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

EdwinTheMagnificent · Aug 5, 2012

Wow, after folks read that , there will be a stampede of people running to their local used-car lot to try to find a Sable wagon. Some of them will only be able to find a Taurus and will be laughed at by the Sable owners. But ALL of them will be SO GLAD they were able to dump their crappy uncomfortable Prius and get into some real American iron.

50 mpg by 2012 · Aug 6, 2012

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

EdwinTheMagnificent said: ↑

Wow, after folks read that , there will be a stampede of people running to their local used-car lot to try to find a Sable wagon. Some of them will only be able to find a Taurus and will be laughed at by the Sable owners. But ALL of them will be SO GLAD they were able to dump their crappy uncomfortable Prius and get into some real American iron.
Click to expand...

Maybe the data at these links will shed some light on the situation

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Mercury&model=Sable Wagon

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Mercury&model=Sable

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Mercury&model=Sable FWD

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Honda&model=Civic

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Honda&model=Civic HX

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Honda&model=Civic HF

There is a great amount of data covering many years (some pre 1990) so I'll let you review it and draw your own conclusions about user average mpg experience.

BTW ... http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList is based more than 35,000 model configurations over the past 28 years.

EDIT: My new 1975 Civic CVCC cost 1/6 the base price of the 2012 Civic HF with 38 and 39 User MPG respectively. Of course, the 2012 is a LOT MORE car.

PaleMelanesian · Aug 7, 2012

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

50 mpg by 2012 said: ↑

EDIT: My new 1975 Civic CVCC cost 1/6 the base price of the 2012 Civic HF with 38 and 39 User MPG respectively. Of course, the 2012 is a LOT MORE car.
Click to expand...

Yes, but inflation. Counting for that, the old CVCC cost 2/3 as much as the new Hf.

Mpgplus · May 27, 2013

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

Do 't forget the crx, I am getting 53 mpg mostly stock with aero hubcaps and I paid $1800. When people put a vx engine in it they are getting 70mpg ( economodder site).

xcel · May 27, 2013

Hi Mpgplus:

Welcome to CleanMPG.

An original Insight can do another 50% on top of that with no adding an engine although finding one in good condition nowadays is becoming tough.

Great to see you are in a CR-X though. Great Honda fuel savers with lean burn without restrictions from a ways back indeed.

Wayne

Socal Monster · Jun 5, 2013

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

xcel said: ↑

Fuel efficient used car values may be your solution.

[xfloat=left]http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2004_Toyota_Echo.jpg[/xfloat]Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - April 30, 2006

2004 Toyota Echo with a 35/43 EPA rating (85 – 07 EPA specs) – Just one of many inexpensive newer used cars with excellent FE.

Here are a few alternatives ranked by year that may fit your criteria for > 35 - 40 MPG per the 85 – 07 EPA specifications as reported by Fuel Economy.gov and Private Party Pricing as derived from Kelly’s Blue Book otherwise known as KBB.

Definitions: All vehicles below were considered to be in Good Condition, purchased in the Chicago area, with the lowest standard equipment package (GL vs. GLS as an example), miles for a given year as shown and include 5-speed manuals unless otherwise noted.

"Good" condition means that the vehicle is free of any major defects. This vehicle has a clean title history, the paint, body and interior have only minor (if any) blemishes, and there are no major mechanical problems. There should be little or no rust on this vehicle. The tires match and have substantial tread wear left. A "good" vehicle will need some reconditioning to be sold at retail. Most consumer owned vehicles fall into this category.

Private Party: Private Party Value is what a buyer can expect to pay when buying a used car from a neighbor or from the classifieds in the local paper.

2004 Honda Civic HX

2004

Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Column5 Column6
Make Model Drivetrain EPA Estimates (City/Highway) KBB – Private Party Pricing (US $’s) Miles

Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Man(5) 60/66 $13,840 35,000

Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Auto(CVT) 57/56 $13,840 35,000

Toyota Prius 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(CVT) 60/51 $16,775 35,000

Honda Civic Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Auto(CVT) 48/47 $14,985 35,000

Honda Civic Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 46/51 $14,490 35,000

Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 38/46 $14,730 35,000

Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 38/46 $15,555 35,000

Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 38/46 $16,405 35,000

Honda Civic HX 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Man(5) 36/44 $10,810 35,000

Toyota Echo 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5) 35/43 $7,440 35,000

2003

Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Column5 Column6
Make Model Drivetrain EPA Estimates (City/Highway) KBB – Private Party Pricing (US $’s) Miles

Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Man(5) 61/68 $11,745 50,000

Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Auto(CVT) 57/56 $11,745 50,000

