Replace '10 Prius with what?? New car under $20k.

Were you on Leave it to Beaver?

 

My previous car was a 2010 Corolla stick shift that easily maintained 40 mpg, and would probably do even better with more experienced hypermiler types. I drove sensibly, but didn't baby it. It was around $15,000 when I bought it new. No idea how much that's changed. Very basic, stick shift, manual doors and windows (which was always fine with me), fun to drive, cold air, a decent ride. It traveled a fair bit of the country and was more than adequate. If I could have afforded to, I would have kept it when I got my Prius. I only got the Prius because my needs have dramatically changed and it's a better fit for what I'm doing now. I had planned to take good care of it and keep that little Corolla forever. Anyway, I don't know what the best choice is for you (keep or buy), but I thought I would just toss a base Corolla on the heap.

 

How about a used LEAF ?

 

Eddie, do you want 40+ MPG EPA, or 40+ MPG actual consumption ?
In my hands our 2012 Honda Fit ends up in the low 40s, but it does require driving with fuel economy in mind. The new Gen Fit is probably good for 5-10% better numbers.

 

If you do not mind that the new Fit is 1st year of a new generation, now built for the first year in Mexico rather than Japan, I suggest a Fit if you just have to change cars

I'll wager you can average close to 45 mpg annualy.

 

The Mazda 3 is worth a look. It is pretty solidly the best small car on the market right now and is well under your budget. Like the Fit it will likely do about 35mpg combined, but honestly that's pretty darn good for a 155hp torquey engine, especially compared to where we were 5 years ago. I think we have another 5+ years to get above 40mpg combined from cars like this without using some sort of energy recovery system so I'd say your expectations were a bit optimistic to expect that any sooner.

My co-worker is reporting near 35mpg in his new 3 even on his commute around here which is short trips and steep hills, and has even been seeing 40mpg on longer trips at high speed with a bike on the roof.

 

^^
Stop/start and engine off coasting is all that is needed for a fuel economy conscious driver to hit 50 mpg in light city driving. In this respect the EPA and other testing cycles work against us because they do not allow the driver to optimize fuel economy, so the manufacturers are disincentivized to provide simple and inexpensive solutions.

 

Good idea. I'm hearing they are very cheap in Arizona.

 

Because hot Arizona kills Leaf batteries. The drawback of manual windows is opening & closing them every day at (to keep cool).

If I hadn't already bought a Prius, I'd be going with the Insight (dealer offered me $16,200 if I finance the sale through him). I loved the way it carved through canyons. Or the 1.0 liter Ford Fiesta ($15,000 + tax was quoted to me). Or wait for the Ford Focus 1.0 if I needed extra room (I don't).

The other options like Mirage or Fit felt "weak" since they don't carry a turbo in the base engine. The Fords do. They feel like driving a hybrid (lots of torque).

 

Lean-burn engines were effectively outlawed by CARB regulations in 2005 (the last year for T-LEV cars). Now the best Civic you can get is an HF at 42mpg highway. It would probably be 45 if it had a manual option. Almost 50 if it had lean burn engine.

You have to understand that politicians have a different priority from the customer. They want a clean-running car, even if that means lowering the MPG.

 

The prius c is built on the yaris platform. It gets 56 city and 46 highway. I think you can probably get over 50 on the highway .

The diesel golf , will cost you a small fortune to maintain. And the fit, not out yet. Those were the 2 cars I considered before buying the hybrid


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