The CAR WIZARD shares which 'So Called Economic' cars that are hidden gas guzzlers to NEVER buy

The CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ presents a new BTNT in his on going series, this video shares which 'So Called Economic' cars that really don't live up to the great gas mileage you'd assume. List includes 6 vehicles to never buy and 6 that really are great cars.
Please remember these recommendations are based on his experiences with these cars as a mechanic and the services he has found they require.
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[@nicholasdoran]

"I want a Jeep Wrangler for fuel efficiency" said no one ever.

[@MH-fb5kr]

And reliability

[@jerryjeromehawkins1712]

​@@MH-fb5kr 142k trouble-free miles on my '15 JK... plenty of those out exploring the desert. Enjoying your Corolla MH?? Dude tells us a RAV4 is a replacement for a Wrangler?? Riiight... guess I'll just cut the roof off of a Rav4 and remove those doors and windshield 😅 Next video... Apples vs Oranges

[@racdude01]

@@jerryjeromehawkins1712 he said a RAV4 is a replacement for a wrangler if u want an SUV and good gas mileage. If you want a Jeep for the specific features of it being Jeep gas mileage isn’t your main concern. Context comprehension man it’s not that hard

[@peterscott2662]

I LOL'd when the RX8 came up first. Anyone who knows rotary, knows it has terrible fuel efficiency, which is partly what killed them. I wouldn't think its hidden.

[@dglcomputers1498]

And supposely uses a lot of oil too.

[@RIGeek.]

@@dglcomputers1498 they have an oil metering pump on the engine that drips oil into the intake. That's the only way to lube the apex seals (equal to the rings). Performance crew deletes the metering pump but pre-mixes synthetic 2 stroke oil with the gas.

[@bdanger0078]

I had an RX8 and loved it but didn't expect to see it on this list. I said out loud "Oh hell no" those who know, know.

[@chrishernandez2490]

Its hidden to non car people. Also to people who aren't very familiar with rotaries

[@discgolfdetails9889]

@@RIGeek. Rotaries also are goofy wen they measure displacement. I heard that a 1.3 rotary is similar to a 3.9 normal engine. If you think 3.9 displacement then 21 MPG is about right.

[@TheTech9]

Working for Chevy I've seen guys averaging 22-25mpg with their Sierras and Silverados. V8s can really sip if you drive them right. Conversely I've seen a lot of people opt for the smaller engine option in vehicles and end up getting worse MPG because of how much harder the little engine has to work.

[@gorkyd7912]

This is why I lose respect for tailgaters. Every time the car in front turns or slows they hit their brakes. Every time they hit their brakes they're converting the burned fuel that gave their car its momentum into brake pad heat. And they get to their destination at the same time anyway, just having burned a lot more gas.

[@TheTech9]

@@gorkyd7912 I second this since modern vehicles don't use fuel at all on deceleration but braking just wastes energy.

[@robertopics]

@@gorkyd7912 you have to stop regardless, overcoming aerodynamic draft is a good way to improve your gas mileage. Now from my understanding of aerodynamics you do not have to kiss the rear number of a vehicle to get the benefit of drafting. If your willing to drive at somebody else's speed and have the skill knock yourself out so long as you consider your safety and the safety of those around you. I've managed to get 28-29mpg with some mild drafting on my 2020 ranger.

[@gorkyd7912]

@@robertopics No, you don't have to stop regardless. If the vehicle in front is turning right and you have 100 yds spacing you can easily coast up to them and they will be turned and out of your way before you get there and you never have to even touch the brake. If you do have to brake you will only slightly reduce speed. This is also faster than restarting from a near stop, you will get to your destination sooner. Accelerating from 35 back to 45 takes far less fuel than going from 5 to 45 because you were too close to the car in front. This is also true at red stop lights that are about to turn green, if you maintain 50 mph until you have to brake you are wasting all the fuel you spent maintaining that speed AND the fuel you will have to take to get back to 50 from a stop. If you coast at 20 mph until the light changes you waste none of that fuel, you get a running start so you're overall going faster, and this is also safer driving.... people are just REALLY stupid. Zero intelligence. I don't know how else to explain why people would drive slower, less safely, and also pay more for fuel to do so. The only way you could regain these fuel losses with drafting is if you're going hundreds of miles on the interstate where obviously the car in front stopping or turning is less of a problem. However, at 75+ MPH, being killed because you were too close to the car in front to see an oncoming hazard is more of problem. At speeds under 50 your economy gains from drafting are negligible unless you're literally touching their bumper.

[@dylano7242]

Must been the 4.8L vortec to get that mpg. In my 5.3L suruban best gotten 19 mpg highway. 6.0L Sierra 17 mpg highway

[@wortheffort]

I bought a '95 ranger with the 4 banger 5spd brand new. Drove it almost 400,000 miles. 300,000 miles without a gas gauge (just used the trip odometer). No matter how I drove I could depend upon 23-24mpg.

[@kaptain1477]

I have 2003 Ford ranger V6 3.0L 4 speed I get about 220miles on a full tank of e85 which I currently use since it is like $3 instead of the $4.68 or $5

[@jeremypike9153]

my daily driver is a 93 ranger 3.0 v6 5 speed manual. It does pretty decent on fuel mileage. I average around 25 mpg with it.

[@boogitybear2283]

Those Ranger trucks even if they got 10-15 mpg I would still own them because they were built like tanks.

[@kaptain1477]

@@boogitybear2283 haha yeah I get like 13 mpg with e85 and 15mpg with regular. Recently had misfires but I replaced the spark plugs and wires and coil pack because it was also sluggish now has better acceleration than before.

[@OOICU812]

Had a '88 Ranger 2.3 5sp Supercab. I never got better than 17/23 mpg. But I drove it coast to coast, sometimes with a hardside overhead camper on board. Of course with that setup it was a real slug, and I never bothered to check fuel mileage.

[@I_Do_Cars]

The idea of someone "racing" a C230 made me chuckle.

[@dougnanceywoodson5020]

Lets not forget this car requires premium fuel:(

[@Jthomsonhate7]

What's up Importapart, come across any 8.1 L18s lately?

[@I_Do_Cars]

J thomsonhate7 nothing at the moment but I do look!

[@ENWILSON]

Racing to the euro shop

[@martinsvensson6884]

Its pretty peppy actually. Around 200hp in a pretty small car with a 6 speed manual. Was rated at 35mpg highway in Europe with the 5 speed auto.

[@Brownnproud91]

Don't let this distract you from the fact that Hector is gonna be running 3 Honda Civic's with spoon engines. On top of that he just came into Harry's and ordered 3 t66 turbo's with NOS's and a Motec System Exhaust.

[@doncorleone2713]

NAAAAAASSSSS!!!!

[@JDMJACOB1]

😯

[@CreationsVibration]

So what are you saying? You're gonna go around checking everybody's shit out, one garage after another?

