3 Important Considerations About a Fuel Efficient Car

There are a lot of good reasons to consider purchasing a car that gets better gas mileage. Wherever you live, spending less to go further all boils down to more money in your pocket. Additionally, more fuel efficiency leads to cleaner air for everyone. So, while it’s a good idea all the way around, before you jump into the next new car that offers great gas mileage, make sure you have considered everything that pertains to you and your lifestyle. How much money a fuel-efficient car costs versus the savings, what size of vehicle works best for you and your family, and what you need from your new car depending on your specific lifestyle are important considerations. Really look at these issues, when deciding just how committed you are to fuel economy, to help you choose the best model for you.

Cost Versus Benefits

Often when someone hears the words fuel-efficient car, the first thing that comes to mind is saving money. While this is true in the long run, it’s important to be mindful of the upfront cost to purchase one. These types of vehicles have a higher price tag than those that aren’t as great on gas mileage. If you are willing and able to spend a little more when you purchase your new car, the benefits eventually outweigh the cost. This is true especially if you are constantly commuting or are on the road for errands and appointments all day. However, if you don’t use your vehicle a lot, the cost of your new car may seem too high to commit to since you may not reap the benefits of fuel efficiency in the near future.

Car Size Matters

Now consider size. Many cars that are considered fuel efficient aren’t always big enough to hold a family and all of the things that go along with it. Those that are big enough begin to lose the benefit of gas efficiency as the size increases.

However, there are several options of minivans and SUVs that may fit the bill to carry all of your loved ones around on a daily basis. Whether you are driving several children to soccer practice or running your sales business out of your car, you will need more room than the standard small gas saver. Here are some numbers pertaining to fuel-efficient cars to consider:

  •          Standard SUVs average around 30mpg
  •          Minivans average around 22mpg
  •          Midsized cars and small station wagons average around 50mpg
  •          Pickup trucks average around 25mpg

Lifestyle Demands

The final piece of this mileage puzzle lies in the way you will be using your vehicle. Will it just be you traveling on the freeways for an hour each way during the week? Perhaps you have three teenagers who have different out of town sporting events every season. Do you need a pickup truck to haul supplies and your family? Maybe you want to travel the back roads with your two full-sized labs. Whatever your lifestyle, downsizing to a more fuel efficient car takes some forethought before you jump into just any option. You have to take into consideration what all of your needs are all year long and who will be using the vehicle most.

Cars that have high fuel efficiency are a draw whether it pertains to money in your pocket or caring for the environment. However, because of the upfront cost and less fuel efficiency as the size of the vehicle increases, it’s important to do some research before taking that leap. Look at how often you use your car, what and who you need to fit into it, and what you will use it for before you decide on a certain model. That way everyone wins including the environment.