Most efficient car under 20k?

[redpoint5]

Basically any of the Gen I EVs besides Tesla. Then the plug-in hybrids. Then the regular hybrids.

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Basically any of the Gen I EVs besides Tesla. Then the plug-in hybrids. Then the regular hybrids.

Depends on gas and electricity prices.

-An Insight at $2.70 per gallon and 75mpg (pretty easy in this car) costs roughly 3.6 cents per mile before maintenance. Oil changes add another ~0.2 cents per mile to that.

-A Leaf or Volt at ~100mpge and 15 cents per kwh ($5 per "gallon" of electricity) is approximately 5 cents per mile.

I'm sure a careful driver can do better than 100mpge, but the point stands. I think the Insight would win even vs an EV in terms of cost per mile of fuel for highway commutes, whereas an EV might pull ahead in city driving. Nevermind that you can often find G1 Insights for under $2,000.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Ecky

I think the Insight would win even vs an EV in terms of cost per mile of fuel for highway commutes...

Especially if your highway driving includes trips longer than the range of the low-priced EVs. Even against a Volt, Honda did a LOT of weight reduction & aerodynamic efficiency on the Insight.

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Depends on gas and electricity prices.

-An Insight at $2.70 per gallon and 75mpg (pretty easy in this car) costs roughly 3.6 cents per mile before maintenance. Oil changes add another ~0.2 cents per mile to that.

-A Leaf or Volt at ~100mpge and 15 cents per kwh ($5 per "gallon" of electricity) is approximately 5 cents per mile.

I'm sure a careful driver can do better than 100mpge, but the point stands. I think the Insight would win even vs an EV in terms of cost per mile of fuel for highway commutes, whereas an EV might pull ahead in city driving. Nevermind that you can often find G1 Insights for under $2,000.

I easily get 130mpge cruising at 62mph in my g1 volt. The g1 insight is exceptional, but not quite able to keep pace with an ev in terms of efficiency.

I spend about $.03/mile electric. 130mpge and $.105/kwh (volume discount, we use a lot of electricity)

[freebeard]

Arcimoto FUV is 'in production'. They just haven't made mine yet.

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

The company's first vehicle[2] is a tandem two-seat three wheeled electric motorcycle with an estimated range of 70 miles (110 km) or 130 miles (210 km), depending on battery pack purchased (12 or 20 kWh),[3] and a theoretical fuel economy of 230 MPGe at neighborhood driving speeds.[4] The SRK is freeway capable, with a maximum speed of 85 mph (137 km/h)

Arcimoto

Electricity is 10.4¢ in Eugene, across the river in Springtucky, it's 5.4¢. Do that math.


edit: A nice update from June:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCWmjNOIvu4

[Xist]

They are earning money? Nobody mention the 3-wheeled vaporware that isn't!

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by DSMHondaGuy

What would be the most fuel efficient car under 20,000 dollars new or used?

Some good info/suggestions in this thread.


Are you shopping? Which way are you leaning?

[roosterk0031]

I'd toss in Hyundai Elantra, daughters driving isn't taking full advantage of it's ability, but she got 28ish with a cobalt rated for 34. Changed the oil for the first time over weekend, 80% full belly pan, holes for filter and plug, channel down the middle for exhaust.

[Stubby79]

Mirage?