[@AeroGuy07]

Thumbs up for a classic!

[@Elevated618]

😂🤣😭

[@richardtaylor7485]

Just drove from Los Angeles to Sacramento and back averaging 40 mpg. My vehicle is a 2022 Toyota Camry SE 208 HP naturally aspirated engine. The vehicle is comfortable and plenty of power to pass and maneuver.

[@JohnSmith-xx1lx]

You're absolutely right about the cost of vehicles dropping, vehicles I typically see in the 5 to 6,000 range I'm now seeing them the three and $4,000 range a lot more frequently..

[@adotintheshark4848]

you're talking gas-guzzling car prices dropping. Not the economical cars however.

[@ENWILSON]

I am not a jeep fan but I was laughing my ass off at the easy bake oven comparison.

[@charleshines1553]

Yeah, paint it pink and buy it for your daughter LOL

[@AverageNeighbor]

I was geeked when he said it will cook your kids haha

[@charleshines1553]

@@AverageNeighbor I know some vehicles just aren't comfortable no matter what. I saw a review on a newer Corolla and the back seats are just cramped. If there is a tall person in your family who rides with you, do them a favor and avoid that thing!!

[@knobrush]

Instead of being smooth, a lot of people use their gas pedal like they're tapping out a message in morse code. That destroys your mpgs no matter what you drive.

[@PBVader]

I blame that on mostly ladies. Feather foot or cruise control in the right lane will get us there. Noticed a lot more 4 wheelers doing 5 to 10 under lately tho.

[@richzerby9238]

That has to be one of the best analogies I’ve ever heard! LOL

[@ineedapharmists]

This thing sucks just drinks gas Bro you drive a 6 speed and it's almost redlining until it goes into sixth. My brother in law is super bad at this. He has a 2003 Chevy avalanche with the 5.3. mind you, it will never be fuel efficient but you're not helping doing 90 on our way to work. This is true, this truck shifts at 6000 rpm more often than anywhere else.

[@gorkyd7912]

Gas pedal is fine. People that brake a lot have worse far mileage.

[@slappagon]

Man, I wish you were my mechanic. I really appreciate good, honest people

[@waiakalulu2472]

I was reconciling my department's leave records and had this playing in the background and just laughed and laughed. This guy is hilarious. So funny hearing about these disappointing cars. Love how he puts owners' inner thoughts out there, then DESTROYS those hopes and dreams with cold hard reality.

[@FermSingh]

1:30 I tried to fool my parents into getting me a RX-8. I told them its a 4dr sedan with a 1.3L engine. The dealership told my parents that its a terrible car for a new driver and i'm glad they did that.

[@ozzierabbit587]

I was shopping for a new car in 2006, and a salesperson said, "How about an RX-8?". From the little knowledge I had about those cars, I said, "I don't think that'd be the best choice for me". Best car buying decision I ever made.

[@AlvinBrinson]

Someone at the school I work at commutes to work daily in an RX-8. I keep wanting to find out who it is and make sure they are aware of rotary care needs. The car is bone stock from the outside and not washed frequently, so it's questionable if it's an enthusiast who knows or just a rando who is in for a surprise.

[@spacepope-1]

@@AlvinBrinson i took care of mine, and it still blew a coolant passage

[@DMarshallSR]

Good on the dealership.

[@armchairgeneralissimo]

Fair play for trying to trick your parents lol. I kind of did the same with my first car, they were very happy that I wanted a Volvo good thing they didn't quite know what a T5 was.

[@nicholashall4639]

Don’t forget the premium gas some of these need

[@workingmanaudio2754]

2006 VW Rabbit 2.5 5cyl. I commute 140 miles each day to work and back. I get 30 mpg. I drive a manual. It’s been a great car.

[@themikecranston]

I've owned 5 of your "don't owns". You're spot on! I have parked my Ram with the hemi that gets ranger -mileage! Wife drives a 3.5 Accord that gets 28mpg day in, day out and I just bought a wrecked 2008 civic that got 39mpg it's first 2 weeks! Keep it up!

[@LazBOG593]

Right now my '14 Fiesta 1.0L is getting 43 MPG and my 2020 Fusion Hybrid is getting 47.4 MPG. It's not often that you get to brag when you own these cars.

[@spartansfan1026]

Got an '18 Fusion Hybrid early this year. I'm very happy with mine. The gas savings are great (especially right now!) and while it's not a rocketship, neither was the '06 Taurus I had before it. At least now I get some modern comforts and only have to fill up once a month.

[@bbb462cid]

My 2013 Mazda3 is reporting 45mpg on the highway at 70mph. I don;t love the car but I love to own it, if that makes sense.

[@cec4]

i had a 14 with the 1.6 na 5 speed manual and i could never, no matter how much i floored it, city driving, pizza deliver, get below 30 mpg

[@MrDuncl]

Getting about 45 MPG (American) from my Golf 1.4TSI Wagon so not all VWs are uneconomic. The DSG makes it officially more economical than the manual and saves me quite a lot of road tax. Until DSGs and CVTs came out the only people who could afford to run automatics in the U.K. were the type of people who could write off the fuel costs as tax.

[@B0xlife1]

Fiesta automatic transmission? Been looking at these to possibility buy but didn’t know if the automatic was good on gas or worth it??

[@JDseller1]

My wife's car is a 2008 Grand Prix with the 3800 engine. She gets 30 MPG regularly. She is a conservative driver but still that is good mileage from a full size car.

[@digitalrailroader]

I get an average of 22-24 MPG with my 2006 Buick Lucerne with the exact same engine and got a personal best of 27 mpg.

[@md2k8]

That's great

[@Welcometofacsistube]

My 2001 300m with 300000kms on it still gets 28mpg

[@derekbernhard9191]

My mom had a 2001 bonneville ssei with the supercharged 3800, it was faster, bigger, and got better gas mileage (23 average) than her "new" 2015 buick lacrosse gets (21 average). What did buick do wrong?

[@Monza62000]

i have a 2002 grand prix an a 95 transport both have the 3800..30mph is what the get ,,an they are not light

[@scottbutts6703]

I had a 99 ranger 2wd with the 4 cylinder. I never expected it to be good on gas, and it wasn't. 18 on the freeway, 14 around town. Yet I ALWAYS got comments of "that things gotta be good on gas, right?"

[@northdakotaham1752]

I have the same truck but 4 wd, auto and 4.0 V6. I get about that same mileage but lots of hp....so I step on it.

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

They had 4.10 gears

[@tommywd40]

I had the luxury of having a jeep wrangler on rental when my 2008 Mercedes C class was in the shop. I couldn't imagine how my mpg could get worse and it was a HUGE difference. And the road noise....

