fuel efficient, reliable used cars under $3k

[Chris D.]

this guy got a web page on his car or what?

[Chris D.]

Id think realistically 60mpg TOPS!!!!!

[roflwaffle]

Realistically he was right at the edge. Could be that he was BS'ing, but I know that w/ similar conditions (hills) I can get double the EPA at much higher speeds in a car w/ no mods. Is ~100mpg in hill country w/ aeromods, LRR tires pumped to the max, fuel cut, a leaner mixture, ~35mph average speeds, and efficient driving possible in a ~2500lb car? Yes IMO.

[IndyIan]

I think the ultimate "sleeper" hypermiler car is the SOHC 5spd 95-99 Neons, these are rated in Canada at 43.5 MPG highway. This is better than a 2000 Echo for example or any of the normal Civics or Corollas of the late 90's or newer.
With the Neon's bad reputation, probably you can find ones with low miles for well under $1500. www.neons.org has more information on these cars than you will ever need. I'd say they are not a car for people who get bothered by little problems or can't fix little issues. The frameless windows whistle at over 60mph, etc. But the interior of my 95 rattles less than my friends 2003 Echo so they are not totally hopeless either. The wannabe racers all go for the DOHC versions but the SOHC ones will have Honda civic owners amazed how hard a 4 banger can pull at 2000rpm and still do OK at redline. If you are into engines, these ones like to rev and are import smooth doing it.
Ian

[abshnasko]

I have a 97 civic EX... when I bought it, it had 160k miles and kbb said $3700. Now it has 200k 2 years later, and kbb tells me $4025. Civics, possible the only cars that are going UP in value?

btw I get low 40's mpg usually, drops to upper 30's if I drive it like an idiot. And its a honda, the engine will last longer than you will.

also, civics have such a HUGE market for parts they are extremely easy to mod for additional FE. I've done quite a few FE engine mods at minimal cost due to such a large supply of old civic parts.

[lovemysan]

Any 96-02 saturn s series will get you 40mpg. The 5 speed sohc will do best. Even the automatics are capable of 40+ mpg highway.

[Chris D.]

I thought this post would be bump worthy..
I'm going to start looking for a dd thats light in the gas tank

[zman]

Get a Toyota Echo with manual transmission, 2 door, no A/C.
That little car will get you in the 40 mpg ralem without mods.

[Nevyn]

I have opportunity to pick up one, possible two, Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizons on the cheap. Both are autos, though. Is it worth looking into one/the pair of them to try for 40's? I'm not afraid of modding or engine repair.

[IndyIan]

The 3 spd autos make 40 mpg pretty hard to get unless you can pulse and glide from like 50mph to 20mph without having other drivers kill you... Also I'm pretty sure those autos didn't lock the converter either.

I have the same auto in my 95 neon with a locking torque converter and a good commute to coast down hills and I can get into the high 30's for a commute but its hard to get a whole tank up there. Any city driving brings the average down. At 60 mph my car runs at 2700 rpm too which is a bit high for good mpg. On the plus side the tranny doesn't seem to mind going from N to D at 55-60mph.

Free cars are good though, and you could probably get low 30's out of them without to much trouble.
Ian

ps, I forgot some of the omni's used lean burn technology back then, so they may do better than I thought. If yours are lean burners then getting a manual trans might push you into the 50's