Fuel-Efficient Or Financially Prudent

Watching television recently, I was amused by a motorist who said that all he could do about soaring gas prices was to close his eyes and pump.

There are some things you actually can do to reduce your costs — and fuel consumption — such as driving slower and taking the junk out of your trunk. But Consumer Reports has released a warning about one gas-saving tactic that might end up costing you more money.


If you’re thinking of trading in your gas-guzzling vehicle for a more fuel-efficient ride, do the math — because the savings you’re hoping for at the pump might be negated by the price you pay to replace your car.

The high cost of gas is changing the way some people are shopping for a car, according to a survey of Michigan AAA members. Gas mileage was ranked as the No. 1 criterion that auto club AAA members said they would use in deciding their next car purchase. Next came make and model, safety features, performance, seating capacity and technology features.

I understand that paying upward of $4 a gallon is making your heart pump faster, but that pales in comparison to the several thousand dollars you may have to shell out for another car.

Washington Post