[@Al-thecarhistorian]

I owned a 1996 Ford Ranger XLT extended cab with the 2.3 and 5-speed manual. Had it for almost 6 years (bought it new). Not only was it flawless with zero issues during my ownership, but its gasoline mileage was CONSISTENT between 23 to 27 mpg. Now matter whether it was city or highway driving, I could count on that 23 to 27 mpg.

[@okk7306]

I just did the math on my XL Single Cab and it gets about 24 mpg

[@mattjohnson8718]

Same here. 21 in the city, 26 on the highway. Replacing the spark plugs, MAF and O2 sensors helped a lot. These engines eat spark plugs.

[@bunkie2100]

The key to decent Ranger mileage seems to be having the five speed manual and 2WD. I had a '96 3.0/5-speed and a '98 2.3/5-speed. They both seemed to average between 21 and 24 mpg.

[@acemobile9806]

This guy has no idea what the hell he's talking about & usually doesn't. In 1991, the old Lima 2.3 was rated at 29 MPG highway & could do better than that if not driven like a bat outta hell. Best of any small pickup made at the time & of course the Ranger's reliability & reputation for being tough as nails is almost as legendary as its full-size brother was back then. Over the years the truck grew heavier & once they switched over to the Mazda-derived 2.3 DOHC, the mileage did take a pretty substantial hit, partly due to the weight of the truck & mostly due to the lower rear end gearing to compensate for the Mazda engine's lack of torque. They were rated for more power than the Lima but honestly I couldn't feel it...actually felt slower. A lot of these examples are so elementary... a Jeep with the aerodynamics of a barn door but expecting fuel economy out of it? What moron does that? Funny how Wizard bags on FoMoCo products a lot but what make survives the Freedom 500 & Danger Ranger series? I never see any GM crap out there except on the sidelines.

[@misters2837]

@@acemobile9806 Well he WAS talking about the 2.3 16V series which were got horrible MPG, and other than having a Timing Chain was not an engineering improvement...(16V 2.3 got worse MPG than 3.0 V6)...and had NO POWER...The 2.3/2.5 Lima engines could not pull a fat kid across greased linoleum, but at least they got decent enough MPG 24/25 hwy... The late 80s Tech4 2.5 S10s got great mpg...27/28 on hwy... I had both styles of trucks...and really the best truck belonged to my friend which was a Ranger with 2.2 Perkins/Mazda Diesel...35+ MPG

[@whammond511]

I drive an ‘05 Dodge 4x4, 1500, Hemi gas 5.7L. I also pull a 5000# trailer regularly. On the Freeway, at 70, no trailer & no wind I get 19 mpg., at 60 I get 21mpg., at 55 I get 22-23. That’s the absolute best. But guess what? It’s my only vehicle, so it’s my daily driver & I am zealous about maintenance. It currently has 262k+. I’ve not had to any major repair to the engine. I’ve replaced the water & fuel pumps and the alternator. I HAVE replaced every front suspension and steering component. I believe I’ve done well. I keep all receipts for everything, including gas. I have a log book I keep track of these expenses in. I’ve not totaled it up but I suspect it’s cost me at least as much as the purchase price.

[@veryfunclub]

The GM Vortec DOD/AFM (cylinder deactivation) system is one of those features that’s supposed to save on gas but it only saves maybe 2mpg and, with time, the lifters always stick and you’ll have to tear the whole motor apart to replace them. My G8 with the 6.0 only goes from 19mpg to 21 or 22 when I purposely activate it on the highway

[@ianb3866]

My 99 TA says 24 mpg on the window sticker, 5.7 ls1. Feels like it gets around 24 too.

[@tirbomax]

i have an 08 saab 97x 5.3i with a sloopy stage 2 cam (dod deleted) and average 15 mpg

[@ianb3866]

@@tirbomax Im all stock with 3.42 gears in the back so gets about 24. i got a 5.3 im bulding with a tsp tsunami cam, double springs, stock bottom end. arp bolts to hold down ported 317s i ported them shitty asf but whatever, double trick flow springs.

[@ianb3866]

@@tirbomax I am gonna probably go turbo on it and put it in a 4th gen camaro

[@Charon-5582]

I took my '99 Civic SI on a 1200km trip, I was astonished at the milage. I got 4.2L/100kms (54mpg) all I did was set cruise control at 120kph.

[@Coordinator61]

I had same Civic but never got that at 120 km/hr.

[@juliogonzo2718]

I had an elantra for a rental last year I took on a road trip it got over 50 us mpg. I was doing about 105 km/h but it was hilly

[@keyan8585]

Yep, and at the end of the day, you drive a Honda Civic.

[@Coordinator61]

@@keyan8585 Nothing wrong with a Civic.

[@Charon-5582]

@@keyan8585 it does what I need it to do with little complaint... it fights me every time I try to maintain it for some odd reason but it hasn't broken down on me.

[@scottimusgarrett15]

I'm getting 30 mpg in my Mazda CX 30 Turbo, with a 310 hp/375 ft.lbs performance chip in it. Fast, and economical! Thanks for the Vacation Education episode!✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

[@scottimusgarrett15]

The CX 30 is quite a bit lighter, and my chip improves low-end throttle response for better mileage. 30 mpg is highway as well. But, that's my real-world highway fuel milage.

[@juangomez1784]

On my Elantra my gas mileage is supposed to be 31 city/41 highway, but without even going on the highway I get around 34-37 mpg. On the highway I get between 45-47. I'm so glad I chose this car over an SUV with these crazy gas prices.

[@MrDuncl]

The Elantra does look as if it was designed in a wind tunnel rather than by someone who played with Tonka toys as a kid.

[@whatareyoudoingyouidiot342]

I've got a 2012 Honda Civic and I can't even crack 30 MPG in that turd. It's mostly the environment. There's no such thing as flat terrain out here. I'm always going up a hill somewhere, and since the car is freaking GUTLESS I'm constantly on throttle.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

I get 40 mpg in my gas RAV4. There is no way I’d ever get a regular car to save a few more mpgs. You are much safer sitting up a little higher especially with all of the SUVs and Pickups on the road. Even a small SUV like a Jeep Patriot will flatten a sedan in a crash.

[@takracke5644]

wow, congrats on that. I get the same in 3-pot fiesta..

[@BANANAHAMMER420]

@@user-tb7rn1il3q you don't sit up high in rav 4

[@Taco002]

My MPG was 31Cty/ 37Hwy in my 2016 1.4T Jetta. Manual and I live in Texas so I wasn't climbing up mountains in it... Hit 40MPG from Austin to Fort Worth on a Sunday morning once, Loved that car. Have a V6 Accord now and it gets 27/34 but not as good as the Jetta

[@Fishsticks187]

I feel this on a spiritual level with my 370Z lol. I average about 19 MPG combined on 93 octane which is about $6.50 per gallon here in Illinois. Granted I race it fairly often and generally beat the hell out of it so that's no surprise. My daily driver on the other hand is my 08 Grand Prix with the good ol' 3800 V6 that returns 30 MPG on the highway if driven conservatively.

