What if you cannot afford a “new” fuel efficient automobile?

[warthog1984]

I could get the data. Don't know how to upload the formatting

[xcel]

Hi All:

___Spent the morning updating the article and it is complete. If you find any errors, pass them along and I will fix them ASAP

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[lamebums]

I'm not so sure about these prices - I'd reasonably add 20% to these numbers. My experience is entirely anecdotal, but through scanning Craigslist, Ebay, kbb.com, and other places, the prices seem to be considerably higher than mentioned here. I think that with the gas prices, there's been a run on small, fuel-efficient cars, and that's driving up the demand - and thus the price of the cars. I mean, how many of the small cars owner's don't say "great on gas" or "gas saver" when they're trying to sell it?

[xcel]

Hi Auston:

___These prices came directly from KBB if that helps? Whether one can pick up a used vehicle at the prices listed is a good question. I know a quick analysis of 03 – 05 HCH-I’s w/ clear titles on Ebay (actual purchases), they are going for under what is reported by KBB for a given odometer reading.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[93Hatch]

Originally Posted by malachite81

Another problem is finding a lightweight model like the Civic VX or CRX HF that doesn't have some brilliant featureset like this:

"B16 engine swap! Many Mods! JDM B18A VTEC TURBO GREDDY NOS! (rims not included, need for other car), lowered, nds paint, other half of body kit installed"

Its very difficult to find a stock one of these, because I've been looking.

Just needed to vent my frustration.

Maybe its easier to find one with an auto trans. My Civic Hatch has an auto and it looks stock as can be. But then again you won't get as good opf mpg with it.

[1988festiva]

Have to put a word in for the Festiva and Aspire. Incredibly under-rated cars if there ever were any. my '88 averages high '30's-low 40's mpg, and gets at least 45 highway, even though it's only rated at 40. (best ever mpg=57.7). Keep in mind, this is with an older one with a carburetor and a 4-speed.. later cars with FI and overdrive do better.
Certainly not the fanciest thing out there, but 0-60 in about 10 sec. is all you need, and used ones are, what, a few hundred $$$?

[Pgh_G6]

I came to cleanmpg just today. I am still paying off my 2006 Pontiac G6 (21City, 32HWY) I actually get about 19-20City, 30 Hwy.
I have to work with the car I have(Pontiac G6.)
I have started to reduce my driving and am looking for methods to extend my mileage.
I am lucky that I work at home and need to travel for shopping, visits, entertainment, doctors appointments, etc.
Hopefully, I will be able to get a fuel efficient car in the future, but right now I am just looking for ways to extend the mileage on my Pontiac.
After reading the article about how to begin hypermiling, I will record changes in my MPG by doing the following:

1. Starting out slower
2. Planning ahead for my braking
3. Checking air pressure and putting in air between the recommended GM Mileage on the door and the air pressure limit on the tires.
I MIGHT EVEN TRY LIMITING MY IDLING AT LONG STOPS.

However, Once I tried to turn off my car -while idling in traffic on a steep hill - and then trying drifting downward.
I was frightened when I lost control of steering(it seemed) and I think the brakes were inefficient and that really scared me. I have not turned off the car on a hill again!

Any more tips?

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Welcome PGH!! You are in good company here and we are glad to have you.

Did you return your key to the ON position after you turn the car off? If not your steering lock may have engaged. If you put the key back to on position all of your electronics will work and though you won't have power steering you'll still be able to steer with some effort. The power brakes depend upon vacuum built up by the running engine and you'll have 3-4 good brake applications before that runs out. Brakes will still work but you'll have to press harder. None of this should be too much of an issue if you are only sitting with the engine off at stops.

Check your user's manual to find out if your car is "flat towable" (able to be pulled on all 4 wheels) -- if it isn't please don't try letting your car roll without the engine running as it might damage the transmission.

To add to your list, look up the definitions of DWL and DWB in the Glossary -- use these with Light Timing and you'll be well on your way to making significant improvements in your mileage.

Also be sure to read the article Beating the EPA - The Why’s and how to Hypermile. to get a really good overview of techniques and their application.

[CitrusInsighter]

Hi PGH,

Your G6 is a very "workable" vehicle in terms of fuel economy. My dad had one for about 4 months last summer while his Insight was in for repairs. During that time, he averaged about 45 mpg on his commute to and from work (about 16 miles 1-way rural hwy). This was with MAX Sidewall in the tires, and whatever oil Enterprise put in the engine. Through a few thousand miles of FAS' and Pulse and Glide, the engine, transmission, and starter showed no undue wear. The only thing was the oil life indicator quickly went to 0% because of all of the engine starts. This should be ignored since you're not straining your engine as much as the computer thinks you are by assuming that you're making 100's of 1-3 mile cold trips. Don't wait to get the tires ALL THE WAY up to MAX sidewall, whatever that may be on your car. The car we had was a V6 Automatic. That transmission was so smooth, and with a brief rev-match, re-engaged perfectly after a FAS. The one time I got to drive it, I had a segment over 60 mpg with a little effort and a ScanGauge which is absolutely necessary in that car to get the kind of mileage that we know its capable of. The G6 is also a great highway car with decent aero drag and gearing that keeps the revs down at freeway speeds (50-60 mph). Just make sure you're mastered the basics, and the car will reward you with "compact-like" mileage in a sporty mid-size.

[phoebeisis]

I've noticed that as summer arrives in hot cities you will see lots of older -8 years or so FE cars-Focus,Civic,Corolla,Prizm-with broken ACs for very good prices.The sellers don't want to spend the $1000 to repair the AC so they have to drop the price-a lot.


If you are handy and can do the some AC work yourself, or can live without the AC, or can use another method to stay cool-ice vest etc,12 volt fan-you can get a great deal.You can cobble together some sort of vest that will hold ice very cheaply.
Charlie