What new car 08-09 has The Best MPG's - Gas Savers

clee1052 · 02-08-2008, 08:12 AM

My wife travels throughout the East Coast for her job, we have an 06 Kia Spectra with a ton of miles, and I want to purchase A newcar for her. We need something small comfy reliable and the best MPGS..IDEAS PLEASE...

Chris

BIBI · 02-08-2008, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clee1052

My wife travels throughout the East Coast for her job, we have an 06 Kia Spectra with a ton of miles, and I want to purchase A newcar for her. We need something small comfy reliable and the best MPGS..IDEAS PLEASE...

Chris

Toyota Yaris, is the only way to go, and the MOST FE. Dont get any option (or maybe the AC if your south) and the price will be okay.

But still a Chevrolet Aveo is getting good highway FE and they are cheaper than the Yaris.

It all comes down to the price, and also if you planned on keeping the car for a wild, if so, I would go with the Yaris. Also, if you traveled a lot, than go with the Yaris because of the mpg.

Bruce · 02-08-2008, 11:57 AM

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bestworst.shtml

HCH or Prius for best FE regardless of price, Yaris for low TCO. All should be very reliable.

The Smart may be in the running for TCO as well, although there's no reliability data yet and it's received some poor reviews.

You may also want to stop at the library and check out Consumer Reports' annual auto issue to weed out high-maintenance vehicles you might consider.

Make sure you get all the options your wife wants so she isn't inclined to ditch the car early.

jandree22 · 02-08-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIBI

But still a Chevrolet Aveo is getting good highway FE and they are cheaper than the Yaris.

IMO, the Chevy Cobalt is a lot more car, and only 1 less highway MPG than the Aveo. Also, FWIW the Aveo is actually the rebadged Daewoo Kalos... but since you already owned a Kia perhaps you're not bothered by Korean cars as much as I am.

All that being said, get a Yaris or Corolla

JESSE69 · 02-08-2008, 04:01 PM

Wait for the 2009 models to come out - maybe in September. The 09 Fit and Prius will be better.

moboman · 02-20-2008, 07:12 PM

HHR's are good too. Decent miles, but its bigger, comfy. Just got one! love it.

DarbyWalters · 02-21-2008, 09:54 AM

Wait for the VW Diesels...

white90crxhf · 06-13-2008, 11:16 AM

Get a civic coupe, i am enjoying mine.

goofy1 · 06-14-2008, 03:33 AM

Toyota Corolla,Yaris(my brothers' automatic one just got 40mpg)Matrix/vibe(wait for Sept. for the new iQ from toyota)
Honda. Civic,insight

BEEF · 06-14-2008, 08:14 AM

what about a baby mercedes. it is reliable.

sister companies are awesome.

I am talking about a SMART. it is rated 40MPG but people are claiming 45-47

swng · 06-14-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goofy1

Toyota Corolla,Yaris(my brothers' automatic one just got 40mpg)Matrix/vibe(wait for Sept. for the new iQ from toyota)
Honda. Civic,insight

So glad that someone mentions the Matrix. Consumer Reports seem to agree that it is relatively fuel economical. Please see: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...cks-videos.htm.
I have the 09 AWD version. Its fuel economy is not bad but is much worse than that of the Yaris. Still, if one needs a car of its particular size and practicality, I would recommend it

.

slurp812 · 06-15-2008, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIBI

Toyota Yaris, is the only way to go, and the MOST FE. Dont get any option (or maybe the AC if your south) and the price will be okay.

But still a Chevrolet Aveo is getting good highway FE and they are cheaper than the Yaris.

It all comes down to the price, and also if you planned on keeping the car for a wild, if so, I would go with the Yaris. Also, if you traveled a lot, than go with the Yaris because of the mpg.

The Aveo is a deawoo , and could be a reliability disaster. I would go with the Yaris.

fourrobert13 · 06-15-2008, 03:52 PM

I like my new 2008 Civic sedan. It's getting 35 + MPG right now, but I just got it yesterday. I leave tomorrow for 2 weeks worth of training for my job, but when I get back, I am going to see what I can really get out it.