[@Xx1SailorScoutxX]

I'm right there; I have a 2013 Infiniti G37x sedan. I'm currently averaging 17 MPG (I do a lot of city driving). It DOES shine on the highway/interstate; I usually get about 25 MPG then.

[@frankajello]

Buying a 3800 is the best thing you can do. Repairs so easy you can do it yourself and if it’s new enough there are none

[@thecman26]

Yes! That 3.8l V6 did sip on the gas but had some pop when you opened it up!

[@oengusfearghas9608]

The really sad part on the Jeep is, from personal experience, the old 4.0 inline 6 had more power and got better fuel economy than Jeeps with either the 3.7 or 3.8 V6. Seriously how can't you beat an old school pushrod, reverse flow head, basic as hell, overhead valve engine with a modern computer controlled similar displacement engine?

[@madmax6461]

LR2 TD4 easily gets 35-40MPG and will happily hold it's speed in windy conditions

[@JonesNate]

Regulations

[@americanrambler4972]

@@madmax6461 LR2 TD4 get 35-40 mpg? Only when it’s not broken and in the shop. Which is not often. Land Rovers are cool, but the only car I dealt with that was more broken was a Yugo.

[@TheColosiss]

I have a 93 cherokee Laredo with the inline 6 I can confirm that the blasted thing will outlive me. That is precisely why I will *NEVER* sell it.

[@ShinobiXRevived]

You're comparing an actual Jeep engine to a Chrysler engine. Jeep is dead!!! It ain't coming back!!! It's Chrysler!!!!

[@harry53172]

Buying a 07' Yaris for a couple of grand last year has turned out to be the best car purchase I ever made. Saving me upwards of $150 per month over my pickup @12mpg Yaris @36-40mpg. Pickup only moves when I have to haul/tow something. Not to mention it has more than tripled in value, if you can even find one.

[@saratc660]

My buddy picked one up with a stick shift and seems like a decent little car

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

‘07

[@zzoinks]

I would love a little car, it just stinks that they aren't at safe. Also when buying 10+ year old used cars, the luxury cars are safer vs something fuel efficient like Toyota Corolla. But I bet the safety gets better the newer they get!

[@auntbarbara5576]

@harrybeast indeed. My early '07 Yaris we got in April '06, so been on road over 17 years. No rust, squeaks, rattles, upper 30s mpg without even trying. In summer low 40s. And has every original part. Water pump, alt, stsrter, struts etc, everything but front pads, tires and battery . Runs like a Swiss watch. And sooo easy to do all diy maint on. You cant drive cheaper and more reliably at same time. Best of all these early ones are actually made in Japan👌

[@trevorbartram5473]

The Yaris is a great small in town but the manual transmission needs a sixth gear on the highway!

[@timallen8202]

Already did what you suggested and bought a 2003 impala . Me and my wife just had trucks and suv . Thank you for your info I'm sure it will help alot of people out there .

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Jackie Stewart’s instruction to racers helps gas mileage too, in that lovely Scot brogue: “Squeeeze the throttle, squeeeze the brakes, smoooth steering input ...” Saves wear and tear too.

[@glennhansel9411]

Stewart was a finesse driver. They are the best.

[@racerboy2212]

As a collector/flipper, I am looking forward to those who want to dump their guzzlers. The bang-for-the-buck is going to be great!

[@MrDuncl]

The miles to the buck won't be :-) p.s. Reading about the 1970s oil crisis someone said that the value of V12 Jags fell through the floor. The same crisis was the making of Nissan who at one point had the most economical car for sale in the U.S.A.

[@MiikeyLawless]

Could've just said, "as stage 4 cancer...". 😘

[@TheBigdog868]

In 1994 I bought a new extended cab Ford ranger with the 3.0 v-6. I drove that thing for 20 years and 20 mpg was all I got. But they were well made. It's still driving around.

[@MindsMouth]

I got lucky buying my '99 Yukon for $2k. The plastic is bad, but everything else is good, even the AC is still cold. 235k miles and still running great. Done all maintenance on time.

[@philmoore5579]

Absolutely true about the Ranger. Mine gets twenty average. It's a good truck but no gas saver.

[@johnkowalkowski4269]

Of all the cars that came and went in my life, I wish I still had the 1988 Ford Escort EXP. It had a 1.9 high output SOHC 4 cylinder, 2 barrel throttle body fuel injection with the 5 speed manual transmission. There was a recall in the early 90s that replaced the throttle body. It was getting in the low 40s MPG before the recall, it got, no brag or joke, 53 MPG on a trip over the North Cascade Highway in Washington State. I sat and did the math multiple times....be nice to have that car right now

[@dashcamandy2242]

My cousin in Florida had one, and I borrowed it while visiting in '96. Started the car at my grandmother's house with the Low Fuel light on, drove it 30 minutes to my cousin's house where I spent the night, and the next morning I drove another 10 minutes to the gas station. Amazing on gas.

[@kevinanderson686]

@@dashcamandy2242 Yeah but the tie rods on the front even standard shift were no bigger around than a pencil and when they snap driving good luck 😂🤣😂

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

In the 80s we had better fuel efficient cars than now. Alot of them had no power but hey they made great work cars.

[@kevinanderson686]

@@dashcamandy2242 the gas lasted longer back then it did not evaporate or go bad as quickly either

[@kevinanderson686]

@@BruceLee-xn3nnThe gas ⛽ was better and lasted longer in the cars also the gas did not go bad so quickly or evaporate as quickly as well.

[@davebuts1921]

Wizard way back in time had a Mercedes C220 CDI that thing did well over 50mpg so not all mercs are bad.

[@apexchaser6187]

Really love the fact that you gave people solid alternatives! Truly great advice for non-car people ( I'd like to think car people know this stuff already). Additionally, I obsess over the consumer reports, reliability ratings, and for the most part, I agree with almost every one of your alternative choices 👍. Truly, the man is a wizard 😁

[@bobw7018]

The consumer reports ratings, are a joke in my experience. To decide, ask a mechanic. JD Power, Consumer Reports, all those, are just looking at the first year or two of ownership. That's just short term and won't show the true problems with any car. Take the VW brand for example. People think they're good. The truth? They're nightmares.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

A Camry XLE with the 4 cyl is a good compromise between good MPG and a bit of luxury.

[@2tooful]

Or xse with the red leather interior that’s equipped like a Lexus

[@anonymousinc6330]

Got a witness. My 2016 SE gets 40 to 45 highway if I drive it right.

[@northidahoguy5549]

I’m driving a ‘09 Toyota Yaris 2 door hatchback with a 5 speed and I’m getting 39 mpg highway.

[@MyLifeThai371]

We have lots of the 2008 yaris models in Minnesota for $3500 right now.

