Gas prices have soared to an all time high. In the first half of 2008, oil companies posted record breaking earnings and US car manufacturers, like Ford, posted record losses. The message sent to car manufacturers - make more gas friendly models. Why not look at car models that currently get the best gas mileage. Ford and others will likely start bringing European models and introducing new high MPG calls to the market, but we do have decent MPG models on the market now.
Although Ford might have lost a lot of money during their second quarter, they also have a stellar model - the Ford Focus - that competes with the ever-popular import compacts. The Ford Focus has a 24/35 (city/highway) MPG rating when it's a manual, and a 24/33 rating when it's an automatic. To put this into perspective, the 2009 Ford Mustang V6 received a 19/26 MPG rating. Fuel efficiency seems to be a major concern of many buying newer model cars, and while Ford makes steps in the right direction with the Focus, other manufacturers have created fuel efficient juggernauts.
Toyota has seen tremendous success with their hybrid and compact line of cars. The Prius hybrid has amazing MPG rating at 48/45. This means the Prius can drive twice as far, on the same amount of gas, as a Ford Focus (in the city). The mechanics of the hybrid don't give it better mileage on the highway, but it still outpaces most compacts on the market at 45 MPG. The Toyota Corolla comes in at 27/35 MPG with an automatic. This markets the Corolla alongside the domestic Ford Focus.
Who says fuel efficiency equals compact sized cars? The Nissan Altima comes in to the picture with 23/32 MPG (manual) and 23/31 (automatic). At just over 30 MPG, this fuel efficient car bests many other four door model cars in its class. You may be saying, it's only getting four more MPG than the 2009 Mustang we talked about earlier. You would be right, but 4 MPG can make a huge difference when it comes to a year's supply of gas.
Calculating a Year's Supply of Gas
Let's do a little math. The average car travels 12,000 miles per year. Let's assume all those 12,000 miles would be city driving. The 2009 Ford Mustang owner would be using 632 gallons of gas, while the Nissan Altima would be using 522 gallons. At $4 per gallon, the Altima owner would pay $2,088, while the Mustang owner would fork over $2,528. The close to five hundred dollar savings could be two car payments on the Altima, which retails for less than the Mustang.
But let's not compare apples to oranges - let's look at the Toyota Prius against the Ford Focus. We've established the Focus would take 522 gallons to travel 12,000 city miles in a year. The Prius would take less than half that, with 250 gallons to make the 12,000 miles. This means the Prius owner would spend a cool thousand dollars on gasoline, as compare to over two thousand for the Altima owner. What a difference a battery makes!
Other Fuel Efficient Cars
We've named some of the front runners and mass marketed models. Now let's look at a few of the newcomers to the market, and review their ratings.
The Mini Cooper has become an instant classic since its rebirth on the US market. The tiny compact comes in at 28/37 (manual) and 26/34 (automatic). The speedy Mini Cooper can reach excellent MPG ratings if you can keep from accelerating too much.
It's no surprise that high-end car makers have been combining luxury with fuel economy - it's a birth of efficiency and reward. The latest line of hybrid Lexus models shows us exactly what can be accomplished with more combustible bang for our buck. Of course, Lexus has been criticized for their lack of informative commercials and the fact their hybrids don't reduce pollution. Coming from the makers of the Prius, we can only hope they improve.
The Lexus 600h L model is the first mass produced V8 fully hybrid vehicle, according to a Wikipedia article. The car gets 20/22 MPG - not exactly terrific numbers - but for a V8 with this type of luxury and power Lexus has made great strides towards fuel economy in a car class more consumed with status accoutrements.
Learn to Drive Stick
The models we talked about usually have better mileage when they're manual. Automatic transmissions usually perform the same for city driving, but not highway. If you truly want to be fuel efficient, then you should buy one of the models we suggested (or a car with similar MPG rating) and learn to drive stick. It's never too late to learn a new skill.
