Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertISaar
let's say i wanted to step up to a ~2013 Cruze Eco, since i'm fond of them and it will do what i need it to. and that i achieve it's highway fuel economy rating with my route/habits(42 with the manual, BTW). runs on regular grade gas, just like the monte. assuming i drive the same 8000 miles, that's 190.5 gallons of gas, so $704.85 yearly fuel cost....
so i save 298.59 a year in fuel costs..... but the MSRP of the Cruze Eco w/manual is 20,475 according to the chevrolet website... i would have to own/operate the cruze for 68.57 years to make back the price in buying the car.
assuming i were driving a 20MPG car, it's 26.4 years.
a 10MPG car(woof), 9.08 years.
so........ good luck justifying a new car based on fuel savings alone.
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Again, if you get better than EPA in your MC, you will get better than EPA in the Cruze.
The article also says you are making a poor financial decision if you are buying a new vehicle, and still making a poor financial decision if buying from a stealership. Nowhere does the author recommend you run out and buy a new economy car of your dreams.
You can pick up a 2005 Toyota Corolla with 84k miles on the odometer for about $5k. Then you have a car that easily does 40mpg with lots of miles left on the engine for only $5k.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flakbadger
It doesn't help that my mom has been hit by the American "you must drive a vehicle the size of a tank to be safe" stigma.
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Not saying this describes your folks, but usually the people that feel like they need a big vehicle to be safe are the same people that drive in an unsafe mannor (ie talking on cell phone, putting on makeup, not paying attention). It's a very selfish mindset to put others at much greater risk to marginally increase your own safety.
My sister is a terrible driver and has caused several accidents (no injuries thankfully), but as much as I love her, she shouldn't be driving a big vehicle. Instead something small and maneuverable with lots of airbags is appropriate.