[quote=EconProf]Don’t obsess over gas mileage. Once you run the numbers, it is seldom worthwhile to sell your car just to get one with better mileage.
At 15,000 miles per year, a 5 MPG improvement saves you less than $500 per year in gasoline. A 10 MPG improvement, which is a huge difference in size of vehicle, gets you under $1,000. Weigh safety, convenience, comfort, etc. And transaction cost is too often neglected: time and trouble to sell a vehicle and buy another, wholesale vs. retail, sales tax, etc.[/quote]
I agree with this, EconProf. And NSR suggested the Lexus RX450h. I’ve researched past years of those vehicles and found them to be prohibitively expensive. And the cargo space in them is very small compared to the 4-Runner. I haven’t checked but the the 2013’s have got to be around $50K.
treehugger seemed like she loved the 4-Runner (what’s NOT to love?) except for it’s everyday gas mileage (17-18 mpg?). I think the best solution is for her to keep it and buy a nice used Camry or Honda Civic/Accord for $4000-$6000 to drive to work and back. Grandma’s car with under 50K miles is out there … for patient buyers 🙂