2009年3月24日星期二
How to Save Money at the Gas Pump
With gas prices climbing higher and higher, each stop to fill up the tank takes more and more out of our wallets. We can almost hear the audible whirl of the gas ticker as we fill up with 10, 15, 20 gallons of gasoline. So how can we combat the rising prices of gasoline? We must be informed consumers, knowing what our options are before committing ourselves to spending more and more at the gas pump.
Seeing Green in Your Car and Wallet
The recent gas price climb has influenced many car makers. As we all know, hybrids came screaming onto the market, promising cheap gas usage, more miles to the gallon, and slick designs. These cars have more than doubled in production numbers, as car makers who failed to introduce a hybrid were caught by surprise at their instant success. Many people looking to save gas money started buying these cars and touting their genius when they reached 40, 50, even 60 miles per gallon. So it is no surprise that many 2008 model cars have introduced the kinetic energy alternative alongside the combustion engine. These new hybrid models promise to save money at the pump and to look good while doing it. The hybrids have become more powerful, with many new SUVs—a traditional gas guzzler. There are many sites online that can help you find the perfect hybrid vehicle, including Hybrid-car.org and GreenHybrid.com.
What if you cannot take the financial leap that comes with purchasing a new car? We take a look at alternative means to save money on gas.
Save Money on Gas with Common Sense and without Myths
Have you ever been told that to let your car run when stopped for a few minutes is better than stopping and starting the car? This myth may have come down from the wisdom of your father or grandfather, but it is actually not true with newer fuel injection engines. The injectors eliminate wasteful gas use when starting, as compared to older cars. This means if you are stopped for a few minutes, you would actually be saving gas money by stopping and starting the car.
There are many common sense tips that can help you save money on gas. If you are in a cold weather climate, modern cars respond to cold much faster than older cars, so there is no need to “warm” the car up for as long. If you are traveling this summer, then take into consideration the route you will take. A websites entitled Traffic.com can help you avoid traffic jams, construction, and many other gas guzzling disasters of travel. Have you checked the air pressure in your tires? Having under-inflated tires can increase gas usage on a long trip, just as over-inflated tires can do the same.
Discount Gas and the Law
Hey, Lead-Foot! Slow it down! We have all seen the guy in his SUV barreling down the interstate at fifteen miles or more over the speed limit. The lead-foot drivers are losing money on gas faster than their car is moving. Studies have shown that traveling at or close to the speed limit can actually reduce gas usage. This includes drivers who enable cruise control to maintain a steady 65 or 70 miles an hour on the interstate. Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you need to be and do it at the speed limit. It will save you money at the gas pump.
Your Comfort and How to Save Money on Gas
When the air conditioner is turned on, we think we see the gas line drop every few seconds. Why not put the windows down and enjoy the fresh air? A recent study revealed that gas usage on a car running the air conditioner stayed the same as the same car motoring with the air off. This tells us that it is ok to run the air conditioner. And the myth that having windows down while traveling creates unnecessary drag on the car, thus increasing the gas usage, can be thrown straight out the open window. The drag created does not matter as much as the terrain, wind, weight of the car, and mechanical stability of the car. Feel free to roll the window down, or blast the air conditioner, because neither makes much difference when it comes to saving money on gas.
If it was up to the oil companies, we would all drive large Hummers with safes full of money strapped to the roofs. The majority of us, though, would rather drive an economical car and pay attention to common mechanical needs of that car in order to save money on gasoline. We can make a difference in our own finances by using common sense, and not giving in to the marketing of a giant, gas guzzling automobile manufacturer.
Seeing Green in Your Car and Wallet
The recent gas price climb has influenced many car makers. As we all know, hybrids came screaming onto the market, promising cheap gas usage, more miles to the gallon, and slick designs. These cars have more than doubled in production numbers, as car makers who failed to introduce a hybrid were caught by surprise at their instant success. Many people looking to save gas money started buying these cars and touting their genius when they reached 40, 50, even 60 miles per gallon. So it is no surprise that many 2008 model cars have introduced the kinetic energy alternative alongside the combustion engine. These new hybrid models promise to save money at the pump and to look good while doing it. The hybrids have become more powerful, with many new SUVs—a traditional gas guzzler. There are many sites online that can help you find the perfect hybrid vehicle, including Hybrid-car.org and GreenHybrid.com.
