Waited until fall, still no hypermiling cars out there...

[Jalen]

you could also look at 2000 to 2002 saturns if you don't mind the used market. I'm running into a little problem with mine that's probably my own fault, but before I made the change I was getting 45 mpg without really trying to do too much hypermiling. They're a little small... though I think they made a 2002 model wagon, in adition to the sedan.

[voodoo22]

The Mini will do fine with regular, you will only loose performance as the cars computers adjust the engines parameters.

I think the most important thing for you to do is to wait as long as possible before you pull the trigger. The longer you wait, the more fuel efficient options you will have... I hope.

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by Colin Dunn

Look for other alternatives. Are there any other 5-door hatches out there getting at least solid 30s real-world city MPG?

What about the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe? Old EPA for my 2007 manual transmission is 30/36. Most of my trips are under 3 miles thru the neighborhood [PSL 25-35mph] with lots of stop signs. I'm easily getting 35-36 mpg per tank even with some a/c use.

[phlack]

Originally Posted by Nikki

What about the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe? Old EPA for my 2007 manual transmission is 30/36. Most of my trips are under 3 miles thru the neighborhood [PSL 25-35mph] with lots of stop signs. I'm easily getting 35-36 mpg per tank even with some a/c use.

That's amazing. My trips are just a little longer than that, and theoretically I should get at least that with my car. Couple lights, and two stop signs, and two long runs that should help my mileage. One direction I'm actually doing well (39.8mpg is my highest) but the other direction not so good. Automatic...perhaps that's part of it.

Good job, though, especially with all that stop & go.

-Mike

[lamebums]

What about the Chevy Aveo 5 door hatchback? You can probably get a new one with a manual tranny < $9000 with a 100,000 mile warranty. It'd serve your purpose for a few years until something better does come out maybe, getting 35-40 MPG in the meantime.