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Hello all!

I am starting research on my next car to purchase and found this site from GreenHybrid.com. I would love a Prius, but I'm not sure if I will be able to afford one. I have a 1996 Saturn SL1 Manual that I love for it's fuel economy, but I really want a car with a hatchback. My dad talked me out of buying the SW1 and I have been regretting it forever. It might be a year or two before I can afford a new car so I am interested in learning more about increasing the efficiency of the car I have and actually keeping track of the MPG of my 11.5 year old car as well as honing my decision about what car to get when the time is right.

Jennifer

Welcome! You definitely came to the right place. As far as efficiency is concerned, just start reading and ask questions when you think of them...there's lots of room for questions around here!

And as far as a new vehicle is concerned, do you have a particular price point in mind? Right now you can get a new Prius base for around $20,000 after the tax credit, and pretty much anything else for close to invoice if you find the right sales person. You could look into a used Prius, too, but last I checked they were selling for darned close to the price of a new one. But it can't hurt to look! A '04-'05 in the mid teens depending on package would be a pretty good way to go, especially if you are in a "clean state" with the 10yr/150,000mi warranty on emissions and hybrid components.

The hatchback was what made the deal for me in the end. Life is much easier when I can cram bulky objects in my daily driver.

The other thing is if you shop wisely, you might get a good deal on a used hybrid. We can suggest what to look for if you try that option.

Welcome jab! I own vehicles similar to yours. I have a '99 SL2 and my son drives a '97 SL1. In fact, my son's car is the one in my "garage" listed as "Diamondlarry's temporary ride." I too am considering buying a hybrid when the time comes to replace my vehicle. From what I've heard though, that could be awhile since Saturn's last a long time when taken care of properly. Questions are why were here so, ask lot's of them.:)
Larry

Hi Jennifer:

___Welcome to CleanMPG!

___You already have a very fuel efficient 96 apart from the super misers of the era course. To bad it wasn’t the wagon but you may have not liked hauling around the box on the rear after a few years either? Fortunately, it is a 96 and you should have an OBD-II port under the drivers side dash. Because of that little port, you can install a Scan Gauge – II and with the real time feedback, adjust your driving habits to possibly approach the FE that Larry has shown us from his if you drive the right type of roads. You would be surprised at how your life can change once you start driving your SL1 to reduce emissions via lower fuel consumption (while placing money back in your pocket at the same time;)). That device will pay for itself in no time if you are the type to use its capability to improve yours. Other then that, all the setup and driving techniques work just the same but real time feedback really sets your capabilities apart from flying blind as many of us had to do pre-SG-I/SG-II.

___As far as a hybrid, Laurieaw lives up your way and I am sure she would be glad to go out on a test drive with you in her HCH-I w/ a stick. Not a hatch mind you but a hybrid with some special capabilities all its own … The first time you see the iFCD jump to 80 + while cruising down the highway, you will forever be changed wrt why Hybrids are so kick @$$. Well maybe not forever but it will teach you what a fuel efficient hybrid is capable of really quick :)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Thanks for the wonderful welcome and ideas. The ScanguageII is about the neatest thing I have heard of! How hard is it to route the cable from the OBD II port to the location of the display?

I don't get the greatest fuel economy the majority of the time because I take the bus to and from work and only drive during the week ~3 miles to and from the gym. I haven't been that concerned because it takes me a month to go thru a tank of gas, but I should try to work on improving my fuel efficiency. However when I drive long distance I often have fuel economy near 50mpg. I think once thru Indiana on a trip from Minneapolis to Key West I got around 60mpg. Not bad for a non-hybrid.

I am finishing graduate school so I'm not sure what my income will be and how the student loans are going to be which makes it hard to guess what my price range will be for my next car. I have taken care of the Saturn and it doesn't show any signs of slowing down so I don't NEED a new car. But I am in love with the Prius and hybrids in general. If Saturn would come out with a hybrid sedan/SW I would definately change my mind since I have been so happy with this one, but they don't seem to be going in that direction.

Thanks again!

Welcome Jennifer!

We need more female hypermilers here! I give these guys a hard time when they start talking about what "the wife" does to their mpg's :D :D At our house, it's my husband who complains about the rough ride, slow starts, & coasting to stop - he says I drive like his grandfather used to :o , but he doesn't complain when we get the gas-card bill ;)

I know you're looking for something smaller, but I *have* to put in a plug (no pun intended:D) for my favorite - the FEH (not that I'm biased or anything ;) )