What if you cannot take the financial leap that comes with purchasing a new car? We take a look at alternative means to save money on gas.
Save Money on Gas with Common Sense and without Myths
Have you ever been told that to let your car run when stopped for a few minutes is better than stopping and starting the car? This myth may have come down from the wisdom of your father or grandfather, but it is actually not true with newer fuel injection engines. The injectors eliminate wasteful gas use when starting, as compared to older cars. This means if you are stopped for a few minutes, you would actually be saving gas money by stopping and starting the car.
There are many common sense tips that can help you save money on gas. If you are in a cold weather climate, modern cars respond to cold much faster than older cars, so there is no need to “warm” the car up for as long. If you are traveling this summer, then take into consideration the route you will take. A websites entitled Traffic.com can help you avoid traffic jams, construction, and many other gas guzzling disasters of travel. Have you checked the air pressure in your tires? Having under-inflated tires can increase gas usage on a long trip, just as over-inflated tires can do the same.
Discount Gas and the Law
Hey, Lead-Foot! Slow it down! We have all seen the guy in his SUV barreling down the interstate at fifteen miles or more over the speed limit. The lead-foot drivers are losing money on gas faster than their car is moving. Studies have shown that traveling at or close to the speed limit can actually reduce gas usage. This includes drivers who enable cruise control to maintain a steady 65 or 70 miles an hour on the interstate. Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you need to be and do it at the speed limit. It will save you money at the gas pump.
Your Comfort and How to Save Money on Gas
When the air conditioner is turned on, we think we see the gas line drop every few seconds. Why not put the windows down and enjoy the fresh air? A recent study revealed that gas usage on a car running the air conditioner stayed the same as the same car motoring with the air off. This tells us that it is ok to run the air conditioner. And the myth that having windows down while traveling creates unnecessary drag on the car, thus increasing the gas usage, can be thrown straight out the open window. The drag created does not matter as much as the terrain, wind, weight of the car, and mechanical stability of the car. Feel free to roll the window down, or blast the air conditioner, because neither makes much difference when it comes to saving money on gas.
If it was up to the oil companies, we would all drive large Hummers with safes full of money strapped to the roofs. The majority of us, though, would rather drive an economical car and pay attention to common mechanical needs of that car in order to save money on gasoline. We can make a difference in our own finances by using common sense, and not giving in to the marketing of a giant, gas guzzling automobile manufacturer.
Cheap Used Cars while avoiding Lemons
Buying a used car is scary. To save money and make sure you don’t end up with a lemon, research the different methods and order a CARFAX report.
Cheap Used Cars while avoiding Lemons
Buying a used car is a major investment for most families. A reliable vehicle is needed to get back and forth from work, to carry children to important events and for all kinds of errands and emergencies. In most small towns in America, you will have major automobile dealerships that sell new cars and a selection of used cars and that is where most families go first. Many of these used cars are trade ins from people who purchased a new car at the dealership. Buying from a reputable dealer is a good move, because many of them rely on their reputation to establish repeat customers.
There are more used car salespeople that are not tied to a dealership. These small businesses sell cars they purchase at an auction for from trade ins. For consumers with challenged credit, many of these dealerships offer a ‘buy here, pay here’ program that does not require a credit check. It gives those who really need a cheap used car but can’t get traditional bank financing an option. Unfortunately, many of these dealers are not honest and take advantage of consumers with high interest rates and “lemons.”
If you are unsure about the history of a used car you want to purchase, CARFAX offers detailed reports on the vehicle’s history. The company began in 1984 and exploded in the early 1990s. Many used car dealers offer a CARFAX report with their vehicles. While some buyers are not swayed by a car’s history, many people have avoided purchasing a lemon by using the CARFAX history. The company has also taken many lemons off the road by making them unattractive to buyers.
