When economies tanked just after the COVID-19 Pandemic, I personally rued the day I bought a car with a 2-litre engine capacity. The days of taking senseless trips to my neighbour’s house came to an abrupt end. Going to the grocery store around the corner with my car became a thing of the past, some people who used to identify me by my Green Sedan started asking me where my car was. I would cite COVID, my joblessness and blame the government before I gave them the simple answer that the car is safely packed at home. I have always liked speed and cars with high torque outputs and I had a hard time adjusting to a small vehicle whose torque output is less than 100 Newton Meters.
Since this is a teachable moment I will go ahead and say, that the moral of the story I just narrated is that, I never had a reason to decry my financial situation had I suppressed my need to have the swiftest car, if I had considered what us Africans call fuel-saving vehicles. Most cars with small engine capacities of anything between 1 litre to 1.4 litre is considered a fuel saver on these streets. The more kilometres you can cover per gallon of fuel the more desirable the car is because it is convenient to run around with a fuel saver than with a fuel guzzler.
It is against this background that i present to you a step-by-step guide to buying a fuel-saving vehicle duped fuel savor by Africans:
1. Assess your daily commute, driving habits, and the type of vehicle that suits your lifestyle. Consider factors like the number of passengers, cargo space requirements, and whether you need a sedan, SUV, hybrid, or electric vehicle.
2. Research Fuel Efficiency Rates by googling up fuel efficiency ratings (kilometres per litre) for different models you’re interested in.
3. Compare, Make a list of vehicles known for fuel efficiency that match your needs. Compare factors like purchase price, fuel costs over time, maintenance expenses, and resale value.
4. Think of Alternative Fuel Vehicles Too, hybrid and electric vehicles which typically have higher fuel efficiency ratings compared to traditional fuel vehicles. Don’t forget charging infrastructure and availability for electric vehicles.
5. Visit dealerships to test drive the vehicles on your list. Pay attention to how they handle, comfort level, and overall driving experience.
6. Calculate Total Cost of Ownership that is, besides the purchase price, consider long-term costs such as insurance, maintenance, and potential tax incentives for fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles.
7. Negotiate Price. Even if the money in your bank or pocket is enough, always haggle with the supplies. Don’t forget to inquire about any additional dealer incentives or manufacturer promotions.
By following these steps, you can make an informed decision and purchase a vehicle that meets your needs while saving on fuel costs.