Related To Story

Which Used Cars Are Best On Fuel?

New Study Analyzes Used Cars' Fuel Efficiency

POSTED: 9:02 am CDT August 12, 2008

UPDATED: 4:30 pm CDT August 13, 2008

Even as gas prices are beginning to fall, it is still taking a bite out of the typical family's budget -- which makes finding the right car more important.

According to a Consumer Reports study, depreciation of the typical new car accounts for 46 percent of owner costs over a five-year period, with most of the depreciation happening in the first few years.

With that in mind -- if saving money is a goal -- car shoppers should take a look at used cars, the study said.

"Pre-owned vehicles have already gone through the initial period of rapid depreciation," the study concluded. "By focusing on a nearly new model, say 2-3 years old, you can find a vehicle that offers comparable fuel economy, performance, safety, and reliability as a new car, often with some transferable warranty coverage remaining."

The cars tested are the most fuel-efficient models available in their price range and many have performed well in Consumer Reports tests. The miles per gallon is derived from equal driving in the highway, city and rural roads.