PURCHASING A FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLE

Before heading out to purchase a vehicle, Natural Resources Canada suggests considering the following:

• Do you really need a vehicle? Depending on where you live, it may be significantly cheaper to walk, bike, bus or carpool, and rent a vehicle when you need it. Make some financial calculations based on your lifestyle situation.
• Vehicle Size. What do you really need? A 10-percent decrease in vehicle weight results in a six-percent improvement in fuel consumption on flat terrain!
• New or Used? Newer vehicles tend to be more fuel-efficient. Money you spend in purchasing may be saved in fuel costs. Make sure you check the EnerGuide label on all new vehicles.
• Manual or automatic transmission? Generally speaking, a manual transmission with overdrive, combined with a tachometer or shift indicator, is not only less expensive but is more fuel-efficient than an automatic. Proper handling can save you 5-10% in fuel costs! Typically 100 litres a year!
• Engine Size. In most cases, the larger the engine (the greater the volume of the cylinders) and the more cylinders a vehicle has, the greater its fuel consumption. As well, smaller engines usually cost less.

Choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle requires more than gas consumption comparisons. Matching your realistic needs with a vehicle's features and fuel efficiency is the wisest way to purchase.

Make sure you take advantage of the tools that are out there. Including:

• EnerGuide Label
• Fuel Efficiency Award-Winners - 2005
• Fuel Consumption Guide 2005

The decisions you make when buying a vehicle can greatly influence the driving years ahead. Will they be costly or efficient? Choices made at the time of purchase will influence your fuel efficiency more than any other choices you can make through maintenance and driving style.