Purchasing a Fuel Efficient Vehicle

Before heading out to purchase a vehicle, Natural Resources Canada suggests to consider 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, 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.