Top 5 Best Fuel-Efficient Used Cars

Consumers looking for the most fuel-efficient used cars should keep several things in mind. First, try to find the newest model possible that still gets the best fuel economy, and meets other criteria: all the latest safety equipment such as anti-lock brakes (ABS), side airbags (if available), stability and traction control. All things being equal, if the used car has the same fuel economy as new, but you can buy it for thousands less, as long as it’s in excellent condition and runs well, consider it your best used-car buy.

Here are the top 5 best fuel-efficient used cars, using data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Green Vehicle Guide for the most fuel-efficient and cleanest vehicles since 2001. The models listed here meet the EPA’s toughest requirements and are all labeled SmartWay Elite cars.

Toyota Prius (2004-2009)

Leading the pack with 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway, is the Toyota Prius, with its 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine paired with electric motor, auto variable transmission, good interior space, although cramped for 6-footers, easy maneuverability and lots of available options. Check out 2002 and 2003 models (with 42 mpg city/41 mpg highway) for deals, since that’s when Toyota began offering optional navigation system, side airbags and cruise control. Edmunds calls Prius a “strong candidate” for shoppers interested in used hybrids but warns that the car is complex and “future repairs and part replacements could be quite expensive.” Both Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book list Prius models in their best cars for fuel economy roundup
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Buying Used Cars

Deciding on buying a used car can seem like a huge decision. Buying a used vehicle often offers the best dollar value to the consumer, but with it can come many issues and problems. Many people feel that by purchasing a used car they are setting themselves up for a lifetime of sitting in the local garage and having a depleted bank account. All this can be true, but with a bit of research and careful consideration mixed with common sense, a good used car can be the perfect answer to all your vehicle needs. You just need to take time and balance the pros and cons of each vehicle you are considering.

A used vehicle offers a long list of advantages over trying to obtain a new one. Costs of expenses like insurance, taxes, better vehicle options, as well as the obvious lower price, are all bonuses on the side of the consumer. Also, compared to new vehicles, it is easy to research the history of the vehicle and learn about any mechanical issues it may have as opposed to a new vehicle, especially if it is the first year for the model.more...

Buying Auto Parts from Junk Yards

One of the great places to go about getting cheap exterior auto parts is the junk yard. Even though the junk yard is absolutely not worth getting mechanical parts from, the exterior parts of an automobile are generally considered safe to be purchased. The main reason for this is that you automatically know what you're getting. Consider this: if you see a front bumper of a car with a dent on the right side, then you know that you'll be getting and buying a bumper with a dent on the right side. Furthermore, some of these auto parts flaws can easily be fixed if one knows enough about the auto parts that they're buying. All in all, though, junk yards are definitely some of the better places to get the cheapest and authentic exterior auto parts.

Establish Connections

The above two methods on saving money on your auto parts are both excellent ways to get good parts for your car. Another way, though, is through connections that can be made directly at a car dealership. For example, family members and friends are most likely able to take advantage of deep discounts if they work for a car dealership. Of course, this actually requires knowing somebody and may not always be available, but definitely is a good way to save money on auto parts.

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