With the price of gas spiraling out of control, fuel economy is on everyone’s mind. Getting into a gas friendly car might not be as hard as you thought. Check out our simple list below of the best cars to buy for cheap that will have you reaping the rewards of a switch than breaking the bank on a Toyota Prius.

Know The Difference Between Highway and City Driving. Which one do you use most? If you are a heavy traffic commuter or fly down Pacific Coast Highway to work, you can be getting completely different gas mileage. If you sit in traffic all day, you are the kind of guy that should be waiting in line for a hybrid. If you don’t know why, please read our Complete Guide To Hybrids. If you don’t sit in traffic and cruise straight to work every day above 50 MPH, you are in the position to get a cheap gas powered car that won’t break the bank and can get you saving money today! Never trust that you will get the gas mileage your car says it is supposed to.

Can You Drive A Stick? Having a Manual Transmissions can save as much as 5% on gas mileage. As long as you aren’t driving a manual because you like to drag race, knowing how to drive in the right gears can save gas over an automatic.

8 Helpful Hints To Save On Gas:

1. Have correct tire air pressure
2. Use the fuel recommended for your car. (Don’t use 87 if your car needs 89)
3. Use cruise control to help drive at constant speeds.
4. Have a properly tuned-up engine
5. Avoid excessive idle time. If you sit in traffic all day, get a hyrbdi!
6. Go slow off the line. When the light turns green, don’t floor the gas pedal.
7. Don’t travel little short trips back and forth places. Walk!
8. Roll your windows down and don’t use so much Air Conditioning.

Most Gas Efficient Cars.

1. Honda Civic GX
 
Overall mpg: 28 miles per gallon-equivalent of compressed natural gas
Est. annual fuel cost: $890
Lowest base price: $24,500
*Runs on compressed natural gas, not gasoline

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2. Toyota Prius

Overall mpg: 46
Est. annual fuel cost: $1000
Lowest base price: $21,000
*Great Interior Space

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3. Honda Civic Hybrid

Overall mpg: 42
Est. annual fuel cost: $1,110
Lowest base price: $24,300
*Qualifies for a federal tax credit of $2,100.

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4. Toyota Camry Hybrid

Overall mpg: 34
Est. annual fuel cost: $1,300
Lowest base price: $25,300
*Rewards you when you are in hybrid mode!

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5. Nissan Altima Hybrid

Overall mpg: 34
Est. annual fuel cost: $1,300
Lowest base price: $25,100
*One of the better looking hybrids.

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6. Smart Car

Overall mpg: 36 (premium fuel)
Est. annual fuel cost: $1,390
Lowest base price: $11,600
*You can park in a spot horizontally. There is savings right there!

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7. Ford Escape Hybrid

Overall mpg: 32
Est. annual fuel cost: $1,570
Lowest base price: $26,2000
*Most efficient SUV you can buy!

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8. Toyota Yaris

Overall mpg: 32
Est. annual fuel cost: $1,400
Lowest base price: $11,300
*A great, cheap gas powered car that hates eating fuel.

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