Fuel Sippers for All Budgets

There is a fuel-efficient model out there for you

Even with gas prices falling again, fuel economy is still among the biggest factors people consider when buying a new vehicle. Spending less at the pump can help you spring for the model that you may not have been able to afford before. Here is a list of some of the best:

Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius has become synonymous with green driving. Starting at an affordable MSRP of $24,200, the 2015 Toyota Prius achieves up to 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway. Impressively, around 95 percent of Prius models sold in the past 10 years are still on the road. Unique features like Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, regenerative braking and Eco-sensitive driving help the Prius strike an optimal balance between fuel economy and everyday drivability.

“Thanks to some very clever drivetrain programming, you’ll get excellent fuel economy almost regardless of how heavy you are on the gas pedal,” noted Kelley Blue Book. “It does this with all the practicality of any hatchback, with a decently sized rear seat and plenty of cargo room.”

Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 is a vehicle that tends to be skipped over when people shop for a mid-size sedan. But those days seem to be coming to an end thanks to its impressive array of features and a starting MSRP of $21,190, which is lower than a large chunk of competitors. Named a Car and Driver “10Best,” the Mazda 6 is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, the latter bring the most fuel-efficient when the GT Technology Package is added. In addition to advanced safety items like Forward Obstruction Warning System and Mazda Radar Cruise Control, the package adds fuel savings features like active grille shutters and the i-ELOOP regenerative braking system that helps the Mazda 6 achieve up to 28 mpg city and an awesome 40 mpg highway.

“After undergoing a complete makeover last year, the 2015 [Mazda 6] has emerged as a clear winner,” according to the experts at AutoTrader. “Although priced on par with other popular family sedans, Mazda has infused its five-passenger sedan with a sleek and sophisticated body, outstanding driving dynamics and an interior that is technologically savvy without being overly complicated.”

Ford Fiesta
If you’re looking for a small car that’s big on features and fun, but small when it comes to fuel expenses, check out the Fiesta and its starting MSRP of $13,965. With seven fuel-efficient models available, the Fiesta can achieve up to 31 mpg city and 43 mpg highway when equipped with the 1.0-liter Manual EcoBoost Package. Even with those excellent numbers, performance is still zippy with 123 horses and 125 lb/ft of torque.

“Affordable to buy, cheap to operate and entertaining to drive are three of our primary criteria for a desirable economy car, and the 2015 Ford Fiesta has no problem scoring high on each,” Edmunds said. “A classier-than-expected interior and fully up-to-date infotainment equipment only underscore our feeling that the Fiesta is a subcompact car that punches well above its price class.”

Audi TDI Models
For those who demand a luxury vehicle, but still want excellent fuel economy without committing to a hybrid, Audi offers a full lineup of TDI clean diesel vehicles. From the A3, A6, A7 and A8L luxury sedans, to the Q5 and Q7 SUVs, you’re sure to find a model that fits your needs. The benefits of TDI technology include more torque and reduced CO2 emissions, all while helping you achieve fuel economy as high as 38 mpg highway. On A7 TDI models, you can get fuel economy that’s dramatically improved. With 36 percent better highway fuel economy, 33 percent less fuel emissions and 24 percent fewer estimate trips to the pump, the A7 TDI can cut over $5,000 off your fuel bill per year.

There are plenty of great fuel saving models out there for you to buy so be sure to do your research. Stop by and let us help you choose a loan with an excellent rate so you can go have the financing before you even walk into the dealership.