Drive economically. Drive smoothly and avoid revving the engine — you will use less fuel. Plus, driving this way doesn’t stress the engine as much.
Drive electric. The REVA Gwiz is one of the most successful electric cars on the market. Petite but practical.
Buy the world’s cheapest car. Pick up India’s Tata Nano. $2500 US shouldn’t set you back too much.
Carpooling. Share the cost of driving with friends. Plus, you might actually get to know new people.
The first question to ask is do you need to drive? Why not walk to the supermarket, and trade your car for a bus or bike for your daily commute. If you must drive, car-pooling is a great way to cut fuel costs.
The great news is that economical is also ecological driving. By using less fuel, you’ll save your cash and the planet at the same time.
The more aerodynamic your car is, the less fuel it will use, so cut drag by removing your roofrack, and closing your windows. And, turf your golf clubs out of the trunk — the heavier the car, the more gas it uses. Finally set your tires to the correct pressure, and you’ll use up to 10 per cent less fuel.
Stick to the speed limit: your car pollutes most at very low or high speeds.
If you’re considering buying a car, buy the smallest and cheapest car that suits your needs. It will cost less to insure and run. Second-hand cars are cheap, but there are some very decent cheap new cars on the market and in the current economic climate, desperate dealers are offering bargain prices. Take a chance and haggle over the price of the car; dealers can’t afford to keep cars on their lot for long.
Eventually we hope to have the Nano, the world’s cheapest car. Built by Tata, India’s largest car manufacturer, starting this winter, the Nano will cost 100,000 rupees (around $2500 US).
Petite but practical, electric vehicles are hot with thrifty city motorists. The REVA GWiz has been a huge hit in London, and is going global so drivers everywhere can enjoy cheap driving, tax incentives, free parking, and other benefits.
