Is it better to get a car you like and that fits your life-style, or something that gets good gas mileage?

Question

Should i not be worrying so much about gas mileage? Shouldn't i be going more for something that i like and that will work for me?

Answer 1

Try to find something that fits your lifestyle AND.... gets good gas mileage. If you cant well go for the good gas mileage. Especially during these times.

Answer 2

Before you buy ANY CAR, RESEARCH!!

Get your hands on a New/used car buyers guide(something like consumer reports would be great) AND READ IT. You should have no problem finding a good value in one of those publications.

Look for these traits : Reliablity, re-sale value, saftey, fuel economy. And of course, you do have to like the look of it. But never buy a car based purely on looks or advertising gimmicks.

Also, if you're considering used, it's usually better to get a slightly older higher-spec model vs getting a newer lower spec. (Eg. I would rather buy a 2000 Accord vs. a 2002 Civic)

Even after you have found a model you like, do some reading on that car to find out what kind of reliability history it has and what kind of problems will occur over the life of the car.

Cars are a big investment. Know what you're buying BEFORE you buy it.

Answer 3

While it is true that gasoline has become more expensive, I have been around long enough to see what happens each time fuel prices have spiked in the past 33 years (beginning with the 1973 gas "crisis"). Typically, people with large cars, thirsty vans and the like (1973 came before the SUV craze) unloaded those vehicles for a song to get cars with better fuel economy. The fact was that the losses they took on trading down wildly exceeded any fuel cost savings they enjoyed, but people often over-react to crises.

However, what I came away with was that each time fuel prices spiked it was time to peruse the used car ads looking for large-engined luxury cars, high-power sports cars, conversion vans and later SUVs as the discounted prices I was likely to find on them would more than offset the small added fuel costs of running them.

For example. Right now I am driving a Jaguar XK8, that I bought last year for $17,500 with 40,00 miles on it. New the car was a little over $70,000. Well, my modest budget normally does not include Jaguars, but with those sorts of discounts, even a fellow like me, with limited means, can afford one.

So I get 21 mpg instead of 31 mpg in a Honda whatever. I'm enjoying the ride and taking advantage of the opportunities that the usual rush to dump high performance cars has created. Incidentally, if you are looking for good buys stemming from the gas prices, some of the big Lexus, Infiniti, Lincoln and Caddy SUVs have dropped significantly on the used car market lately. Jaguars, especially the more powerful ones like the XJR and XKR
(both supercharged 32-valve V-8s) are heavily discounted on the used car market right now.

Go out and buy what you like. You have to look at it and live with it everyday, and life is just too short to have to get up in the morning and climb into one of those hideous Prius, Elements, or anything Toyota's Scion branch makes. Bye the bye, what is with that ghastly looking Scion that looks like a shoe box on wheels? Who buys those things? I don't care if it is the most reliable car on the road and gets 200 mpg, its unfortunate appearance qualifies it hands-down as the ugliest car sold in America.

Answer 4

Just consider both because you don't want to end up with a car that saves you money in gas but you're not happy with it. Look at it this way, take the "gas" out of the equation... would you buy a car that was the wrong color for you just because it's the same kind of brand you want? No. You would get exactly what you want in the color you want.

Answer 5

Unless you have 10 children or live on top of a mountain and NEED a 4-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance... an economic car fits your lifestyle. Now, whether or not you are vain, and think that people will like you if you have a fancy/big/flashy car, that's a whole other question.....

Answer 6

I'd get something in between,you should be able to find both. One that you like,but also gets good gas mileage. good luck!

Answer 7

you should be able to find both. if not, list the pros and cons of each and pick the better choice for you...but better gas mileage is great! haha

Answer 8

I have to say something that you like and that will work for you and get good gas . My mom needed a hummer but we are only 3 people . So she got a hummer h3 . Its fits us perfectly and it also gets good gas

Answer 9

That depends on u. What is it that u want. Also if your gonna drive alot then u should consider that.

Answer 10

get what you want. screw the mileage.