Lemon Law Blog

As we continue to report, new car sales have been sinking faster than the Titanic.  Many folks, hoping to save a couple bucks, are turning to used cars for solace (not a bad idea considering that depreciation accounts for a whopping 46 percent of the owner’s cost over a five-year period).  But we need to remember that regardless of how much a car costs, gas is the same price for everyone.  Therefore, the big question is “which used cars use less gas?”

Fear not distressed driver–Consumer Reports has come to the rescue.  On their car blog, they have compiled a list of used cars which have the best fuel economy.  These rankings are based on measurements using a flow meter,  and calculated from equal portions of city, expressway and rural roads.

Without further ado, here is the list:

Under $10,000

• 2000 Honda Insight (Manual)   51MPG
• 2001-02 Toyota Prius 41MPG
• 2000-05 Toyota Echo 38MPG
• 1999-2002 Chevrolet Prizm  32MPG
• 1998 Mazda Protege LX 32MPG
• 1998-2001 Acura Integra LS (Manual)  32 MPG
• 1998-2000 Toyota Corolla CE/LE  32/31 MPG
• 2004-05 Toyota Scion xA manual/automatic  31/30 MPG

$10,000 – 20,000

• 2004-06 Toyota Prius  44 MPG
• 2002-03 Toyota Prius  41MPG
• 2006-07 Honda Civic Hybrid  37MPG
• 2003-05 Honda Civic Hybrid  36MPG
• 2007 Honda Fit Sport (Manual)  34MPG
• 2007 Toyota Yaris Liftback (base, manual)  34MPG
• 2007 Toyota Yaris Sedan (base, automatic)  33MPG
• 2007 Honda Fit (base, automatic ) 32MPG
• 2004-06 Scion xB (manual/automatic)  32/30MPG
• 2006 Scion xA (manual/automatic)  31/30MPG
• 2006-07 Honda Civic EX (manual)  31MPG
• 2004-07 Mazda 3 (manual)  30MPG
• 2006 Mini Cooper Hatchback (manual)  30MPG

This list does not come as a huge surprise.  It is largely dominated by Toyota and Honda, two companies we revere.  Of course, as we always tell you, it is important to make sure you buy a car with a manufacturers warranty.  Chances are this is going to be a car that is less than three years old.  And please ALWAYS remember to bring along our Lemon Dodger worksheet so you know which questions to ask.  What good is saving money on gas if the car does not run?  Happy shopping!

Popularity: 11% [?]

Throughout the year, we receive countless calls from folks looking for car buying advice.  Many figure that by calling 1-800 LEMON LAW prior to buying a car, they may be able to prevent problems “down the road” so to speak. For that reason, since 2001, we have teamed up consumer advocate Jack Gillis and the wonderful team at the Center for Auto Safety to provide the Car Complaint Index to consumers.  We feel that an educated consumer is an effective consumer. 

Yesterday, JD Power & Associates came out with their dependability rankings and it appears that Land Rover is lowest on the Power totem pole.  While the Car Complaint Index looks at specific models, JD Power looks at brand quality.  They rank their cars based on an average of car problems; how many problems are reported per 100 cars, as experienced by original owners of these cars after three years.  The industry average is 206 problems per 100 cars, roughly averaging 2 problems per car.

Here are the brands that fall below the industry average:  Audi 207, Mercedes Benz 215, Nissan 224, Pontiac 225, GMC 226, Mazda 228, Subaru 228, Chrysler 229, Dodge 230, Mini 233, Chevrolet 239, Hummer 241, Scion 243, Volvo 244, Saturn 250, Jeep 253, Volkswagen 253, Saab 254, Isuzu 274, Kia 278, Suzuki 302, and lastly Land Rover with 344 problems reported per 100 cars.  This is not good news for the SUV manufacturer, which was recently sold by Ford to an Indian company.

So, who’s on top?  Number one with a bullet for the 14th consecutive year is Lexus, followed by Mercury and Cadillac.

Popularity: 30% [?]