Shopping for Fuel Efficiency? Kelley Blue Book Suggests Waiting

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Originally Posted by stevenfrank38

There is a lot of consumer angst emanating from the unrest in the Mideast and disaster in Japan. And with that comes concern about rising fuel costs and a scramble for fuel-efficient vehicles. For those without a pressing need to replace their current vehicle, Kelley Blue Book – long known for its knowledge and analysis of the used car market – advises to hold onto what you currently drive. And that advice would be especially true if the vehicle you own and operate is a truck or SUV.

Before I got my Yaris my dd was a 88 Full Size Bronco with a 302 and a 6" lift with 35" tires. I didn't sell the truck because it already paid for and I wanted to keep it. Here why I decided to get the Yaris or any other econobox.

First since the truck is old and with the lift and heavy tires I have to change u-joint quite often and same with the ball joints. My last set of heady duty ball joints lasted me about out 16 months that's just for street driving. Also driving daily the Mud Terrain tires only last about 1.5 years at $1200 per set.

Bronco monthly cost break down.

Insurance: $125
Gas (just to and from work): Aprox $600 per month. I get about 380-400km per tank ($110 to fill up) I think I spend about $800 on gas per month on the Bronco.
Total: $775-975 per month to operate my bronco.

Yaris monthly cost break down.

Insurance $155 (inc. vehicle value replacement - Car written off I get what I paid for it)
Monthly Payments: $265
Gas: $160-180 per month to and from work.
Total: $600 per month.

Now with the Yaris if I drive my Bronco on the weekends/days off and my wife uses the Yaris in town instead of her F-150 we'll save about $300-400 per month in gas alone. This also doesn't include anything that has to be replaced on the Bronco or at least save on shop labour as I can do the repairs myself since I have a backup car.

There's more to trading in or buying a small car than just gas savings. In a multi driver house the saving can be substantial if the family shares the car for in town diving especially if no one owns a new vehicle.

Also should add that I do lot of pick-ups from wholesalers for my work (who are on my drive to work so no detours needed). Much better customer service when I can have something next day then having to wait for once a week delivery. I won't be able to do that with the Yaris as much but will just have to split it into smaller loads.