MorningGaser · 06-16-2008, 11:47 AM

The cheapest car Toyota makes, the car that saves the most $$, and the lowest cost of ownership is the Preeeee....NO! It's not the Prius...it's the Yaris! The Prius cost of ownership (including gasoline) is higher, and you'd have to drive it over 300,000 miles before it gets cheaper then the gas-only Yaris. Goes to show you, hybrids are not the cheapest in regard to cost of ownership/gasoline costs.

Wazabi Owner · 06-16-2008, 04:56 PM

Small - comfy - reliable?

Yaris, Corolla, Civic, Accent, Scion Xd, are just a few and with that being said...... I'm a Smart owner - almost 5,000 trouble free miles so far. Unfortunately you can't walk into a Smart dealer and buy one.

~~imzjustplayin~~ · 06-26-2008, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wazabi Owner

Small - comfy - reliable?

Yaris, Corolla, Civic, Accent, Scion Xd, are just a few and with that being said...... I'm a Smart owner - almost 5,000 trouble free miles so far. Unfortunately you can't walk into a Smart dealer and buy one.

I've never understood how someone could buy a car so small and so heavy, which gets such poor mileage for its size and power. There are other Kei cars that get better mileage than the Smart Fortwo, just take a look at the Honda City...

Kohote · 06-26-2008, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *************

I've never understood how someone could buy a car so small and so heavy, which gets such poor mileage for its size and power. There are other Kei cars that get better mileage than the Smart Fortwo, just take a look at the Honda City...

The waiting period to get a new smart is many months. All these people must like something about the smart. It is such a revolutionary vehicle, one must hope it does great in the US. Maybe it will finally convince people they don't need to drive around by themselves in pickup trucks and suvs. The smart car's success will hopefully be the gateway to many more smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles. Look at all the options consumers in Europe have that we don't get, the smart may convince manufacturers to bring them here.

The smart car is not perfect, but its success may be the tip of the iceberg so to speak to new fuel efficient vehicles. Don't forget the smart fortwo diesel gets around 70 mpg, if it comes to the US would you still scoff at it? It may take the gas version to be a huge success to convince them to bring over the diesel. You have to admit that it is a step in the right direction, maybe not the best solution, but it will hopefully be the start of the fuel efficient revolution in the US. We may not all like the smart car or think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but we need it to be successful.

~~imzjustplayin~~ · 06-26-2008, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kohote

The waiting period to get a new smart is many months. All these people must like something about the smart. It is such a revolutionary vehicle, one must hope it does great in the US. Maybe it will finally convince people they don't need to drive around by themselves in pickup trucks and suvs. The smart car's success will hopefully be the gateway to many more smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles. Look at all the options consumers in Europe have that we don't get, the smart may convince manufacturers to bring them here.

The smart car is not perfect, but its success may be the tip of the iceberg so to speak to new fuel efficient vehicles. Don't forget the smart fortwo diesel gets around 70 mpg, if it comes to the US would you still scoff at it? It may take the gas version to be a huge success to convince them to bring over the diesel. You have to admit that it is a step in the right direction, maybe not the best solution, but it will hopefully be the start of the fuel efficient revolution in the US. We may not all like the smart car or think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but we need it to be successful.

Yes I would. Even at 70mpg it would be pathetic considering that it's a DIESEL.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_City

Quote:

Fuel Consumption

The 2005 face-lifted Honda City i-DSI achieved an impressive 26.2 km per liter (61.6 miles per gallon) of fuel consumption during a challenge in June 2007.[3] The challenge requires the vehicle to be occupied by 4 persons (including the driver), air conditioning being switched on and a load of luggage. The whole route stretched more than 660 km that consists of not only highway driving but also hill climbing.

And these are 1.3L - 1.5L PETROL engines.

Kohote · 06-26-2008, 11:56 PM

Yes, the smart may not be the most efficient, but do you agree that if it is a success (which it appears to be) there is a greater chance the US will get more fuel efficient options?