[@tardeliesmagic]

1.5L? Only 1.5L we get here in the UK is in the Hybrid form. Had a 2002 1.3L 4 speed auto for 14 years,did 49mpg on motorway & 35 in town. My 2015 Yaris 1.3L CVT i have now is really good on fuel, 41mpg in town & 58mpg on motorway NO JOKE,it idles at 2200rpm @70mph. Regular oil changes is a must for decent mpg, i add 2 psi to my tyres too.

[@clay282]

This is a video I think everyone should see. I have a V6 King Cab Nissan Frontier that gets the SAME fuel economy as the Crew Cab RAM 1500 4x4 I had before it. Unless you're just uncomfortable with the size of a full-size pickup... I can't see any reason to give up all the capability, room and comfort, for a mid-size truck. I learned the hard way, smaller doesn't mean better.

[@brandonstclair6530]

I get 11.5 mpg in my Toyota Tundra at 75 mph, so if you want a Toyota truck and want decent gas mileage, better get the Tacoma

[@Evilliboba]

I went from a '17 4.3L Silverado to a '21 Ranger. Same gas mileage with half the room and comfort. Towing is about the same. Much easier to park though. I also just bought a '09 Prius for too much. Haha... I am the Wizard's poster child for bad decisions.

[@AeroGuy07]

In the early 2000's I thought a 4x4 V6 Isuzu Rodeo with a 5spd would get better gas mileage than a Grand Cherokee with a 5.2L V8. I was wrong.

[@tyguy365]

@@brandonstclair6530 we use a tacoma company truck that gets 15mpg tops so I think if you want decent mileage you just don’t buy a Toyota truck

[@MiikeyLawless]

@@tyguy365 facts. Especially since so many of them from the 90s and 00s REQUIRE premium.

[@benjones1917]

I'm in the UK and have the VW 1.8T engine in a Skoda Octavia VRS and there's me thinking I can easily get more than 30mpg, but then remembered that an Imperial gallon is bigger than a US gallon... So yeah you're about right with the 1.8T fuel economy!

[@chezshirecat1872]

I loved my Jeep wrangler, so fun to drive but it was a gas guzzler. And you are so true about black top. I sold it before the gas crisis for a SUV.

[@control_the_pet_population]

Driving habits are a big part of it as well. If you aren't in a rush on that next highway trip, then slide over to the right lane and do 65 mph. I have a 2018 Chevy Malibu with the 1.5L 4Cyl. Listed specs are 27 city / 36 highway. Over a recent 70 mile highway stretch, I managed almost 50mpg (48.9mpg according to the trip computer in the car) with the cruise control set at 65mph. This added maybe 4-5 minutes of travel time to my 70 mile trip versus driving 80mph the whole way, but I saved something close to a full gallon of gas.

[@MrDuncl]

That was the reason the U.S Government imposed a nationwide 55MPH speed limit during the 1970s oil crisis.

[@control_the_pet_population]

@@MrDuncl Yup. Although I am still with Sammy Hagar, I can't drive 55. Going 65 isn't too bad... just cruise along with the semi trucks.

[@brandonstclair6530]

I have a 2006 Toyota Tundra with a 4.7 v8 and I went 250 miles at 75 mph and I got a whopping 11.5 mpg. I love the truck but the gas mileage is horrendous

[@onlyrog5]

This is why i want a hybrid. You love it until you pull up to the gas station 🤣

[@SaxaphoneMan42]

with those 2UZ motors though you save on repairs more than what you spend at the pump typically

[@shantyburton6854]

Got a dodge that gets that kind of mpg.

[@ghomerhust]

i had a 99 durango with the 5.9L in it that would get over 20mpg on the highway because it was a rare one that DIDNT have the tow package. better gears. my folks had one WITH the tow package, same year and engine, never got more than 16 at best.

[@ricochetey]

Wow thats worse than my 89' F 350 crew cab 7.5L I got 14mpg going to Milwaukee last summer from Minneapolis doing 75mph the whole way. I was pretty happy with that

[@dc45acp]

A few weeks ago, I bought my daughter an 01 Tahoe 4x4 with a 5.3, new transmission and 160,000 miles on it. I paid 3000 for it. Runs like a champ.

[@w.e.s.]

Does she got a big family or just lots of money to blow? If I paid 3000 for a 4x4 tahoe I'd sell that thing for 10 grand right away and buy another 1

[@keno77]

Wizard, thanks for thinking of all of us followers but the main thing is that you and Mrs Wizard are enjoying the vacation you deserve it.🎉👍

[@jakelannetti3128]

I had a ranger with the 2.3 and i did do like 23 mpg on a long trip from Philly to VA, driving like a granny with the 5 speed manual. Not great but at the time gas wasn’t bad.

[@rollydoucet8909]

This guy possesses a wealth of information mostly based on experience, that we can benefit from. Thank you, Wizard.

[@WrecklessEnterainment]

I just bought a 2022 Toyota Corolla hatchback with a 6 speed manual and it gets right at 38 mpg most of the time and some times even right at 40 mpg. Great little car. Glad I bought it!

[@austin99etc]

With gas $4-$5/gal in most parts of the country, I'm still daily driving my '99 Suburban 4x4. It's hard on gas, but it's comfortable, capable, and still easily repairable. $160+ fuel bill to fill up is terrible, but even if I were to burn $450/mo in gas I can't go buy a car that gets 30+ MPG that won't come with a payment and insurance any cheaper so I might as well drive what's paid for.

[@tony64t]

I feel the same way about my 03 Ford Excursion with the V10. I 💘 it and don't have a car mortgage!

[@shanet7511]

With the money you save on fuel you could make the car payment on the new car, giving you more equity and something else to drive around. Not all smaller cars are uncomfortable, there's some small comfortable reasonably well optioned cars that are reliable, affordable and inexpensive to run. For example an early 2000s Toyota Avalon or Lexus ES, buicks with the 3800, hell even a well optioned camry or accord is pretty decent, and all can be had under $10k pretty easy.

[@austin99etc]

@@shanet7511 I don't have $5-$10k in savings, so something like that would have to be financed. And financing a 15 year old Camry makes about as much sense and getting back with your ex. I'll just drive my truck.

[@shanet7511]

@@austin99etc with good credit the car payment won't be bad, we financed a 2007 Infiniti M35X with 110k or so miles that we paid $8,500 for with like $1,500ish down through navy Federal credit union and got a low interest rate, somewhere around 4-5% apr. This was just over a year ago, prices were still crazy high at that point in time.

[@gimmedahhcookies4341]

Valid point

[@nathanm2664]

As a Georgian, welcome home Wizard! My family and I are actually on Tybee this week so we’re nearby haha.

[@CarWizard]

We went to Tybee as well. Loved Savannah. The views anyhow.

[@ocker2000]

Thanks Wizzard for being understanding for the 9.50 Euro per Gallon Gas situation in Europe. I really appreciate it.

