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Fun fuel-sipping cars
: Cheap alternatives to hybrids
Comments (16)
We've done the math. Sure hybrid and diesel-powered cars get great mileage, but they cost more to buy. So much more that it can take seven or eight years to make back the extra cost in fuel savings.
That's why we think a traditional front-wheel-drive compact or subcompact with an efficient four-cylinder engine is a better gas-saving alternative for many buyers.
Our six favorite fuel-sippers for 2013 get more than 30 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving yet cost from $15,420 to $20,020, including delivery fees. That's incredibly affordable when you consider that the average cost of a new car or truck topped $30,000 last year.
These aren't some dreary little econoboxes, either. The nicely equipped versions we recommend seat at least four and come with automatic transmissions, air conditioning, six or more air bags, trip computers, power windows, locks and outside mirrors. The fuel-economy numbers are EPA estimates, as are the annual fuel costs listed for each car. Why spend extra for technology if one of these rides will fill your needs?
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tdi is asmbled in mexico i dont want mexican car...lol
yes jetta is asamblend in mexico and dont want mexican car............. lol
This is a total "Duh" moment! Everybody knew this 5+ years ago! The auto industry thinks we are all dunces!
Stupid... stupid... stupid
2010 WV Jetta TDI sport wagon 45 MPG highway beats the California emission standard (love it)
2010 TDI Jetta $20k and i get high 40s-low 50s mpg.
Sure, you can get over 30 mpg. My old 1999 Escort did 32 on the freeway. Sis's 1984 Cutlass got 33 mpg. The problem is, a Big-3 4-banger will last barely 100K miles if you're lucky. Put on the A/C and it can't go up a hill.
Chevy Cruze, rental car edition, averaged 38mpg on a trip from Washington State to Southern California. All the creature comforts one would need. Give or take about 20K. Not too shabby!
You can buy a brand new Prius for $22k that get's 50 mpg. Ford Fiesta for $19k, and 30 mpg is not much more affordable. Stupid article.
Sarah, you haven't driven any 4 cylinder cars recently, have you? With rare exception, I've driven nothing but 4 cylinder cars for over 20 years. Not one of them failed to keep up with traffic or cruise on the highway at 70 plus. All well trimmed, all comfortable. Don't be an ecco-snob.
So "it can take seven or eight years to make back the extra cost in fuel savings" it says ... to which I say so what? MOST who purchase higher-priced hybrid vehicles do NOT do so to "save" money on gas; rather, MOST do so to CONSUME as little gas as possible. As for me, I've NEVER gotten less than 37mpg out of an entire tank in our Prius, have gotten less than 40mpg only six times - out of 121 fuel-ups, and FREQUENTLY get 55-65mpg for lengthier, combined in-town trips during the warmer months (March through October). Total fuel costs for the four years and five months of Prius ownership: less than $2400.
They leave out the fact that hybrids get the acceleration of a 6-cylinder vehicle, while a 4-cylinder will leave you puttering around with no pickup.
I bought a Toyota Prius for $25,000. I get 46 to 58 mpg on the highway depending on how far I go and how many hills. I also get between 54 and 68 mpg in the city again depending on how far I go what speed I am traveling and how much I use just the electric without gas.
Be careful with the 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The fuel efficiency is nowhere near what they advertise. If you go on the Hyundai website you will see that they are offering a fuel reimbursement program because customers have complained that the fuel efficiency does not match what they have advertised. Unfortunately, my model, Elantra Touring, is not part of the recall. I emailed Hyundai to find out why it is not on the recall list since my fuel efficiency keeps going down. My Touring has the same engine and transmission as those on the recall list, just a different body type. Haven't heard back from Hyundai. Buyer beware.
Agree with Chris. In my market (Western WA) diesel is often more expensive than premium unleaded. Using the following assumptions, I compared a TDI to an Elantra:
- Unleaded/Diesel price differential $0.50/gal
- Elantra city epa rating: 28mpg (I get 30+ in mixed commute and have gotten 39 on highway)
- TDI city epa rating: 30mpg
- My annual mileage: 15,000
Elantra: (15,000/28)*$3.50 = $1875
TDI: (15,000/30)*$4.00 = $2000
Even if diesel cost the same as gas the annual saving is only $125 ($1750) so if you are buying the car based on fuel cost the additional expense of the TDI does not pencil out. Even based on the differential on highway driving (4mpg difference) it's hard to justify the additonal expense.
Not to say the TDI is not a fine car--it is, but it misses the point of the article which is to identify alternatives to hybrids that cost significantly less to purchase.
Really only 6 to 10 thousand more. The whole idea of this article was to show economical alternatives. Some of us don"t have an extra 10k to spend.
Boring econoboxes all. How about the VW Jetta TDI?? Roomier than the cars listed here. Turbo Diesel so it has a ton of torque plus it corners like it's on rails. Bought one for my wife- we got 48.8 MPG on a trip from Philly to Boston and back!! Yes, diesel costs a little more but it's about the same as premium unleaded gas and as most of you know any Euro or Japanese car with a turbo gas engine should run on premium anyway. It's basically an Audi A4 in diesel form - of course without all the fancy trim and nameplate. Loaded to the gills- sunroof, heated seats, premium audio w/ satellite radio, navigation, push button start, alloys, 6 speed DSG auto trans, etc.- sticker was only $26K. Another advantage of their "clean diesel" is no emissions inspection necessary here in "Pennsyltucky".