And also, the 70 mpg quote I gave you for the diesel was conservative. Sort of like the epa estimating the gasser at 36 but people consistently get low 40 to mid 50mpg. You should check out vehicle Smartan2 in the garage, they have achieved two tanks at over 100mpg.

~~imzjustplayin~~ · 06-27-2008, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kohote

Yes, the smart may not be the most efficient, but do you agree that if it is a success (which it appears to be) there is a greater chance the US will get more fuel efficient options?

And also, the 70 mpg quote I gave you for the diesel was conservative. Sort of like the epa estimating the gasser at 36 but people consistently get low 40 to mid 50mpg. You should check out vehicle Smartan2 in the garage, they have achieved two tanks at over 100mpg.

There are larger, lighter cars that have achieved over 100mpg too. 100mpg seems like a number a lot of cars can acheive if the circumstances provide for it, not to mention modifications. I'm just annoyed that this low mileage vehicles are getting so much credit. I don't believe the smartfortwo should be the poster child for fuel efficient vehicles. If people knew they could have their cake and eat it, then we'd see a much greater transition to more efficient vehcies. i.e. A midsize sedan that got 50MPG to the gallon, not a kei/micro car that gets 35mpg. The smartfortwo if anything can be used as an tool by GM and even toyota as an argument for the reason why they shouldn't increase the CAFE standards.

**theholycow** · 06-27-2008, 07:01 AM

*************, you live in the US and are discussing this with users in the US. How is the Honda City, a car that's not available on this continent, relevant in a discussion of whether or not the Smart is a good choice for someone choosing among what's available here?

~~imzjustplayin~~ · 06-27-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theholycow

*************, you live in the US and are discussing this with users in the US. How is the Honda City, a car that's not available on this continent, relevant in a discussion of whether or not the Smart is a good choice for someone choosing among what's available here?

The only reason why the smartfortwo got here was due to third party dealers bringing the car over here, doing that to the Honda City would be a lot better idea.

Wazabi Owner · 06-27-2008, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *************

I've never understood how someone could buy a car so small and so heavy, which gets such poor mileage for its size and power. There are other Kei cars that get better mileage than the Smart Fortwo, just take a look at the Honda City...

Yep, looks like my next tank of gas on my Smart will be only around 47-49 mpg's (wow that sucks

)- just a guesstimate from what the Scangauge is telling me right now - I'll fill up tomorrow as I still have plenty of gas left on this tank and have 340 miles on it so far.

Some people (A LOT OF PEOPLE) don't buy cars strictly on size, power, & mileage. Many of the cars I've gotten was because I liked it - the Smart falls into that category. That sucky mileage you mention that I'm getting was an afterthought. I wanted a car with character, very few cars in the US have that. I'm not gonna bash any other of the vanillas out there though.

Oh, I completely missed you what you're driving and mileage?

CKaelin · 06-29-2008, 09:47 AM

Someone say YARIS? I just got one last week. 5 speed hatch back (lift back). I'm loving it so far! 12,500 OTD! Tacoma Buy back payed for most of it! On my third tank. (1st was dealer fill) First tank I drove "normally" 65-75 on highway, AC on, I got 37mpg. Tank I just filled this morning. I got 46.76 mpg! No AC, Didn't go over 60 on the highway. I am really excited about this little car!

~~imzjustplayin~~ · 06-29-2008, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CKaelin

Someone say YARIS? I just got one last week. 5 speed hatch back (lift back). I'm loving it so far! 12,500 OTD! Tacoma Buy back payed for most of it! On my third tank. (1st was dealer fill) First tank I drove "normally" 65-75 on highway, AC on, I got 37mpg. Tank I just filled this morning. I got 46.76 mpg! No AC, Didn't go over 60 on the highway. I am really excited about this little car!

This is a new car, I read from a lot of people that the yaris starts to lose mileage over time, getting into the low 20s..

~~imzjustplayin~~ · 06-29-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wazabi Owner

Yep, looks like my next tank of gas on my Smart will be only around 47-49 mpg's (wow that sucks

)- just a guesstimate from what the Scangauge is telling me right now - I'll fill up tomorrow as I still have plenty of gas left on this tank and have 340 miles on it so far.

