Hybrid cars cost about $5,000 more than a non-hybrid.

Additionally, hybrids have most all of the components

of a gasoline car plus the electrical components.

The Japanese and Europeans have micro cars that

are fuel efficient. At this time, however, they are not

offered to Americans.

Diesels are an alternative. BMW has a 320di with 160

horsepower. It gets about 50 mpg at 100 miles per hour.

0-60 is about 8.1 seconds. However, this car is not

imported into the United States.

Kia and Hyundai are rising in quality, but their prices

are coming up just under pricey Toyota and Honda cars.

The cost of transportation can be expensive, and higher

fuel prices do not help matters. The following used

vehicles have good ratings, are reasonably prices,

and they will help to stretch your fuel dollars.

1. The Toyota Corolla has been around for

over 30 years. During the last few years,

the Corolla has become a bit larger. Expect

to achieve about 30 miles per gallon (mpg)

in the city and about 40 mpg on the highway

with this vehicle.

2. The Honda Civic has been a stiff rival to

the Corolla. The Civic has also recently

grown a bit in size. The Civic is right there

with the Corolla at about 30 mpg in the city

and about 40 mpg on the highway.

3. The Geo Prizm will cost about $1,000-

$1,500 less than a comparable year

Corolla or Civic. The Prizm will achieve

about 29 mpg city and about 38 mpg on

the highway.

SUVs can really eat the fuel, however, they

are convenient for hauling cargo, and some

definitely have a real advantage in bad weather

and off-road conditions.

4. The Suzuki Esteem wagon provides some

cargo-carrying ability and reasonable fuel

economy. Expect to achieve about 28 mpg

in the city and about 37 mpg on the highway

with this vehicle.

5. The Subaru Legacy wagon/Outback wagon

and Forester can all carry cargo plus they

have all-wheel drive. These vehicles generally

have the most powerful engines out of those

mentioned above. Expect to achieve about

22 mpg in the city and about 27 mpg on the

highway.

If you are in the market for a vehicle, be certain

to do your homework. Consult the April (automotive

issue) of "Consumer Reports." This resource

is available at most public libraries.

If you plan on buying a used vehicle, also be

sure to read a couple of archived new vehicle

road tests (review road tests that were conducted

at the time the vehicle was new) on the used vehicle

of interest in auto magazines (many are archived

at your local library) or Internet sources such as

"Car and Driver," "Motor Trend," "Road & Track,"

or "MotorWeek." Information from the road tests

will allow you to zero in on which of the vehicles

discussed above will be the best for you.

Last, but not least, be certain that you do not

overpay to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. For

example, if you pay say $1,500 more for a vehicle

that achieves five mpg more than your current

vehicle, you would need to drive it about three

years to get $1,500 in fuel savings. However, say

you pay an extra $500 for a vehicle that achieves

10 mpg more than your current vehicle. In a little

over six months, you would recoup your $500.