Cars are among the most expensive necessities in our modern world. With the high cost of insurance, pricey repairs and steep car payments, owning a car is a privilege that takes work, dedication and lots of money. Over the last decade, Americans saw the average price of gas in the United States rise over $2 a gallon, from $1.75 to over $4.00 in many places, making the cost of driving even more expensive than ever. New car sales have fallen in favor of used cars, driving the price of used cars over the Kelly Blue Book value. For those with the resources to purchase a new car, however, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Many cars are now hybrids or electric, reducing the cost of gas dramatically and car companies are reducing prices in order to draw in shoppers. Here are some of the top money saving cars for 2013.
2013 Toyota Prius
Toyota is known for making reputable, long-lasting cars but few cars have received the hype the Prius can boast. Debuting as a mid-size sedan in 2003 as the first major hybrid vehicle on the road, the Prius has been a smashing success for a decade. With an EPA designation as one of the cleanest cars on the road, an average MPG of 48 city and 51 highway and a starting price tag of $24,200, the Prius is one of the best money saving cars in existence. Additionally, the Prius also qualifies for the governments fuel efficiency incentives programs.
2013 Honda Civic
Same with Toyota, Honda is known for producing long-lasting vehicles and the Civic is one of the best loved compact cars on the road with over 20 million models sold. With an initial price tag of only $18,165 and a combined MPG of 35, Honda offers a safe, inexpensive and money saving car in the Civic.
2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Although Ford has had a tenuous reputation over the years, the 2013 Fusion Hybrid has found extraordinary success in the first half of the year. The Fusion Hybrid boasts a combined 47 MPG and provides a smooth, high tech ride to its drivers. Like the Prius, the Fusion qualifies for government incentives for its willing buyers.
2013 Toyota Rav4 EV
For drivers seeking a fuel efficient SUV that can save money, the Rav4 EV is the clear choice. The first all electric SUV on the market, the Rav4 uses no gas in its operations, allowing drivers to save hundreds each month on fuel costs alone. With a steep starting price tag of close to $50,000 the Rav4 EV requires an initial investment that will easily pay out down the road.
When looking to save money on the purchase of a car, drivers must remember the contributing factors to auto costs, such as gas mileage, repair costs and insurance rates. For example, newer, more reliable cars are cheaper to insure while luxury cars and gas guzzlers can be more costly. There are many secrets to lowering insurance costs, something you can discuss with an agent or representative. Regardless of your personal car preferences, some cars are less expensive to insure, less likely to break down and far more fuel efficient than others. Purchasing a Honda Civic, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Prius, or Toyota Rav4 EV will allow you to keep your costs down while enjoying the ownership of one of the best and most high tech vehicles on the road today.