With the Internet, you can purchase a used car from a seller in California, even if you live in Georgia. The popular Internet auction site EBay has a site called EBay Motors. Used vehicles of all makes and models are sold on the site. Many are auctioned off to the lowest bidder, so it is easy for some buyers to find a great deal on a vehicle. Consumers need to make sure they understand the long lists of terms and conditions before purchasing the vehicle. If the car is 3,000 miles away, the method of getting the car to you should be negotiated up front.
Many car enthusiasts know about www.autotrader.com. The site allows consumers to search for a car by zip code. Consumers can also research their options for purchasing insurance for the vehicle, which is mandatory in most states.
Many consumers find the best deals in used cars in their local newspaper. Many people simply want to get rid of a car they have outgrown and did not feel as if they were receiving enough money if they used it as a trade in. The seller may have purchased a new car with cash and now has an extra car to sell. Be careful, because many people will try to make money by selling you a lemon.
If you want advice of purchasing a used car, you can get if from an unlikely source—the federal government. You can get a publication with helpful tips at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/usedcar.shtm. If you don’t want to sort through all of the advice, here are some of their most helpful tips when buying a used car.
Buying from a dealer? Look for the Buyers Guide. It’s required by a federal regulation called the Used Car Rule.
Make sure all oral promises are written into the Buyers Guide.
You have the right to see a copy of the dealer’s warranty before you buy.
Warranties are included in the price of the product; service contracts cost extra and are sold separately. Check out the car’s repair record, maintenance costs, and safety and mileage ratings in consumer magazines or online. Look up the "blue book" value, and be prepared to negotiate the price.
Ask for the car’s maintenance record from the owner, dealer, or repair shop.
Test the car on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
Check out the dealer with local consumer protection officials.
If you buy a car "as is," you’ll have to pay for anything that goes wrong after the sale.
The Used Car Rule generally doesn’t apply to private sales.
Cheap Used Cars while avoiding Lemons
Buying a used car is a major investment for most families. A reliable vehicle is needed to get back and forth from work, to carry children to important events and for all kinds of errands and emergencies. In most small towns in America, you will have major automobile dealerships that sell new cars and a selection of used cars and that is where most families go first. Many of these used cars are trade ins from people who purchased a new car at the dealership. Buying from a reputable dealer is a good move, because many of them rely on their reputation to establish repeat customers.
There are more used car salespeople that are not tied to a dealership. These small businesses sell cars they purchase at an auction for from trade ins. For consumers with challenged credit, many of these dealerships offer a ‘buy here, pay here’ program that does not require a credit check. It gives those who really need a cheap used car but can’t get traditional bank financing an option. Unfortunately, many of these dealers are not honest and take advantage of consumers with high interest rates and “lemons.”
If you are unsure about the history of a used car you want to purchase, CARFAX offers detailed reports on the vehicle’s history. The company began in 1984 and exploded in the early 1990s. Many used car dealers offer a CARFAX report with their vehicles. While some buyers are not swayed by a car’s history, many people have avoided purchasing a lemon by using the CARFAX history. The company has also taken many lemons off the road by making them unattractive to buyers.
With the Internet, you can purchase a used car from a seller in California, even if you live in Georgia. The popular Internet auction site EBay has a site called EBay Motors. Used vehicles of all makes and models are sold on the site. Many are auctioned off to the lowest bidder, so it is easy for some buyers to find a great deal on a vehicle. Consumers need to make sure they understand the long lists of terms and conditions before purchasing the vehicle. If the car is 3,000 miles away, the method of getting the car to you should be negotiated up front.
Many car enthusiasts know about www.autotrader.com. The site allows consumers to search for a car by zip code. Consumers can also research their options for purchasing insurance for the vehicle, which is mandatory in most states.
Many consumers find the best deals in used cars in their local newspaper. Many people simply want to get rid of a car they have outgrown and did not feel as if they were receiving enough money if they used it as a trade in. The seller may have purchased a new car with cash and now has an extra car to sell. Be careful, because many people will try to make money by selling you a lemon.
