Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with fueleconomy

What kind of car should we get?

arnicae — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:23:36 -0800

Used hybrid-filter: With ~10k to spend, in terms of upkeep costs and resale value should we buy a Honda Insight or a first gen Toyota Prius? We're in the market for a new (to us) car and can afford to spend around $10k. We may be able to do a little more for the right car.

We've looked at CR's fuel efficient used car page. CR claims the Insights get 51mpg, the 1st gen Priuses get 41mpg. We've tested a few Echo's but the older ones really have some problems, so they're out.

It looks like we can get a 7-8 y/o Insight/Prius for ~9k. It looks like we might be able to get a second gen Prius ('03, maybe '04) for 14k.

We live in the Bay area so there is a 'California premium' on all of the used hybrids available.

We know the Insights generally need a new battery pack at 150,000 miles which costs 3k, and that 1% of the first gen Priuses have had battery replacements for 2-3k, .3% of second gen Priuses have had battery replacements.

Any opinions on which of the cars will hold their value best and be the cheapest for upkeep? CR seems to give them all similar ratings except it considers the Insight pretty uncomfortable and difficult to get up to highway speeds. Would it be worth stretching outside our comfort zone to try to get a 2nd gen Prius? Thanks!

Tricks to get better MPG

raikkohamilonso — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:21:09 -0800

Simple tricks to improve MPG? For instance, I've thought about removing the rear seats/internal molding to lighten my car. I've also thought about aero-improvements, such as moon-disc wheel covers, or even somehow making a cover over my rear wheel wells. I'll be removing my rear wing this weekend, but what other tweaks could I do? Other things: sealing off the "styling" holes in the front fascia, slightly over inflating tires, etc...

Turn the radio off, you may be wasting my gas!

Mister_A — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:59:35 -0800

Do electrical devices running on your car's electrical system affect gas mileage? Do you use more gas, all else being equal, with the lights, radio, plug-in accessories running than without?

I hate cars but...

serazin — Tue, 16 May 2006 09:14:07 -0800

I want a car that carries more than 5 passengers AND gets good fuel economy! I did see some similar recent posts on this question, but not explicitly including the more than 5 seating issue! Right now I drive a tiny civic hatch back. I don't care about having a BIG car, I just want a car that can carry more people than the members of my immediate family. I hate to switch from 35 mpg to the 18 that even the most efficient minivan provides. Any creative seating solutions (Optional rear bench? Back facing station wagon seating?) will be considered!