Tulsa World: Five used cars can cure your driving angst

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Five used cars can cure your driving angst

By PHIL MULKINS World Action Line Editor
Published: 6/30/2009 2:18 AM
Last Modified: 6/30/2009 5:59 AM

Dear Action Line: I appreciated the fuel economy tips in your June 16 column and especially the link to the June 25, 2008, column that listed 51 of the highest mpg used cars available. I noticed it didn't mention price. What are the most fuel-efficient, safe and economical used cars? — G.P., Tulsa.

Bankrate.com offers a list of five of "the most economical high-mpg used cars" — defined as "mostly conventional sedans that rely on the tried-and-true way to improve gas mileage: a small engine in a relatively lightweight chassis."

In addition to price range, each car's government safety rating is listed. See the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program's five-star safety ratings at tulsaworld.com/ SafeCar .

2003 Mazda Protégé: Sells for $6,400 to $7,400, gets 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower, room for five adults, optional side air bags, optional anti-lock brakes, and NCAP ratings of five stars driver and four stars passengers.

2003 Pontiac Vibe: Sells for $6,800 to $9,000, 29 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower, room for five, side air bags and anti-lock brakes optional and an NCAP rating of four stars driver and passenger.

2004 Scion xB: Sells for $8,900 to $9,700, 30 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 108 horsepower,

room for four inside, no optional side air bags, anti-lock brakes and traction control standard and NCAP ratings of four stars driver and passenger.

2003 Buick LeSabre: Sells for $6,700 to $8,700, 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, 3.8-liter V6 engine with 205 horsepower, room for six, standard anti-lock brakes and optional side air bags and NCAP ratings of four stars driver and five stars passenger.

2003 Subaru Impreza sedan: Sells for $7,900 to $10,600, 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 165 horsepower, room for five, standard anti-lock brakes and all-wheel-drive but no NCAP rating (not tested).

The Pontiac Vibe made the list because it's the twin to the Toyota Matrix, but costs $1,000 less as it carries the Pontiac label. The Scion xB made the list because it's stylish, has Toyota reliability and can carry lots of stuff for such a compact vehicle.

Submit Action Line questions by calling 699-8888 or by e-mailing phil.mulkins@TulsaWorld.com or by mailing it to Tulsa World Action Line, PO Box 1770, Tulsa OK 74102-1770.

By PHIL MULKINS World Action Line Editor

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