Choosing a Fuel Efficient Vehicle
How to Accurately Compare Gas Mileage on New or Used Autos
Aug 23, 2009
When it comes to purchasing a car, whether it's new or used, in addition to getting a CARFAX report and checking a vehicle's safety and reliability, car buyers should consider the energy efficiency of the vehicle. To many consumers, comparing car gas mileage is easier said than done. Many car manufacturers claim to produce energy efficient autos with high gas mileage. With so many claims, how can a car buyer make a true comparison?
Fuel Economy Comparison Chart
The US Government provides just the tool to assist car buyers in determining car gas mileage. By navigating to the "Find a Car" section of the Fuel Economy.gov website, consumers have all of the information they need to begin the comparison process.
Car buyers can search the Fuel Economy database in a number of ways. The search options are:
- Search by Class: For drivers who are just starting the car buying process, the search by class function gives options such as small cars, family sedans, SUV and more.
- Search by Make: Searching for a fuel efficient car by make is a great option for car shoppers who are loyal to a particular manufacturer. Rather than wasting time wading through the plethora of car options, these consumers can go directly to the vehicle manufacturer of their choice and find the most fuel efficient model.
- Search by MPG: The search by MPG function is particularly useful for car buyers who want to buy a car that gives them better gas mileage than their current vehicle. It allows them to rule out cars with the same or worse gas mileage than their current vehicle.
- Advanced Search: The advanced search provides options for car buffs. With options such as choosing whether to use Bifuel CNG vs. Bifuel LPG, the more knowledgeable car buyer can narrow the search results.
Searching for Gasless Cars
Fuel Economy.gov has a search option for cars that don't need gasoline. This section includes cars that run on ethanol, electricity, natural gas and more.
Last but not least, the government website caters to car drivers who want to cut to the chase and find bottom line information. There is a section of the site that lists the best (most fuel efficient) and worst (gas guzzlers).
The best/worst search option is divided into two sections, private passenger cars and trucks/vans/SUV's. All the driver has to do is click on the Best and Worst MPG link to find the listing.
Gas Mileage Update
The Environmental Protection Agency has updated the mileage data on the site to comply with the reporting method as required by the CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) program. The CARS program requires data to be calculated up to four decimal places. Prior to this legislation, the vehicle mileage charts were used mainly to guide car buyers. The current calculation method is more accurate and provides consumers with a better indication of a car's gas consumption.
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