Toyota Prius 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(CVT) 52/45 $13,955 50,000

Honda Civic Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Auto(CVT) 48/47 $13,135 50,000

Honda Civic Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 46/51 $12,690 50,000

Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 42/49 $12,585 50,000

Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 42/49 $13,180 50,000

Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 40/49 $14,285 50,000

Honda Civic HX 4 cyl, 1.7 L, Man(5) 36/44 $9,690 50,000

Toyota Echo 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5) 35/43 $6,345 50,000

2002 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI

2002

Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Column5 Column6
Make Model Drivetrain EPA Estimates (City/Highway) KBB – Private Party Pricing (US $’s) Miles

Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Man(5) 61/68 $9,970 65,000

Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Auto(CVT) 57/56 $9,970 65,000

Toyota Prius 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(CVT) 52/45 $12,025 65,000

Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 42/49 $11,010 65,000

Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 42/49 $11,125 65,000

Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 40/49 $12,030 65,000

2001

Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Column5 Column6
Make Model Drivetrain EPA Estimates (City/Highway) KBB – Private Party Pricing (US $’s) Miles

Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Man(5) 61/68 $8,495 75,000

Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Auto(CVT) 57/56 $8,495 75,000

Toyota Prius 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(CVT) 52/45 $10,300 75,000

Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 42/49 $9,385 75,000

Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 42/49 $9,450 75,000

Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 40/49 $10,340 75,000

Suzuki Swift 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 36/42 $2,865 75,000

2000 Honda Insight

2000

Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Column5 Column6
Make Model Drivetrain EPA Estimates (City/Highway) KBB – Private Party Pricing (US $’s) Miles

Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Man(5) 61/70 $7,270 85,000

Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 42/49 $8,225 85,000

Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 42/49 $8,375 85,000

Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 40/49 $8,955 85,000

Chevrolet Metro 3 cyl, 1 L, Man(5) 39/46 $2,165 85,000

Chevrolet Metro 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 36/42 $2,625 85,000

Suzuki Swift 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 36/42 $2,265 85,000

1999

Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Column5 Column6
Make Model Drivetrain EPA Estimates (City/Highway) KBB – Private Party Pricing (US $’s) Miles

Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 42/49 $6,710 95,000

Chevrolet Metro 3 cyl, 1 L, Man(5) 41/47 $1,670 95,000

Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 40/49 $5,200 95,000

Chevrolet Metro 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 39/43 $2,020 95,000

1998 Chevrolet Metro

1998

Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Column5 Column6
Make Model Drivetrain EPA Estimates (City/Highway) KBB – Private Party Pricing (US $’s) Miles

Chevrolet Metro 3 cyl, 1.0 L, Man(5) 44/49 $1,425 105,000

Volkswagen New Beetle 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 41/48 $5,830 105,000

Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 40/49 $4,425 105,000

Volkswagen Passat 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 39/50 $5,670 105,000

Chevrolet Metro 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 39/43 $1,675 105,000

Suzuki Swift 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 39/43 $1,525 105,000

1997

Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Column5 Column6
Make Model Drivetrain EPA Estimates (City/Highway) KBB – Private Party Pricing (US $’s) Miles

Geo Metro 3 cyl, 1.0 L, Man(5) 44/49 $1,070 115,000

Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 40/49 $3,875 115,000

Geo Metro 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 39/43 $1,550 115,000

Suzuki Swift 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 39/43 $1,145 115,000

Volkswagen Passat 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 38/47 $4,550 115,000

Honda Civic HX 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5) 37/44 $3,830 115,000

1996 Volkswagen Golf TDI

1996

Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Column5 Column6
Make Model Drivetrain EPA Estimates (City/Highway) KBB – Private Party Pricing (US $’s) Miles

Geo Metro 3 cyl, 1.0 L, Man(5) 44/49 $970 120,000

Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 41/49 $3,000 120,000

Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 41/49 $3,325 120,000

Geo Metro 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 39/43 $1,080 120,000

Suzuki Swift 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 39/43 $1,075 120,000

Volkswagen Passat 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel 37/45 $3,875 120,000

1995

Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Column5 Column6
Make Model Drivetrain EPA Estimates (City/Highway) KBB – Private Party Pricing (US $’s) Miles

Geo Metro 3 cyl, 1.0 L, Man(5) 44/49 $925 125,000

Honda Civic VX 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5) 42/46 $2,755 125,000

Geo Metro 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 39/43 $1,100 125,000

Honda Civic CX 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5) 40/45 $2,275 125,000

1994 Honda Civic VX

1994

Column1 Column2 Column3 Column4 Column5 Column6
Make Model Drivetrain EPA Estimates (City/Highway) KBB – Private Party Pricing (US $’s) Miles