If you want advice of purchasing a used car, you can get if from an unlikely source—the federal government. You can get a publication with helpful tips at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/usedcar.shtm. If you don’t want to sort through all of the advice, here are some of their most helpful tips when buying a used car.
Buying from a dealer? Look for the Buyers Guide. It’s required by a federal regulation called the Used Car Rule.
Make sure all oral promises are written into the Buyers Guide.
You have the right to see a copy of the dealer’s warranty before you buy.
Warranties are included in the price of the product; service contracts cost extra and are sold separately. Check out the car’s repair record, maintenance costs, and safety and mileage ratings in consumer magazines or online. Look up the "blue book" value, and be prepared to negotiate the price.
Ask for the car’s maintenance record from the owner, dealer, or repair shop.
Test the car on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
Check out the dealer with local consumer protection officials.
If you buy a car "as is," you’ll have to pay for anything that goes wrong after the sale.
The Used Car Rule generally doesn’t apply to private sales.
Cheap Car Rentals
Renting a car can be expensive. It is easy to find cheap car rentals, but you must make sure you have all the paperwork necessary to save time and money.
Cheap Car Rentals
Renting a car for business or pleasure can be a daunting task with all the limitations car rental companies have these days, but knowing how to navigate the system can save you both time and money.
The Car Rental Procedure
Generally, you will to meet at least three criteria to rent a car:
1. You should meet the car companies minimum age requirement.
2. You should have a valid driver’s license.
3. You should have a valid credit card.
Most car rental companies require a renter to be at least 25-years-old, though some companies will charge extra for young drivers (18-24 of age). Since the young driver rates vary by company, and the type of car you want to rent it is always best to check first.
Car rental companies will usually keep your credit card on file as a guarantee of payment and also in case there is any damage to the car and you have declined their insurance. Some companies have cancellation policies where you are charged if you do not cancel within a certain time period (normally 24 to 48 hours).
The Best Car Rental Deals
The best car rental discounts usually occur on the weekends--Friday through Sunday--but remember some locations and companies like Enterprise aren't open on Sunday outside of their airport locations so you will have to either return the car early or pay for an extra day.
Two of the best sites for finding deals on rental cars are Hotwire (www.hotwire.com) or Priceline (www.priceline.com) where you can bid on the price of your car. However these sites are more effective for renting cars in larger cities and at airports. Remember that cars rented at the airports typically have some sort of airport tax or surcharge added in the fine print of your contract. So it is sometimes cheaper renting cars from another location.
In most cases the smaller the car, the cheaper the price though if you check the individual websites of places like Hertz (www.hertz.com), Enterprise (www.enterprise.com), Budget (www.budget.com), Alamo (www.alamo.com) or Dollar car rental (www.dollar.com) you can find extras like coupons for free upgrades. Some rental places also discount rental cars for AAA members, military personnel and include bonus air miles points on certain airlines.
Another good place to comparison shop for the latest deals is at TravelZoo (http://car-rental.travelzoo.com).
Things To Consider when Seeking a budget Car Rental
As always, booking in advance is always best as some smaller locations will run out of the smaller "economy" or “compact" cars first, leaving the higher priced gas-guzzling SUV's in the lot.
Another thing to take into consideration is the length of your trip. Some Car rental companies will charge by mileage, while others will give you a certain number of miles free. But there are companies out there with unlimited miles which is much more practical and cost saving for people driving long distances. Most companies will have a daily, weekend and weekly rate available so make sure you ask if you are going to be driving a long distance or have the car for a few days.
If you plan on taking the car into another state or another country across the border make sure to ask the company about their policy. Some companies will not allow renters to take their cars into Canada or Mexico and some will charge extra for cars going out-of-state, so be sure to double check when you rent.
Where the rental companies will try to get you to pay more is on the gas and the insurance. In most cases your own personal auto insurance policy will cover you driving a rental car. There are also a number of credit card providers that include car rental coverage, if you use their card. However, it is imperative that you check with both your insurance company and credit card company first but you should NEVER, under any circumstance, drive without being covered by insurance.
