Gas Efficient Family Car

[SeaSalt]

Any suggestions? Just looking, might buy but not sure yet. Gas prices are ridiculous already. If I spend 200 on gas on a mini van, mine as well get something that will cost me half in gas that is new.

My friend just got a Scion xB and it get 35mpg. One drawback is that, it is small and safety would be a concern. Although it looks small, it fits 4 adults comfortably, I'm told.

http://www.cardata.com/images/2007/Scion%20xB.jpg

[okimavich]

What are you looking to spend?

How handy are you?

How big does it need to be?

If you're looking at the xB, how about the Toyota Matrix? It's a bit bigger in room but similar mileage.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid is about the same prices as a minivan but with 30 mpg rating.

I personally have a VW Jetta TDi and Golf TDi. The automatic gets ~35 mpg and the stick rows ~42-47 mpg. But the diesel engine requires a bit more in maintenance and upkeep.

[SeaSalt]

I'm probaly looking at 15 to 18k. Which basically is the price range of a civic, corolla, matrix, scion xB and VW Golf.

Just not sure if it is worth it since safety would be primary concern since my wife will be driving it.

I've had it with my Odyssey and its automatically breaking doors.

[bmcox86]

i have a vw jetta and i get good gas mileage but i dont have much room, will never get 4 adults in it anywhere close to comfortably, but id go for a civic or a corrola, test drove them both and they will last forever unless u wreck it

[Hurricane44]

My wife has a VW Passat and they are pretty roomy, very safe, and pretty good on gas mileage. She gets ~35 mpg, or about 540 miles to the tank. I have an Accord, which is safe and does well on gas mileage, ~22-25 mpg. I dont know much about the new scions or new toyotas, sorry dude :cool: .

Cane44

[okimavich]

The New MKV Jetta (2006.5+) was designed with the current Corolla dimensions in mind. So they should be nearly identical in passenger room.

The MKIV (1999.5-2006) Jetta didn't have much rear leg room, but a really deep trunk.

Plus, the safety features on the VW are more favorable.

I had a 1993 Toyota Corolla. It was great. Decent gas mileage and ok safety features. Once all the original AC Delco parts were replaced, I had no problems. It lasted 217K miles until it was taken from me by a UHaul truck.

If you're interested in the diesels, check out http://www.tdiclub.com . There are a lot of us in the area who can help out with maintenance, etc.

I know you said 15 - 18k range, but the new Camry starts at 19k. More room but still high 20s to mid 30s in mpg. You could also pick up a used one for your price range. There may be a few extra 2005/2006 models laying around as the 2007 model is brand new.

[mlbowman1]

I'd go for the Civic. I bought on used and had it for 7 years until I traded it in when it hit 200k miles. It was still working great even after a few deer.