What are some cars that are less expensive to operate? High gas milage or use E85, low maintenance costs, etc?

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Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24

E85 cars..... not that many out there, I'm sure the numbers will increase. To see what car/ trucks are you can check out this website:
National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition

It's not as simple as just knowing that every "XX" car is a flexfuel car. You have to look at the model, engine size, engine type and then cross correrlate with thr VIN number.....

Mileage..
Cars.com: Top 10s and More |

Here is a link for general topline stuff for 2006.

Of course eveyone knows that EPA estimates haven't changed the testing method for the past 20 years, so I certainly would buy a car on that sticker on the window. It all depends on your driving style. Do you drive with the windows open? AC on? Hills, stop in go traffic, driver faster than 55 miles per hour?

I had a missan sentra, great all around car, ran forever. I got better gas mileage than my friend with the same car, it was a big enough of a difference to notice. Never did figure it out.

Good luck!

we have had good lucks with saturns dh had a 1994 saturn 4 door ls we paid 150.00 for used it needed at $50.00 part and it averaged 32 miles to the gallon even with over 200,000 miles on it we are now gonna sell that one because fil found us a 1999 saturn ls 4 dr and it only cost us 300 bucks we had to put a new front quarter panel on it(we found used and happend to be same color so we did not have to paint it) and a couple minor parts for a grand total of $600.00 and it only has 72,000 miles on it dh has driven it to work for 2 weeks and on average he is getting 35 miles to the gallon on the high way(thats his main route to and from work).

that said i think it is just luck of the draw we have just been fortunate to get good used saturns from the auto auction(fil sells used cars) so cost is cheaper for us and it has taken very little for us to maintain these. so i really think it can vary where you live and whats available and what your primary use is...

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DH has a Honda Civic he uses for commuting - we'd done a lot of research. It is now almost three years old and we haven't regretted it at all (and he had a gorgeous Toyota Camry before that and a 4Runner. He gets 38-40mpg, the car is low maintenance, comfortable and safe. He thinks he wants to get another one when the time comes.

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We are going to be getting either A Toyota Camry Hybrid or a Prius...leaning towards the Prius because it gets 60 mpg city (although, that's like pp mentioned the sticker. I've heard they usually average about 44 mpg--still awesome!). Neither are really cheap cars, but the mileage is what I'm excited about.

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Vicki
Mama to Princess, 5 and Wild Thing, 3
Progress Since 1/6/09:

I'm with you desertmom

I have a Honda Civic as well. It is one of the best cars I have ever owned, gas milage is great, and I have had to do only routine maintenence on it. Mine has about 150,000 miles on it. It has a high resale value (not that I would ever trade it in.)