It's more than just fuel cost savings. I'd like to use less gas not only for lower cost, but to use less gas. Another reason I've been interested in diesel and electric in this thread is that they are efficient means for exceptional driving feel. Low end torque makes driving more fun around town and makes the car feel more premium, such as a V8 caddy or 12 cyl rolls or something. These cars also tend to have the latest electronics and more standard features than penalty box cars that are truly the 'lowest cost' vehicles on the road.

I could go buy a 53mpg Prius C right now for say $17k new (or $14-15k used) but it wouldn't be enjoyable and I couldn't carry any passengers with legs. People say even that isn't the cheapest route to go, buy a Versa or something for $12k and get mediocre mileage cause the price difference pays for a lot of gas. It doesn't get much more penalty box than a Versa, I mean, the highlights listed for the car include a 2 speaker am/fm radio.

Or I could buy a Volt like above at $12-14k and fully charge for $1 every 3rd day, get lots of standard features and good driving experience.

Not a single hybrid you're going to look at has anything approaching exceptional driving feel. And you get a lot of features in a Civic, Fit, or Mazda 3 now.

Not a single hybrid you're going to look at has anything approaching exceptional driving feel. And you get a lot of features in a Civic, Fit, or Mazda 3 now.

Which is why I haven't been looking at any hybrids. The lone exception was the Prius because it is the best at what it does.

Looks like BMW needs to start leasing its CEOs.

http://www.wsj.com/video/bmw-ceo-collapses-on-stage/0BE01E53-B765-4D2F-B158-B6898E84F5BD.html

i really need a fuel efficient vehicle that preferably has 4WD or AWD and can carry atleast one dirt bike on the back (not on a trailer) like using a carrier on a tow hitch.

What are my options?

Other than an FJ cruiser I keep coming up blank.. and it isn't fuel efficient at all.

Maybe a fronty truck or a 4 banger ranger?

not towing as in with a trailer.. but having a hitch carrier like this one.



problem is i need a class 3 atleast hitch that has a high enough tongue weight. I thought about getting a Honda Element (love the fact the interior is so durable, having a dog and all) but it is only a class2 hitch with a tongue weight of 325 or 350 lbs which isn't much considering this is measured at 6 inches or less from the hitch while the weight while being only about 220lbs actually sits closed to 15-18 inches away from the hitch.