Car buying habits change with surge of fuel prices 

Car buying habits change with surge of fuel prices

A recent CNW survey of changes in buying and driving habits at different fuel price points shows 48 percent of new-vehicle buyers say they will purchase a more fuel-efficient vehicle “immediately” if gas hits $3.75 per gallon. That’s a dramatic change, if you ask me.

An AutoVibes study from Harris Interactive and Kelley Blue Book confirms the findings that as fuel prices surge, buying habits turn sharply toward consideration of more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Here’s a list of today’s most fuel efficient vehicles, as compiled by Edmunds.com:

1. Honda Insight — 60/66
2. Toyota Prius — 60/51*
3. Honda Civic Hybrid — 49/51*
4. Volkswagen Golf TDI — 37/44
Volkswagen New Beetle TDI — 37/44
5. Volkswagen Jetta TDI — 36/41
6. Toyota Corolla — 32/41
7. Scion xA — 32/37
8. Hyundai Accent — 32/35
Kia Rio — 32/35
9. Honda Civic — 30/40*
10. Pontiac Vibe — 30/36
Toyota Matrix — 30/36

Rankings are based on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) miles-per-gallon ratings for city and highway travel. All ratings apply to base models equipped with a manual transmission, except where indicated otherwise with an asterisk. Each model was allowed only one appearance on the list. The sole exception is the Honda Civic, which appears twice as a result of being available in both gas-electric hybrid and regular gasoline versions.

And of course, along with purchasing a fuel efficient vehicle comes making sure that it is kept that way. With the right driving habits, proper maintenance, and quality auto parts like Honda wheels, Ford catalytic converters, Toyota lights, and GM engine parts from Auto Parts Corner, having a more fuel-efficient car is easier and more affordable.