[@franklaskus2395]

These politicians need to be hung

[@zzoinks]

Oh wow, that is very crazy. We have $4.80-$5 USD per gallon gas in my US state.

[@armchairgeneralissimo]

$8.50 a gallon in the UK right now

[@tardeliesmagic]

Bout £9.50 a gallon here too here in the UK. Almost £2 a gallon is shocking, many people are boycotting big name fuel stations like BP,Esso & Shell.

[@Narendra--Modi]

@@tardeliesmagic You know most of what we pay in UK is tax, don't see government being blamed for the rise.

[@yellowhousetech]

Thanks for the good video as always. We bought a 17 prius and on average saving 150-200 a month over driving our 16 explorer. Its crazy how expensive things are in these times

[@crankybuzzard6867]

have a 2010 Prius... new.... still gets 51 MPG..... hard to think of all the money we've saved. NEVER in the shop. Oil changes.... and a new regular battery. Thats it.

[@tylerjackson9032]

I drive a 2017 VW Passat with the 1.8 TSI. 122,000 miles. Knowing the engine’s RPM range has really helped me keep the fuel mileage very high. Lots of highway driving across Texas and at 75 cruising I get between 37-38 MPG. I treat the engine like a diesel and don’t let it rev too high but still with the awesome torque from the TSI I can accelerate and maintain speed like nothing!

[@MrTheHillfolk]

We got a '14 Jetta with the gen 3 1.8 to replace her totaled(not her fault) 04 Passat TDI. Trip from NY to Cleveland showed 37.5 average and the Passat got 41.5. I loved that Passat ,but the Jetta didn't do too bad. At least I'm not too upset giving up my diesels , it'll get high 20s around town and probably average like 30 on mixed driving. The DI shines on the highway for mileage,but leaves me wanting a diesel around town.

[@smokeonthewater5287]

My MB E320 inline 6 NA petrol engine got 30.5 mpg on highway. Hell, even my 2003 S500L 4-matic gets 26mpg. Something does not add up to Wizards story here...

[@michaelciullo4788]

I knew you were near Savannah immediately just by the foliage behind you. I've spent too much time in the woods at HAAF and Fort Stewart 😂

[@mcasteel2112]

Home of the 75th!

[@communistpootisbirb]

One car you didn’t mention in this video, that you may have mentioned in another, is a Smart Car. They’re really small and look like they get great gas milage but they only get 20-25 MPG which is a complete rip off for how small the car is. Also I’m so glad you mentioned that not all Hybrids are worth it. A friend of mine has a hybrid mini and it get’s like 3-4 better MPG that a stock one and for the money is just not worth it.

[@smarternu]

I replaced my Beetle diesel with a Ford Cmax. Loved the beetle, except that it was too low to the ground, and a major paid leaning over the back bumper to put things in the bag. The Cmax is outstanding. 40 mog thrashing it, and it will hold an 8' long 2x4.

[@wydopnthrtl]

First hand experience: 2019 Honda Ridgeline owned since new (41k miles). Ohio to Texas and Ohio to Fla road trips w/family and luggage in rear. Gets right at 29.8-30.2mpg avg round trip. Around town is 24-ish. We love this truck.

[@Monique-iz8lp]

When all the gas guzzlers get better mileage than your car, you know it's time to consider a change. Bangle butt 7 series with a V12, I'm getting about 14mpg combined. And I'm in Europe.

[@harry53172]

Man. that's gotta be hurting!

[@RustOnWheels]

Holy smokes! Those are medieval numbers!

[@davidmopar8446]

My big power wagon 2500 ram gets the same mpg lol

[@braxtonnelson7422]

I had a 2004 Dodge Ram 150 with the 3.7L V6 and 5 speed. I almost never got over 20 mpg with it... more like 16-17, and once pulling a trailer-- 13 mpg! My wife had a 2001 Mercury Sable with the 3.0 V6, and we got 31 mpg on the highway with it! Now, her Hyundai Sante Fe with the turbo 4 cylinder averages around 26 mpg, but has good get-up-and-go!

[@stephengooding7455]

Great advice Wizard, your advice to not panic and dump a perfectly good gas guzzler when the price of gas goes up is spot on. If you actually calculate the cost of fuel against the loss you'll take on trading a low gas mileage vehicle for a high gas mileage vehicle you will probably never come out ahead. If you need a new vehicle anyway, buying the more economical one makes good sense.

[@mikeschiavoni1418]

the only one that surprised me was the beetle, and even that's pretty good. the others i was like "no, i wouldn't expect that to get god gas mileage"

[@Incomudro1963]

My 2015 VW GTI gets me about 36mpg's highway with the cruise contol set on 68 miles per hour. I can actually break 30mpg's in my mixed local driving if I go light on it. Time like these make me even more happy that I chose that car.

[@dingdong2103]

My record was 62mpg in a 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 cdi (inline 6 turbodiesel) on a 600km trip. And the trip contained several full throttle overtakes.

[@lickwidgoat3480]

Yes as does my jetta this guys off a bit

[@CreationsVibration]

20 years ago I had a Dodge Omni and that thing sipped gas like it was a fine barrel aged scotch

[@TTime685]

@@EarthSouthside That means it got good mileage dum dum..

[@sarmatiancougar7556]

It still amazes me how many people associate big displacement with low mpg. Hp for hp wise smaller engines are LESS fuel efficient because they are running rich AF mixtures. It’s just that powerful engines are typically bigger so people think if they get a small engine it’s going to magically consume less fuel.

[@oibal60]

I've a 1996 Porsche '993' C2 iris blue metallic, 66,000 miles, 6-speed manny tranny, varioram, LSD. No CEL, no oil leaks. Multi-show full-concours winner. I do my own maintenance. I get 25mpg @ 70mph on 87 regular. (The ECM can cope with 85 to 100+ octane, coz it's a 'world car').

[@markkrispin6944]

Enjoy your vacation Wizard. You deserve it. Stay safe

[@mac1320]

RX8 was my first thought too, absolutely terrible! Made that mistake when I was in high school, gas was close to $5 then in 2010. It takes premium gas only, and the apex seals will fail. My average MPG was more so around 17 MPG regardless of how I drove on the first, and second motor we put in it.

[@Rekuzan]

A friend on fb asked if anyone had a mid 90's Geo with a 3 banger in it they were selling. I was like 'My Uncle's got a 92 that gets 50 MPG, and no, it's not for sale.....I already tried!'

[@friznutzs]

Just got back from a vacation in Savannah. I highly recommend the "See 3 Pass". You get access to 3 museums that are actually pretty cool (compared to others in the area) for just $20

[@acebragg5559]

Wife's 4 cyl. 2016 Escape averaging just under 25 mpg, mostly highway. Not terrible, but less than some others in its class. Best we've ever done was 32 mpg doing 100% highway on a trip.