Some people (A LOT OF PEOPLE) don't buy cars strictly on size, power, & mileage. Many of the cars I've gotten was because I liked it - the Smart falls into that category. That sucky mileage you mention that I'm getting was an afterthought. I wanted a car with character, very few cars in the US have that. I'm not gonna bash any other of the vanillas out there though.

Oh, I completely missed you what you're driving and mileage?

47mpg is crap compared to what you should get for its size IMO. 60MPG>47MPG. Also I doubt you had 4 passengers, running A/C and going up inclines. Also you're entitled to what you want to drive, but to not acknowledge that the Smartfortwo gets crap mileage is annoying and naive.

Wazabi Owner · 06-29-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CKaelin

Someone say YARIS? I just got one last week. 5 speed hatch back (lift back). I'm loving it so far! 12,500 OTD! Tacoma Buy back payed for most of it! On my third tank. (1st was dealer fill) First tank I drove "normally" 65-75 on highway, AC on, I got 37mpg. Tank I just filled this morning. I got 46.76 mpg! No AC, Didn't go over 60 on the highway. I am really excited about this little car!

Great going. Yaris is nice and once it loosens up your mileage will get better. Keep up your mileage logs.

Rayme · 06-29-2008, 02:49 PM

I'm going to Chime in and give my opinion on the yaris.

I love Toyota, it's all I ever owned before my subaru (that I sold), I drive my GF's yaris alot, and all thing said, I'd never get one just because of the driving position, on the highway it's just a pain for me (I'm 5"10..normal height). The pedals seems too close to the seat and if you back it up the steering it too far. My right foot gets incredibly fatigued by having the pedal more vertically than most cars.

All that being said, if she had cruise control..it would be perfect

. .. I love EVERYTHING ELSE about the car!

The MPG is incredible, the engine shift into overdrive just driving at 50 KM/H and the torque converter seems locked at any given speed, that thing means business MPG wise.

Lug_Nut · 06-30-2008, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rayme

The MPG is incredible, the engine shift into overdrive just driving at 50 KM/H and the torque converter seems locked at any given speed, that thing means business MPG wise.

That's something I dislike at present about the auto in my Passat TDI, it doesn't permit simple forced top gear or lock-up, despite having a manual function.
Leave it in drive and 5th doesn't engage until 42 mph regardless of engine load or terrain. Move the selector to manual and 5th won't select until 40 mph, again regardless of load or terrain. Keep hitting +, +, + all you want, the controller won't allow 5th until 40 mph.
Drop below 40 mph and the transmission goes into 4th, whether in auto or manual mode, even when coasting with zero load. Unfortunately, in manual it doesn't return to the previous 5th, but remains in 4th until faster than 40 and 5th is re-selected. In full auto it will go up to 5th on it's own at 42 mph if the load is low enough.
I'm still learning the quirks of this car. I also have the software to access the electronics, possibly allowing modification of the transmission controller's factory default shift points.
The rest of the entire package is really nice. I'll tolerate and work around the transmission idiosyncracies.

opelgt73 · 06-30-2008, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lug_Nut

That's something I dislike at present about the auto in my Passat TDI, it doesn't permit simple forced top gear or lock-up, despite having a manual function.
Leave it in drive and 5th doesn't engage until 42 mph regardless of engine load or terrain. Move the selector to manual and 5th won't select until 40 mph, again regardless of load or terrain. Keep hitting +, +, + all you want, the controller won't allow 5th until 40 mph.
Drop below 40 mph and the transmission goes into 4th, whether in auto or manual mode, even when coasting with zero load. Unfortunately, in manual it doesn't return to the previous 5th, but remains in 4th until faster than 40 and 5th is re-selected. In full auto it will go up to 5th on it's own at 42 mph if the load is low enough.
I'm still learning the quirks of this car. I also have the software to access the electronics, possibly allowing modification of the transmission controller's factory default shift points.
The rest of the entire package is really nice. I'll tolerate and work around the transmission idiosyncracies.

That sounds like something you could hack.