by WhistleWind » Thu 04 Aug 2005, 08:07:01
My last two cars were chosen with fuel efficiency as a major
consideration. Each has averaged 45 (UK) mpg, other factors
being size, cost, reliability and crash safety. I plan to keep
my cars for at least ten years each, so resale value is low importance.
In practice, the most I have managed is nine years. The
last one suffered structural rust, and the one before was
stolen. Keeping a car running for as long as possible reduces
overall energy and resource consumption relative to buying
the latest fuel efficient model every couple of years.
Now I may be forced by my wife to buy a larger car to fit my new family
in, but I will try out until either a family sized hybrid comes on
the market (in my price range), or full electric vehicles become
practical.