[@sgnt9337]

I'm glad I picked up an Avalon hybrid back in spring of 2021. More luck than anything as far as timing, though fuel economy was a factor in the decision.

[@thesilentobserver93]

Your comment on the Ford Ranger speaks to me! I had a '99 Dodge Dakota with the 3.9 V6 in it. Not only was that truck gutless as heck, but it only ever got about 13MPG. 15 if I was lucky. Had it for a year before the transmission crapped out. Wasn't a hard choice to just have it junked and go out and get myself my '01 Tundra with the 4.7. 14 to 15MPG tops, but I get a bigger pickup that is a lot less gutless, and far fewer issues.

[@TheKnobCalledTone.]

I'm surprised that Honda Fit prices aren't astronomical right now. They get great gas mileage, you can haul tons of stuff in them and Honda don't sell them in the USA any more.

[@GF-mf7ml]

Not a bad car, it doesn't feel too cheap like some Toyota.

[@MyLifeThai371]

We have lots of the Honda Fits for sale in Minnesota for $5000-$8000 right now.

[@saratc660]

I love those cars. Just wish they had better safety ratings

[@abarratt8869]

You're really missing out if they're not sold in the USA. Here in the UK they're all sold as hybrids, and they're phenomenonally good. You can easily get 60MPG UK (47MPG US?) and the hybrid boost means they get up and go with unaccustomed alacrity. They're not bad on a highway journey either, quite happily keeping up with the traffic. They're lots better than the previous generation Fit/Jazz. Extremely well built too. The battery is small, fits in the spare tyre well, so it's trivially replaced.

[@MyLifeThai371]

@@Dankcatvacs He meant to say they quit making Honda Fits after 2020 in the U.S.A., because of lack of demand. They are still made in other countries though.

[@benf8487]

I was looking at Ford Rangers in that year range and realized newer F-150's with the 5.0 V8 gets better gas milage and more capability. That's what I ended up going with and I have loved the truck.

[@johncrankshaft2886]

Alot of people fall for that, my in law's Tacoma gets same fuel economy as my full size Sierra with about half the bed capacity(Long bed).

[@Techie1224]

thats probably because of cylinder deactivation

[@northdakotaham1752]

My 4.6 litre in my Explorer gets better gas mileage than the V6 in my old Ranger and the Explorer is a lot heavier, engine puts out 292 hp.

[@krbulldog]

Why they stopped making the Ranger for a few years

[@classing]

I have a 93 Geo Metro with 200,000 miles still getting 43mpg. I love that little car!

[@masonjarhillbilly]

Great cars. They have thier quirks. Door handles break, you can use the odometer to determine when you need wheel bearings and exhaust valves. If you can accept these quirks, and know how to repair them, great car. Real easy to work on. In this day and age, there is a little trick you can do to double the value of this car. Fill the gas tank.

[@usa_dobson8967]

I’m loving my 1999 Toyota Corolla!! I average 30-31mpg between both city and Highway. Given I don’t drive it like a speed demon, it’s been an extremely reliable car!! Best part about it is I spent $1,000 on it over a year ago. It has about 225,000 and is still purring like a kitten.

[@PRmoustache88]

Is it an inline 4?

[@usa_dobson8967]

@@PRmoustache88 Yep! 1ZZ-FE engine..

[@nelzelpher7158]

@@usa_dobson8967 That’s a good deal, I got a 2001 Chevy Prizm also for 1k in 2018 with about 180k miles. Its fast enough.

[@usa_dobson8967]

@@nelzelpher7158 Sold it about a month and a half ago. Was a great car, I sold it too cheap at $1,200. Still ran like new.

[@nelzelpher7158]

@@usa_dobson8967 You gave it up too easy but at least you made a small profit. What did you replace it with?

[@waiting4aliens]

Had a 96 B3000 5spd, 7 foot bed. 27 at hi speed, usually in the 22-23 range, always in town with 2-300 lbs of tools.

[@ShooterMcNut]

I snagged a 18' civic si last year, glad I did. Yesterday I drove over 300 miles and averaged 40 mpg or better. The day before i averaged 48 mpg on a two hour trip, kept speed around 60ish on rural two lane highways. Hoping that little 1.5l holds up like the previous generations.

[@burntnougat5341]

The 10th gen si is a good car. A bit soulless but good.

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

‘18, NOT 18’

[@codywilt6158]

Npc car

[@patbhvac1]

Change the oil more frequently on that 1.5.

[@workingmanaudio2754]

The SI use’s premium?

[@delbertreno8089]

Wow These make my old Grand Marquis sound like an Econo Car! Average 16 around town and 23-24 out on the highway

[@daveriley6310]

Great that you presented an alternative in each case. A list of DON"Ts is of limited value without a list of better choices.

[@6mtzhp55]

I used to resent the 2.0L in my Subaru Crosstrek, but driving the speed limit or 5 over, with autonomous cruise, I get at least 40mpg highway, measured at the pump. Only rated for 33mpg. If you can stand the right lane and can deal with getting there 1-5 minutes later, you can take the car you already own and virtually go back in time to $3.xx gas.

[@hotpuppy1]

40? I get nowhere near that, even on straight highway trips running the speed limit with cruise on. Ber MPG for mine if on two lane running 60.

[@6mtzhp55]

@@hotpuppy1 I removed the cross bars on top and keep my tires at 38F/36R. It's the Limited with the CVT, Eyesight in Eco cruise mode. If I could attach receipts I would, I know people exaggerate MPG claims a lot. Temperatures here are 75-85F, and I leave early enough that traffic helps me not have to change speed much. I can actually eek out a little more if I up cruise by 5mph downhill and cut it back 5mph (to the speed limit) a couple seconds after reentering an uphill section. Got 49mpg once even, but it's not repeatable due to traffic variability.

[@SkylineFTW97]

I've managed to blow the EPA numbers out of the water in every car I've owned, and I'm a very spirited driver. Take my old 2009 Mazdaspeed 3. Not a fuel efficient car (I believe it was rated 21 city/25highway). I averaged 26 MPG between sitting in DC traffic, treating every empty on-ramp like a dragstrip, and cruising at 85. Doing all highway driving, I got 31 mpg at 85. Granted I maintained the hell out of mine. I don't trust extended oil changes at all, so I did it every 4000 miles or so. I treated all other fluids similarly. The EPA numbers aren't worth the paper they're printed on in my experience.

