will be. If you have several children and need a car big enough to transport them to soccer practice, maybe you need a wagon or minivan. If you build houses for a living, you probably need a truck for your job. But if you own a boat, say, and take it in and out of the water just a few times a year but will use the car for everyday driving ton and from work, do you really need a truck for the other 363 days? Maybe not. Probably not. If you buy a smaller vehicle that fits your everyday needs, you can use the savings in gas money to rent a truck for your infrequent boat-hauling trips.

2. Find the most fuel-efficient car.
Once you determine the right-sized vehicle for its primary uses, look for the most fuel-efficient models in its class. You can do this even before you head out to your area dealerships by arming yourself with information that can save you money at the pumps and cut your global warming poundage. Several excellent web sites can help you find exactly which models best fit your needs and offer superb fuel economy. Here's a sampling:

• At fueleconomy.gov, find out which cars get the best mileage and which bring up the rear, or explore your ideal mileage by car, class, make or mpg rating.

• If you're looking for a truck, fueleconomy.gov can help you find the most fuel-efficient models for the size truck you need.

• Greenercars.com, a web site by the independent research group American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), is another good reference. Find its choices for greenest vehicles of 2006 and gives in-depth highlights of 2006 models. In addition to the free information available online, ACEEE offers two subscription services that give you access to even more information.

3. Save money at tax time by buying an environmentally friendly vehicle.
Once you've decided on the most fuel-efficient car that suits your needs, see if there's a version of that car that can afford you a tax break. Buying a hybrid in and of itself doesn't mean fuel savings. But there are fuel economic hybrid, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles that can be environmentally friendly and get you a tax credit, which is based on a formula determined by fuels saving and technology.

4. Consider whether you need options that add cost and detract from fuel economy.

• Four-wheel drive increases fuel consumption, so if this is something you don't need or use, don't buy it.
• Avoid add-ons (like luggage racks) that add weight and/or drag.
• A smaller engine will result in greater fuel efficiency and less air pollution.
• If you're just as comfortable driving a stick shift as an automatic, buy a stick shift. Though the two are narrowing in terms of fuel consumption, stick shifts are still generally more fuel efficient. 

Posted: 21-Jun-2006; Updated: 21-Jun-2006