Best fuel efficient car under $20k?

[tonyj311]

We are looking at Corollas right now. Was thinking about a Prius but there is a minimum 3 month wait on those. We are looking for new or maybe 1-2 years old.

My only concern with the Corolla is that it is gutless. There is the XLS model with 157 hp, but you really lose fuel efficiency with that- which defeats the purpose of getting a fuel efficient car.

Any suggestions? Walking or riding the bike are not options

[Le Pirate]

I've heard people like the chevy aveo. I have no first hand knowledge. Also heard good things about the toyota yaris and honda fit.


I have a VW rabbit....it is not fuel efficient.

[derby]

We are looking at Corollas right now. Was thinking about a Prius but there is a minimum 3 month wait on those. We are looking for new or maybe 1-2 years old.

My only concern with the Corolla is that it is gutless. There is the XLS model with 157 hp, but you really lose fuel efficiency with that- which defeats the purpose of getting a fuel efficient car.

Any suggestions? Walking or riding the bike are not options

if you're just looking at this from a money perspective, read: not a conserve fossil fuels POV, buy used and figure the savings over new into your total cost of ownership.

[Count Desmo]

Score yourself a sweet deal on a new Chevy Cobalt and be done with it.  Their reliabiity is pretty damned good, the 100K mile drive train warranty is nice, and you can get some nice rebates that you won't see on the  Toyota or Honda.

[cmorgan47]

whatever you do get a manual transmission. 

i drive an 03 focus hatchback.  30mpg city if i keep the revs below 2500, plenty of "guts" if i keep them above 3500

[DaniD]

Score yourself a sweet deal on a new Chevy Cobalt and be done with it.  Their reliabiity is pretty damned good, the 100K mile drive train warranty is nice, and you can get some nice rebates that you won't see on the  Toyota or Honda.

My fiance sells Chevys and we were just talking about the new cobalt today.  They come in manual and will tell you how many miles to the gallon you are getting.  He drive one today to Baltimore...about 50 miles and he averaged 40.2 mpg.   www.criswellauto.com  I don't know where you are located...but his name is Dan and he would give you a great deal!!

[ducatiz]

04-05 vw golf tdi

45-50 mpg depending on how you drive.

enough juice to go and even tow.

[IZ]

Seems like the Honda Civics were getting in the high 30's too?

[duqette]

What kind of car are you looking for? I have a Honda Fit, which is one of those 5 door hatchbacks. It has, no joke, more useable inside cargo space than anything in its class, is positively dinky given the four doors (read: easy to park and maneuver), and delightfully zippy to drive. Gas milage is excellent, reliably 33+/- in the city, over 40 on the highway.

I'd suggest you check out one of those "what kind of car is right for you" websites, like the one at cars.com. That's where I found the Fit, which actually has proven to be just right for me.  

[MendoDave]

The ford Focus claims 35 mpg and goes for about $17,500. It also has built in hands free bluetooth which is another thing to consider if you live in CA now.

"if you're just looking at this from a money perspective, read: not a conserve fossil fuels POV, buy used and figure the savings over new into your total cost of ownership."

+1

I actually just bought a Chrysler 300 for 5k while not real easy on gas its not that bad either and it has everything. Nice ride.

[Bun-bun]

Mini Cooper.
The non S models get over 30mpg, still have good zip, and have excellent interior room.
I think the base is under $20k.
I don't think you can find a diesel car new for under $20k, or I would suggest that instead.

[ducatiz]

Mini Cooper.
The non S models get over 30mpg, still have good zip, and have excellent interior room.
I think the base is under $20k.
I don't think you can find a diesel car new for under $20k, or I would suggest that instead.

Nothing new, but plenty of used 03-05 Golfs around in the 12-14k range.  Those engines will last 200-300k miles.

if you HAVE to have something new, check out the 09 Jetta TDI available in August.  Base price is about 20k and is 50 state compliant.

[tonyj311]

we test drove the Impreza Outback Sport- it claims 170 hp, but I thought it was gutless, maybe I wasnt hard enough on it though... I wanted the WRX, but the wife wants an automatic for commuting purposes.

We test drove the Matrix and Prius. Prius wasnt too bad, and the Matrix would have been good for the MN winters with the all wheel drive model. My wife used to work at the Toyota dealer, so we should get a deal- which is why we are leaning that way. I am open to a used car- just have to find the right one. You have all given me alot of options to consider. Always figured VW was out of our range, but I may check in to that.

Thanks for the info!

-tony

[lethe]

My '06 Mazda 3 was $15k, I get on average 35+ mpg and the car handles way better than a cheap car should.
130,000 miles so far and still going strong.

[Howie]

You will have to wait for a new VW diesel.  None for '08.  The base gas Golf is $15+ and pretty much has all the bells and whistles you need, AC, alarm, the common power stuff, decent stereo, ABS.  You can even get a Jetta for less than $17K.