Geo Metro XFi 3 cyl, 1.0 L, Man(5) 53/58 $800 130,000

Geo Metro 3 cyl, 1.0 L, Man(5) 46/49 $750 130,000

Honda Civic VX 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5) 42/46 $2,405 130,000

Honda Civic CX 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5) 40/45 $1,950 130,000

Suzuki Swift 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5) 37/44 $750 130,000

Ford Aspire 4 cyl, 1.2 L, Man(5) 36/43 $625 130,000

This is only a guide to find relatively fuel efficient used car for an approximate price as KBB.com described. I bolded some of what I thought may be better values if I were in the market for a $9 - $10 K range used automobile, a $5K used automobile, and a bottom basement < $3,000 automobile in terms of fuel efficiency and price. The TDI’s posted above are usually better equipped then the gasoline only autos so make sure you truly understand not only the condition and capabilities, but also the std. equipment as well. As time moves forward, the used car prices listed above should decline in predictable increments except for the fact that fuel prices are distorting the fuel efficient used car market place. The standard caveats apply when making a used car purchase so do your homework as a simple Google search will quite quickly point out known issues with some of the cars posted above.

Because of the TDI’s smog related emissions being relatively poor, I would hope one would consider running those autos on B20 to lower CO2 emissions by a far greater degree then available with the gas only counterparts listed above. The older gas only used cars will be lucky to meet TLEV based specs so they are by no means a great solution to control SMOG related emissions either. Do the best you can with the $’s you have however and your used car search should turn out to be rather enjoyable.

If a new car is all you will accept but on a minimum budget, a stripped down - 29/35 mpg per the new 08 EPA specifications (34/40 mpg per the 85 – 07 EPA estimates ) - 2008 Toyota Yaris 3-door hatch might be able to be found for a touch over $11K and may be just the new, relatively low cost, and fuel efficient automobile you are looking for?

Finally, be careful out there as the used car market is not a place for the ill-informed to be playing around in.

Wayne

Thanks for your assistance Bill Lin!
Click to expand...

I just wish I could afford a new car

rfruth · Feb 19, 2015

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

I wonder if the Eilo will see the light of day ?

http://www.eliomotors.com/

xcel · Feb 20, 2015

Hi Rfruth:

I probably see 10 of their adverts in my feed(s) each and every day. Tough to launch into a market with $2.25 gasoline however. The company claims about Crash Test safety still sounds like marketing bluster to me.

Wayne

EdwinTheMagnificent · Feb 21, 2015

I'd like to drive one. Maybe just for weekend recreation in "safe" areas. If the price is actually $6800 , it's cheaper than most motorcycles , especially the ones bought for "recreation" in this country.

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

EdwinTheMagnificent Legend In His Mind

50 mpg by 2012 Well-Known Member

PaleMelanesian Beat the System Staff Member

Mpgplus New Member

xcel PZEV, there's nothing like it :) Staff Member

Socal Monster Active Member

rfruth Well-Known Member

xcel PZEV, there's nothing like it :) Staff Member

EdwinTheMagnificent Legend In His Mind

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Column1	Column2	Column3	Column4	Column5	Column6
Make	Model	Drivetrain	EPA Estimates (City/Highway)	KBB – Private Party Pricing (US $’s)	Miles
Honda	Insight	3 cyl, 1 L, Man(5)	60/66	$13,840	35,000
Honda	Insight	3 cyl, 1 L, Auto(CVT)	57/56	$13,840	35,000
Toyota	Prius	4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(CVT)	60/51	$16,775	35,000
Honda	Civic Hybrid	4 cyl, 1.3 L, Auto(CVT)	48/47	$14,985	35,000
Honda	Civic Hybrid	4 cyl, 1.3 L, Man(5)	46/51	$14,490	35,000
Volkswagen	New Beetle	4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel	38/46	$14,730	35,000
Volkswagen	Golf	4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel	38/46	$15,555	35,000
Volkswagen	Jetta	4 cyl, 1.9 L, Man(5), Diesel	38/46	$16,405	35,000
Honda	Civic HX	4 cyl, 1.7 L, Man(5)	36/44	$10,810	35,000
Toyota	Echo	4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5)	35/43	$7,440	35,000

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

EdwinTheMagnificent Legend In His Mind

50 mpg by 2012 Well-Known Member

PaleMelanesian Beat the System Staff Member

Mpgplus New Member

xcel PZEV, there's nothing like it :) Staff Member

Socal Monster Active Member

rfruth Well-Known Member

xcel PZEV, there's nothing like it :) Staff Member

EdwinTheMagnificent Legend In His Mind

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