Question Gas efficient cars

mlohry · May 12, 2013

Ok. So this probably won't be bought for a while as our 2001 Alero is still trucking. But...DH and I have been spending lots of time talking about what we will replace the Alero with. We want gas efficiency for sure, #1 priority. Then I'd like 3 head rests across the back and lap, shoulder belts for all and side curtain air bags, DH wants a manual, 4 doors, everything else is negotiable.

We have looked at pretty much everything on Edmunds, pretty sure we will buy used. We live in WI and will buy a new house out in the country next year. DH will probably be traveling 40-60 miles total to work each day. It's mostly country roads, about 50 mph, not much stop and go. Some travel will be Hwy as DH does a lot of site visits around the state. We also may bring it back and forth to MN to visit family occasionally, if gas prices stay thru the roof.

It will have to accommodate 3 kids. By then DS1 should be able to 5 step, especially if the car is compact, then DS2 in a booster and DD still in a 5 pt or HBB. We are ok with this car being too small normally for us, we will always have a roomy vehicle too. This car needs to be the super efficient one.

Just for a reference we have looked at Civic, Focus, Yaris, Corolla, Jetta, Prius, but DH is worried about batteries and if we will save money buying a pricier car. Any likes, positive experiences, bad experiences? Any preferences for years.

SavsMom · May 12, 2013

The Prius has an 8 year / 100k mile hybrid battery system warranty and has proven to be quite reliable. The Toyota dealer I worked at has yet to replace a hybrid battery in a Prius, not to say it couldn't fail, but they have a great record of reliability.

In all honesty, new or used if you plan on keeping the vehicle for a long time, I would look at the Corolla. Great fuel economy, $6-$7k less than a Prius brand new, great reliability history, great safety ratings and great resale value, plus I know a few members on here find the it to work in a 3 across scenario.

I would stay away from the Jetta, they are nice but EXPENSIVE to repair if needed.

Patriot201 · May 12, 2013

I would go with either a Corolla or a Civic. The Prius is AWESOME, but it most efficient in traffic (from what I understand). Because your DH will not be in traffic much, it seems a gas-powered car makes more sense.

trippsmom · May 12, 2013

My dad bought a 2009 Jetta TDi in 2008. He has kept it serviced and never had a problem. Before that he had a 2001 Diesel Beetle that my grandfather took in 2008 to drive 50 miles a day to take my brother to/from school. It was in use until 2011. Mom's car needed repairs and she was driving the Jetta and dad was in the beetle and pawpaw drove his car. Dad was the middle car (and first hit) in a 5 car accident on the interstate. The beetle had 1 costly repair and two median tune ups in that 10 years.

ZanesMom · May 12, 2013

Have you thought of looking at a Civic Hybrid? I drive an Insight and would suggest it, but I truly believe that 3 across would not work. I know my Insight tends to work differently than a Prius in that it does better at the highway speeds than stop and go, plus it was significantly cheaper. I filled up on Friday and drove in town and highways (not interstate which I normally drive 75) with hills going about 60 mph. I drove over 100 miles and was getting over 52.5 mpg. I have put over 82,000 miles on my car in 25 1/2 months and average 45-46 mpg, excluding the year that I had crappy tires were I averaged 42 mpg. So far I've done nothing but regular maintenance, except when a deer ran into my back door.

SafeDad · May 12, 2013

mlohry said:
Ok. So this probably won't be bought for a while as our 2001 Alero is still trucking. But...DH and I have been spending lots of time talking about what we will replace the Alero with. We want gas efficiency for sure, #1 priority. Then I'd like 3 head rests across the back and lap, shoulder belts for all and side curtain air bags, DH wants a manual, 4 doors, everything else is negotiable.

We have looked at pretty much everything on Edmunds, pretty sure we will buy used. We live in WI and will buy a new house out in the country next year. DH will probably be traveling 40-60 miles total to work each day. It's mostly country roads, about 50 mph, not much stop and go. Some travel will be Hwy as DH does a lot of site visits around the state. We also may bring it back and forth to MN to visit family occasionally, if gas prices stay thru the roof.

It will have to accommodate 3 kids. By then DS1 should be able to 5 step, especially if the car is compact, then DS2 in a booster and DD still in a 5 pt or HBB. We are ok with this car being too small normally for us, we will always have a roomy vehicle too. This car needs to be the super efficient one.

Just for a reference we have looked at Civic, Focus, Yaris, Corolla, Jetta, Prius, but DH is worried about batteries and if we will save money buying a pricier car. Any likes, positive experiences, bad experiences? Any preferences for years.

3 kids in a compact car like those you mentioned will be tough on long trips, at least it is for us in the Prius. When we have all 5, we usually take the Highlander unless it's a very short trip. A Prius V or Ford C-Max are a bit roomier and might be better as a regular 3-kid hauler?

If Florida has California Emissions standards, your battery/hybrid warranty will be 10 years and 150k miles.

Patriot201 said:
I would go with either a Corolla or a Civic. The Prius is AWESOME, but it most efficient in traffic (from what I understand). Because your DH will not be in traffic much, it seems a gas-powered car makes more sense.

I actually do much better on the highway in the Prius. In warmer months, I can get 60mpg+ on my Chicago-Louisville trips. Around town it's closer to 55mpg. A couple mpg less if the A/C is on most of the time.

If DH wants a manual, how about a 2013 Honda Accord LX with the 2.4 cylinder, 6-speed manual? Safe and fuel efficient for a midsize car. I also like the new Ford Fusion and hybrid. Not sure about used versions, as they both had an update for 2013.

SavsMom · May 12, 2013

OP is in Wisconsin now, I think CA is the only state that currently has the 10 year hybrid battery warranty, Florida is the standard factory 8yr/100k.

We get pretty good hwy mpg with our Prius too. Right now we are averaging 48 hwy...not bad considering I do not drive it like I should. Between city and highway driving we get about 550 miles per tank and on average it costs us $35 to fill up.

SafeDad · May 12, 2013

I may be mistaken, but I think Arizona, NY and a handful of other states have adopted the California emissions regulations that include longer extended warranties on many emissions related systems. Pretty sure Wisconsin is not included, though.

mlohry · May 12, 2013

IF we took a compact car to MN it would be rare or only when it was the kids and I and by then DS1 will be an appropriate front seat age. Like this coming weekend we need to make an unplanned visit due to family issues and it will just be the kids and I, so if we had a gas efficient car I would take it, with gas being $3.98 here in lovely WI.

SavsMom · May 12, 2013

CPSDarren said:
I may be mistaken, but I think Arizona, NY and a handful of other states have adopted the California emissions regulations that include longer extended warranties on many emissions related systems. Pretty sure Wisconsin is not included, though.

Could be...it's definitely a changing area.

Question Gas efficient cars

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