How to buy an eco-friendlier car

Hybrids are all the rage these days for those who want to be environmentally conscious. But today, hybrids are one of several choices to consider for greening your ride.

Hybrids

• A hybrid is best for people who live in large cities with a lot of stop and go traffic. Also, people who let their cars idle on a regular basis (such as waiting in line to pick up kids from school) would benefit from driving a hybrid vehicle.

Clean burning diesel

• Another green choice is clean burning diesel. Deisel vehicles get 30% better fuel economy that standard vehicles. As of September of 2008, clean burning diesel cars and trucks are available in all 50 states. Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Volkswagen are the car makers to offer the first clean burning diesel vehicles in the U.S.

Electric vehicles

• In 2010, electric vehicles will become available.  That means they will run with no gasoline.

Fuel efficient vehicles

• In the 30 mile per gallon range, there is the Mini Cooper and the Kia Rio
• In the 40 mile per gallon range, there is the Smart Car and the Toyota Yaris

There are lots of great choices out there.  Make sure to do research on the internet before making your purchase.

Hi I'm Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, for howdini.com. Hybrids are all the rage these days for those who want to be environmentally conscious, but today, hybrids are one of several choices to consider for greening your ride.

So who is a hybrid best for? Those people who live in large cities who sit in rush hour traffic. Or if you use the drive-thru a lot or if you spend  alot of time outside your kids' soccer games waiting for them to finish their game. 

Another green choice is diesel--clean burning diesel. As of September 2008 we'll have available in all fifty states clean-burning diesel cars and trucks.  Now this is great for the environment because it's clean-burning, but it's also good for fuel-efficiency because diesel vehicles get thirty percent better fuel economy. So, that makes a big difference and it's smarter for the environment as well. You'll be seeing those in Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and VW. And you'll be able to bring in used vehicles from other states to New York and California. 

In 2010 electric vehicles will become available. That means no gasoline at all. It'll be available on select models like the Chevy Volt. This will be a great choice for people who live in the city, who have a lot of stop and go traffic, and who spend a lot of time idling. 

Finally, there are some fuel efficient cars out there that get better gas mileage than you might expect. For example, in the thirty mile per gallon range you've got the Mini Cooper, as well as the Kia Rio. When you jump up to that forty mile per gallon range, you've got the Smart Car, as well as the Toyota Yaris. There's lots of great choices, just do your homework on the internet before making your purchase. I'm Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, for howdini.com.