Comments on: Calculator: Should You Buy a More Gas Efficient Car?

By: Llama Money

Llama Money — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:16:30 +0000

Something else to consider is this – if you’re going to make a change to a more fuel efficient car, going from 18 to 20 MPG isn’t going to matter a whole lot. On the other hand, if someone dumps their 12 MPG truck that they drive to and from work, and go extreme and get, say, a Civic Hybrid that gets 45-50 MPG… then the payoff can be very real, and much faster than you might think. Plus, folks who drive a lot will see a payoff much faster.

By: Zombie Money

Zombie Money — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:40:49 +0000

I’ve read a lot on this issue also. Seems like many people are running out and buying new cars to save money on gas but unless they keep it for a long time it doesn’t add up. Maybe its the immediate results mindset.

By: hank

hank — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:05:12 +0000

Doesn’t surprise me that much. I know that is a big tactic of car salesmen now to sell that point, but knowing that it just isn’t quite ready to push yet. It’s sexy, but not very frugal yet…

By: d2cold

d2cold — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:03:29 +0000

neat. used a similar calculation on my own when gas spiked a few years back so no results don’t suprise much. One big item missed by the calculator is the maint. required by older vehicles? Not sure how to expense it, but it does have some bearing.

currently to trade my VW ‘01 (gas) jetta to a newer civic ‘05ish would be 10+ yrs around $1.4/L. Hmmm

By: doctorS

doctorS — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:10:49 +0000

Great calculator. It is such a useful tool for such a practical situation that faces many people in the U.S. today. I myself thought about selling my car since I do not get great gas mileage. I am pushing a 2003 Mazda6 GTE to and from work for a commute of 45 miles per day. It is not too bad but after doing the math it does not make sense because I got such a good deal on my car before and have it 75% paid off. I am just learning to find ways to drive less and use public transportation on the weekends when I hit up the city. Great post!!

By: Marci

Marci — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:22:33 +0000

59.5 years is more time than I have left
I only plan on sticking around 49 more
My money, and me, will both run out of steam by age 103!
(Or before)

What is aggravating is that the technology for running on hydrogen has been available since the 60’s….. some big company has been covering it up all these years… I myself saw the car that ran on hydrogen…He ran all over our beach in it!

If the hybrids remain over $20,000, they are just going to stay out of a lot of people’s reach.

Some of us don’t have the luxury of being able to take such a large financial hit, (even for excellent reasons)especially those of us making under $20,000/year. Guess we all have to do what our pocketbook and our conscience dictates, even if they sometimes conflict
I’m already sleeping just fine knowing that I am completely debt free – and that’s the way I have to stay if I intend to retire in 1-6 years from now.

By: Fox

Fox — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:33:12 +0000

@MoneyGrubbingLaw You are absolutely correct!

@Marci I would say 59.5 years is a decent amount of time to break even. My hope is more fuel efficient cars will come down in price…making this tool unnecessary.

By: Marci

Marci — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:27:14 +0000

What was even funnier was when I ran my 34 yr old pickup truck, even at the highest price gas has been here, $4.39, it would take 103 years to make a difference! haha!

Thanks again! Think I’ll just keep on with what I have, which
is what I was going to do anyway!

Do you see where Chev Tahoe’s are now coming in a hybrid version? Just heard that on the news this morning – they are out and available – but probably in high demand also!

By: Marci

Marci — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:22:35 +0000

It was NO surprise that it would not be cost efficient to trade in my car,an 8 yr old Forester, for better gas mileage.
What was a surprise, was that it would take me 59.5 years to recoup the difference….. I had thought it closer to 20 years or so

Nice calculator! Thanks!

By: MoneyGrubbingLawyer

MoneyGrubbingLawyer — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:17:45 +0000

Great calculator, SquawkFox!

According to the calculator, it would only be worthwhile to trade in my Legacy for a Prius if I plan to keep it for 24 years. Somehow, I don’t think that’s going to happen .

The one thing to keep in mind when using this calculator is that it fails to account for the non-financial reasons for switching to a more fuel efficient vehicle. If making the switch lets you sleep better at night knowing that you’re reducing your emissions, that can be worth taking a financial hit.