Is a car gas mileage a concern for frugal people? (old, price)

[rgomez912]

Just wondering when you go looking for a used car do you consider your current needs or the mpg the car has?

[las vegas drunk]

Of course we do. I am very frugal and drive a car that gets 35 mpg.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by rgomez912

Just wondering when you go looking for a used car do you consider your current needs or the mpg the car has?

Both are important.

I have always driven compact or mid-sized cars. The last time I bought a car, I was looking for one that would exceed 30 mpg all around. Over the course of 100,000 miles with an average gas price of $3.00, I should save me about $3,000.

[wheelsup]

No to a point.

I drive 2000 miles per year, spending another $20k on a car that will get 50 mpg vs. a $3k used one that gets 30 mpg doesn't make much sense.

[PurpleLove08]

I try not to do a lot of unnecessary driving and to combine my trips.

My car's gas mileage is decent. I know I can get better mileage in another car but eh....I'll survive. I fill up about every two weeks unless I'm doing a LOT of driving.

[Grandpa Pipes]

Originally Posted by rgomez912

Just wondering when you go looking for a used car do you consider your current needs or the mpg the car has?

Both are important but your needs must out weigh any gas considerations or you will have chosen the wrong vehicle. Now don't mistake want for need when making that choice.

[mamaecho]

In the new(to us) car we will be buying in the next couple years, gas mileage is important but not the most important.

[StealthRabbit]

Really depends on your needs...

My 50 mpg Diesel Rabbits (I have 28 , most bought for under $100) don't even need gas. !!!

veggie oil, peanut oil, waste fryer grease, Jet fuel, kerosene, heating oil, bio-diesel, used motor oil... these things run on about anything

50 mpg since 1976, Where have you been? no DINOSAURS, OPEC, or toxic HUGE batteries required... It will run without even a 12v battery with a manual fuel valve.

I have several with over 300,000 miles, I would take off cross country in any of them tomorrow! Never been towed home (or to repair shop) in over 3 million fleet miles

I Get Used tires (like new) for $5 at junk yards... these things are CHEAP to run. Ultimate in sustainability. (I have Rabbits, Jettas, Golfs, Passats, Pickups, Dashers, all 50 mpg, NO hassle and NO GAS!!!)

[jtur88]

Not really, especially on a used car.

Assume a driving life of 100,000 miles. That would use 4,000 gallons at 25 mpg, or 3,000 gallons at 33 mpg. Cost of the 1,000 gallon difference, say $2,500. Opting instead for a more reliable car that will last longer and require less maintenance and lower-cost repairs can easily shift that cost in your favor by at least $2,500. The cost of having to replace the tires immediately, instead of good tires already, can account for 10% of that, right out of the box.

If you're buying a used car with an expectation of only 50,000 more miles, that differential would be reduced to only $1,250.

[Greatday]

Went car shopping last week with the intention of purchasing a used car - hopefully a certified used car as we wanted something with a warranty as the car was for our college attending daughter. Gas mileage was an issue although no hybrids were on her list of possibles. Also, we wanted a car that was only a couple of model years old as well.

We found out that it was ultimately cheaper to purchase a new car because the factory and dealer rebates reduced the purchase price to below the cost of a used car. As for the gas mileage, the mileage is not bad IMO - hi 20's in town and mid 30's on the highway.