[@Shadobanned4life]

Thanks for another great video! Long ago,over the course of several years,I owned several Chevy chevettes. I had one particular chevette with a stock drivetrain that was a 1.6 liter,96ci engine,a 4-speed manual trans,and a Rochester monojet carbureator. Curb weight about 2000 lbs. I never managed to get over 25 mpg on the highway,with this chevette and I was driving very gently. City mileage was less than 20 mpg on the chevette. I then bought a used 2-door 1978 chevy impala with either a 305 or 350 v8 (I'm not sure which one it was,but it was definitely a v8),a TH 350 auto trans,and a 4-barrel quadrajet carbureator. Curb weight 3500 lbs. I got close to 23 mpg highway mileage with this impala,and over 15 mpg city mileage. I was very surprised and somewhat mystified by this,but I checked it out many times and that's what I got,every time. (Cue the twilight zone theme song 🤡).

[@LiveWire-it8zr]

You can thank that quadrajet carb and whoever set it up. Old timers called it four barrel fuel injection. Still hard to beat one correctly set up even with current fuel injection systems.

[@jhask64]

My ‘99 Jeep Grand Cherokee is terrible on gas. 4.7 gets 14 or 15 mpg. F250 4x4 gets about 9. But my motorcycles do great!! I ride them most the time.

[@leehart1498]

Own a Jag XK8, V8 4 liter. Drove 306 miles up freeway, through mountains at 50-65 MPH. And back down freeway. Got 27.48 MPG! Nice car.

[@danr1920]

Then there are the hidden fuel sippers. My '14 Accord, 2.4 4cyl, 6 speed manual. Minnesota to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, 38 MPG, speed limits in two states were 80 MPG. This is a fast and big car.

[@jj-os7bs]

I have the 2004 V6 Accord coupe 6spd, get 28-30 on the highway

[@houseofno]

Don't confuse speed limits with miles per gallon. Speed limits are measured in miles per hour..Fuel economy is measured in miles per gallon.

[@TheRetarp]

I looked to buy an Accord new 2017 but to get the 6 speed you had to get the "sport" package which shoved the price close to $30k. For a four cylinder four door sedan? No thanks.

[@rustyshackleford1687]

The 2004-2007 Malibu V6 and many of the other GM V6s of that era are cheap hidden fuel sippers. Decent power and I'd easily get 32 MPG on the highway if I kept my foot out of it. Not quite the quality of a Honda or Toyota but it's still going strong on the original drivetrain at 190k miles with its new owner.

[@jj-os7bs]

@@rustyshackleford1687 my mom had a 2007 Impala and yeah they are good on gas, but she did have a few issues with the transmission and some blend door actuator that failed like 3 times

[@auburnalum9019]

Best KZbin channel out there. Best advice and best person to deliver it. Good luck Wizard!

[@camaroacrossamerica7266]

Wizard your videos are always so informative. I have 05 rt magnum. Has 215 000 miles on it. Bought it with 160,000. I get a respectable for its size 22 to 23 combined. Yes i do all the gas tips. Slow start coast and up to 10 mph under speed limit on freeway. And speed limits in town. I went from a 19 average just by doing it. Made it into a game for myself. Its not smart to sell a reliable car just to get better mpg.

[@Blortoblorto]

You sound like a pain in the ass to get stuck behind.

[@aussernllc]

My 2001 Dodge Dakota 4.7l Magnum engine was made by Daimler-Benz. 187,000+ miles on it and super reliable. To say fuel economy and Mercedes do not go in the same sentence is an understatement. I get, on average, 11.5mpg. My truck also starts, runs, and drives every time I turn the key. It's been on a tow truck once in 9 years. Expensive to maintain? Maybe, but it is less than the cost of a newer vehicle. Zero rust. Lives in Las Vegas NV. Fabulous truck.

[@shadowred1980]

I'd like to hear the story about the leaf and trying to get a battery for it.

[@jonclark1288]

The Ford Ranger 4 cylinder 01-11 got the BEST mpg out of ANY pickup sold new at the time. 28 mpg on the highway. The 00 and older 4 cylinder engines were an entirely different engine and didn't get as good mileage. Sorry Wizard, you're wrong on that one.

[@JakeTerch]

My 2006 2.3 5-speed gets 24 MPG combined almost every time I calculate at the pump.

[@abo6n7l98]

How slow do you drive on the highway?

[@MrDanielmarlowe]

@@JakeTerch that sounds right. Only the automatics get pretty terrible mpg he should have pointed that out.

[@jonclark1288]

@@abo6n7l98 I never said I have one. I don't. My Ranger has a 4.0 V6 and it IS a gas guzzler. But the 4 cylinders were EPA rated at 28 mpg, which was the highest EPA rating of any pickup at the time.

[@abo6n7l98]

@@jonclark1288 EPA says my 2016 camry 4 cylinder should get 34 mpg on the highway but i only get 24 . EPA estimates are inaccurate imo

[@bln3576]

I just bought an 84 Thunderbird 5.0. Car looks brand new with 11,000 miles on it. Getting about 28 mpg with the AC on.

[@timshort7865]

Living in Savannah. I'd like to welcome you and your family. Thanks for what you do. Y'all enjoy!

[@pete540Z]

Jeeps are always in my way in the left lane on the highway. Now I know that they suck for mileage and the reason they are going slow. Fine, you're a ruffian driving your jeep. Keep the damned thing out of the fast lane.

[@racerboy2212]

Great info I’m sure many folks didn’t know! I wish fuel economy was an issue for me. The bulk of my fleet are V8’s. Some use Premium as well. My 3.0 V6 is the worst! 11 city, 15 hwy! My F150 5.0 Super Cab FX4 gets way better MPG!

[@bbb462cid]

...my 1970 Buick with the 10.25:1 compression 455 bored to 462, 800 cfm carb, high lift split duration cam, 7/8" primary long tube headers, factory ram air and Chevy 12 bolt rear end at 3.31:1 got 12mpg on the highway, I weighed the car and calculated it once. It was a convertible too so it was 3980 lbs, 15" wheels and fat tires. I'm sure that if I had done the FI conversion it would beat that V6 for economy. That's horrible!

[@nsxt290]

Nice explanation. It makes you think about things practicality& about economics.

[@creamthelapin]

Had to give up my turbocharged classic Impreza this year, and a beater Peugeot which was still quite fun to drive, to 'downgrade' to a 1.0 Toyota Aygo in Europe (was also sold as Citroen C1/Peugeot 108). The current situation with fuel pricing takes the edge off my pain.

[@325xitgrocgetter]

I recall the TFL guys testing a Nissan Frontier pickup with the four cylinder and a manual transmission a few years back and they would get in the mid to high 20s with it...total base model but seemed to do the job.

[@shadowj5639]

I had one and never got above 25. But the truck was still too big for that gutless engine.

[@wastingtyme25]

I’ve got the 2022. With a v6 and get 25. Consistently towing the side by side is more like 19

[@shadowj5639]

@@wastingtyme25 That is a pretty good improvement considering the 2006 V6 Frontier I also had never got above 16.

[@wastingtyme25]

@@shadowj5639 I’m guessing the 9 speed trans and tuning are helping it achieve what it’s doing I was lucky to get 18 out of the taco I traded in on it