Let's start with what's on everybody's mind right now: cars that are easy on gas.
No. 1: If you're looking for a used Prius, be advised that this car underwent a major overhaul in 04. You can find a first generation 01, which was not as powerful, for $12,0000, while an 04 can be found for around $17,500. Be advised, however, that nobody is really sure at this point as to what to expect from the electric batteries over the long term. That's not a knock on Toyota, which is known for its reliability. It's just the car hasn't been around long enough to generate real-world data.
No. 2: We saw a news story recently where a fellow was resuscitating old Geo Metros. Not that it was any great car to begin with -- except for the fact it got 40 miles to the gallon. Since 1998, it's been known as a Chevrolet Metro, and it's built in Canada as a joint venture of General Motors and Suzuki (which sold the same car as the Suzuki Swift). Kelly Blue Book says you can find an 00 Metro for $3,300 to $4,700; an 01 Swift (around $4,500) has a more powerful engine, but still gets 34 to 42 mpg.
No. 3: Another GM joint venture (this time with Toyota) is the Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix). You can find an 03 Vibe for $9,400, and it will get 26 mpg in the city and 31 highway. An 03 Matrix provides the same performance, but costs $1,000 more (thanks solely to the Toyota name).
No. 4: The ultimate small car, at least in terms of styling and sportiness, is the Mini Cooper. You can find an 03 Cooper around $12,000, and it will get around 29 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway.
No. 5: When you're looking for the best mileage available in a pickup truck, well, good luck. The Chevy Silverado generally ranks higher on government tests, but here's the deal with trucks -- your mileage will vary depending on how you drive it (especially when towing). According to the Feds, the Toyota Tundra was second, and for the record, there's really not that much difference, mileage-wise, between six- and eight-cylinder trucks.
No. 6: Finally, we encourage anyone even thinking of buying a car to go snag the annual Consumer Reports auto issue. The 08 edition, in the listing of Good Choices, even noted some cars under $4,000 (including the 98 Acura CL and the 98 Corolla).