Car rental companies usually offer the option to either pre-pay for your gas or fill it up yourself. In most cases, whatever the fuel gauge reads when you drive off the lot is what you are expected to return it with. With pre-paying, car companies usually charge a much higher rate for gas and it is usually cheaper to fill it up yourself. However, if time is going to be a problem and you won't have time to stop at a gas station before you return the car, pre-paying for fuel is a good idea.
Just remember, in most cases you're responsible for speeding tickets, so drive smart and safe when you rent.
Cheap Car Rentals
Renting a car for business or pleasure can be a daunting task with all the limitations car rental companies have these days, but knowing how to navigate the system can save you both time and money.
The Car Rental Procedure
Generally, you will to meet at least three criteria to rent a car:
1. You should meet the car companies minimum age requirement.
2. You should have a valid driver’s license.
3. You should have a valid credit card.
Most car rental companies require a renter to be at least 25-years-old, though some companies will charge extra for young drivers (18-24 of age). Since the young driver rates vary by company, and the type of car you want to rent it is always best to check first.
Car rental companies will usually keep your credit card on file as a guarantee of payment and also in case there is any damage to the car and you have declined their insurance. Some companies have cancellation policies where you are charged if you do not cancel within a certain time period (normally 24 to 48 hours).
The Best Car Rental Deals
The best car rental discounts usually occur on the weekends--Friday through Sunday--but remember some locations and companies like Enterprise aren't open on Sunday outside of their airport locations so you will have to either return the car early or pay for an extra day.
Two of the best sites for finding deals on rental cars are Hotwire (www.hotwire.com) or Priceline (www.priceline.com) where you can bid on the price of your car. However these sites are more effective for renting cars in larger cities and at airports. Remember that cars rented at the airports typically have some sort of airport tax or surcharge added in the fine print of your contract. So it is sometimes cheaper renting cars from another location.
In most cases the smaller the car, the cheaper the price though if you check the individual websites of places like Hertz (www.hertz.com), Enterprise (www.enterprise.com), Budget (www.budget.com), Alamo (www.alamo.com) or Dollar car rental (www.dollar.com) you can find extras like coupons for free upgrades. Some rental places also discount rental cars for AAA members, military personnel and include bonus air miles points on certain airlines.
Another good place to comparison shop for the latest deals is at TravelZoo (http://car-rental.travelzoo.com).
Things To Consider when Seeking a budget Car Rental
As always, booking in advance is always best as some smaller locations will run out of the smaller "economy" or “compact" cars first, leaving the higher priced gas-guzzling SUV's in the lot.
Another thing to take into consideration is the length of your trip. Some Car rental companies will charge by mileage, while others will give you a certain number of miles free. But there are companies out there with unlimited miles which is much more practical and cost saving for people driving long distances. Most companies will have a daily, weekend and weekly rate available so make sure you ask if you are going to be driving a long distance or have the car for a few days.
If you plan on taking the car into another state or another country across the border make sure to ask the company about their policy. Some companies will not allow renters to take their cars into Canada or Mexico and some will charge extra for cars going out-of-state, so be sure to double check when you rent.
Where the rental companies will try to get you to pay more is on the gas and the insurance. In most cases your own personal auto insurance policy will cover you driving a rental car. There are also a number of credit card providers that include car rental coverage, if you use their card. However, it is imperative that you check with both your insurance company and credit card company first but you should NEVER, under any circumstance, drive without being covered by insurance.
Car rental companies usually offer the option to either pre-pay for your gas or fill it up yourself. In most cases, whatever the fuel gauge reads when you drive off the lot is what you are expected to return it with. With pre-paying, car companies usually charge a much higher rate for gas and it is usually cheaper to fill it up yourself. However, if time is going to be a problem and you won't have time to stop at a gas station before you return the car, pre-paying for fuel is a good idea.
Just remember, in most cases you're responsible for speeding tickets, so drive smart and safe when you rent.
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