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

[da9dad]

I've been involved with Honda automobiles for a good 10years. I have gone through 5 models. I've just recently or about a year and half ago finally broke down and bought an 1990 Acura Integra LS (Auto). Now I don't believe in modifying the car to where it becomes illegal to drive on city streets. What I have learned though is that Honda motors are at the least the most intelligently developed engines in the world (again this my opinion...I'm sure those of you who are reading have a different angle on this...) They take the least amount of fuel and bring about the most amount of HP to bring about a great deal of FE. I've also learned that if your the only person driving the car is to make the car as light as possible. I'm not talking removing stuff from your trunk I'm talking. removing material from the inside. When you think about it the interior adds further weight. So at the very least removing the rear seat and trunk panels including the carpet would help in saving weight of 20-60#'s. I've even considered purchasing a Carbon Fiber Hood and Trunk. The stock hood for my car car is approx 80#'s and about the same for the trunk so that's nearly 200# is weight saving increasing the FE a great deal. However, this modificaition comes at a cost ($400-500 for the hood and $600-800 for the trunk. If lucky, can even find Carbon fiber front fenders). Now I don't like fancy looking hoods and gills so I'd stick with the stock look. Then there's the Wheels. Honda Civic hatch back wheels such as the HX (96-97) all have a light alloy wheel that weighs in approx 11.75# each. getting your engine to turn these wheels should also add to fuel savings as there is less mass to torque. However, these wheels are only 14" but if you increase the size say to 16" and finding a forged wheel that weighs in at 13-15# your increasing FE and decreasing rolling diameter (remember this is the wheel only, you have to account for tire weight).
So for those of you who have bigger wheels, with chromed feature. Try removing that wheel and putting it on a scale. If you have a wheel that weighs in at 30-40# especially when your using the stock steel wheel, the operative word here is STEEL then your definitely making your engine work harder.

[sessegolo]

From a hypermiling perspective it seems that some cars allow better mileage gains (over EPA) than others... Is that right? If so, what would be a good bet as far as a small, second-hand sedan? It seems that would be the Civic, based on what I read on other threads...???

Italo

[Vooch]

Here is what I'd look for in a small used car (aside from the obvious used car stuff)

1) 5 speed manual

2) engine with the most torque (not HP) check out original specs - for DWL & P&G

3) best original EPA MPG (go to the EPA MPG site - you can find cars EPA rating from waaaay back)


4) If you want to get really technical , I'd compare weight, CD's and gear ratios, but most of that is already incorporated into the EPA rating.

5) Highest Max sidewall pressure of Tires

[xcel]

Hi Italo:

___The Civic of any era is about the best available for FE from a compact.

___As Vooch said, a stick can really do wonders if you want to hypermile as it has the ability to do so much more including better performance and in some cases, even better Fe on the highway. Negatives, lower resale which you should be able to take advantage of since you are buying used yourself

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[guajero]

I highly recomend the Chevrolet Prizm, I have driven four of them and great mileage can be easily coaxed out of them. The prizm is a poor man's corolla and is much cheaper on the used market.

[brucepick]

Wayne, I want to thank you for this article.

This is where I first learned of the Honda Civic HX - a car with near-hybrid FE that can be bought at maybe 15% of the price of a new Prius or Civic Hybrid. It took me a while but I finally acquired one.

Last week I became the owner of a '97 Civic HX with 5-speed. Early results are between 41-53 mpg. Yesterday I had the thermostat changed (was running too cool) and had four new tires installed - so I think now we'll see what FE it produces when properly set up.

Thank you again, Wayne.
Bruce

[peacefrog_0521]

It struck me as curious several months ago when I was trying to find a used VW Jetta TDI, that they were few in number, overpriced, and still usually sold before I could inquire. Same for the Golf. The New Beetle TDI, however - plenty of those to go around...

[COMP]

Originally Posted by peacefrog_0521

It struck me as curious several months ago when I was trying to find a used VW Jetta TDI, that they were few in number, overpriced, and still usually sold before I could inquire. Same for the Golf. The New Beetle TDI, however - plenty of those to go around...

look at it ,,thats why

[Electrify]

Echo FTW!!!

Unbeatable mileage, great space, maneuverable, top of the line reliability, and under $10,000!!! If you are in the market for a used car, I cannot recommend this vehicle enough.

(Unless you live in Europe, where you have a wide selection of superminis and city cars)

[KrazyDawg]

Originally Posted by xcel

Hi Italo:

___The Civic of any era is about the best available for FE from a compact.

___As Vooch said, a stick can really do wonders if you want to hypermile as it has the ability to do so much more including better performance and in some cases, even better Fe on the highway. Negatives, lower resale which you should be able to take advantage of since you are buying used yourself

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I disagree. The 95 Civic EX that I have is in the middle in terms of years but towards the lowest end for fuel efficiency. Combined MPG is 26 by the new EPA. Older and newer civics alike have a higher combined MPG. The VX is a different model and because my engine is a 1.6L VTEC it's not the most efficient compared to other models in the same year. All the other models of 95 with the exception of EX receives better MPG. I drove a 94 Civic LX as a loaner car that had better MPG. In short, one has to do research still even on Civics but they are reliable.