Eco-friendly cars that are easy on your wallet and tough on the road

When it comes to a budget friendly car, there are a few things to keep in mind, including gas efficiency, your eco footprint, what your “must have” features are, and what needs might crop up in the future that your car will need to handle.

 

1. Gas efficiency
2. Eco footprint
3. Must-have features
4. Future versatility: needs now versus in coming years

Gas efficiency

Striving for better gas efficiency seems like a no brainer. It saves you money at the pump and you can feel good about helping the planet.

Buying a fuel-efficient, budget friendly car has the collective effect of reduced contribution to green house gases and a decreased reliance on foreign oil. The reduction in fuel that you’ll need means you can spend that money on other things. You’ll also save time because you won’t have to gas up as often.

Even when fuel prices decrease, you are still saving time and money. You also don’t have to worry as much about gas prices returning to $4/gallon.

Be sure to consider fuel economy when you’re deciding what will be your next ride.

Tougher fuel economy standards paired with higher consumer expectations have increased efficiency across the board, but consumers should still pay attention because some cars are more efficient than others.

Eco footprint

Factors that affect a car’s fuel efficiency include the size of the engine, number of cylinders, weight and size of the car, and more!

Do your research and pay attention to the details. Smaller engines burn less fuel, but some big cars made of lightweight material including high-strength steel, fiberglass, aluminum, plastic, and other composite material are fuel efficient.

So, do a favor for yourself and the environment!

What are the benefits?

Less greenhouse gas emissions, means more green in your pocket

Vehicles using gasoline emit greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon dioxide (CO₂) that contributes to climate change.

Less oil dependence, more independence

Fuel efficient, budget friendly cars reduce our demand for foreign oil. While the primary focus of this discussion typically focuses on volatile oil markets there is also the fuel it takes to transport oil halfway across the world!

Less pollutants, more efficiency

Vehicles emit air pollutants that contribute to smog and harmful particulates in the air we breathe. Budget friendly cars are typically “efficient” cars, meaning they contribute less pollution to our environment.

Must-Have Features

With or without you?

While ultimately it’s a personal preference, there are some car features that are worth it and others that are nice, but not necessarily a “must have.”

Cars are safer, more comfortable, and have made great strides in technology integration over the past few decades. In other words, we’ve come a long way from the days when air conditioning was a luxury or cars weren’t heated at all (bundle up!). Still, there are new features that don’t come standard that are nice to have.

The following items made the top 10 list or an honorable mention from Consumer Reports:

1. Bluetooth – Don’t talk on the phone, as drivers are often distracted and cause accidents. However, phone features including internet radio and navigation ensure you get to your destination and aren’t bored getting there!
2. Blind-spot monitor – Lights in the side-view mirror warn you of blind spots.
3. Backup camera – Backup cameras are usually standard now, and might even become law. Especially helpful for backing out of a driveway.
4. Automatic headlights – Automatic headlights turn on based on the light around them. One less thing to worry about!
5. Heated seats – It’s Michigan, people!
6. Auto door unlock – If the car key is with you, just pull on the door handle and it automatically unlocks.
7. Trip computer with fuel mileage and range – Know how many miles you can go before filling up at a gas station. No need to question if you can make it to the next exit!
8. Full-sized spare tire – They work better than a spare and they definitely work better than nothing!

Future versatility: needs now versus in a few years

Despite their size, some compact cars are designed with a roomy interior. Are your babies going to become teens with long legs? Will you be traveling to visit family or planning any road trips out West? Check out the interior space first if the answer is “yes.”
How about the trunk or hatch space? Will it hold what you need to store?
Imagine your life five years or even ten years from now. What will your needs be? When you’re buying a car for yourself you’re also buying it for your future self.

Thelen Auto budget-friendly car for example:

Jeep Compass

The All-New 2017 Jeep Compass was named the Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year in the Compact Utility Vehicle segment at the 23^rd Annual Northwest Automotive Press Association ‘Mudfest.’

Standard features include:

 

• 4L Tigershark^® MultiAir^® 2 engine
• ParkView^® Rear Back Up Camera15
• Uconnect^® 3 with 5-inch touchscreen

 

These are just a few of the budget friendly cars that we have to offer. Stop by our lot and have a friendly representative show you what we have in stock.

 

Thelen Auto Group wishes you wealth (in saved $) and health for the environment!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Links:

 

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/small-cars

 

https://www.kia.com/us/en/vehicle/optima/2018

 

https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy/the-real-difference-a-fuel-efficient-car-can-make/

 

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fcv_benefits.shtml

 

https://wheelzine.com/environmental-benefits-of-fuel-efficient-cars

 

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/01/10-car-features-you-can-t-live-without/index.htm

 

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-most-versatile-cars-under-20000-2012-05-04

 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nadaguides-highlights-top-ten-most-versatile-new-cars-under-20000-149802265.html

 

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/best-worst-fuel-economy/index.htm

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