| If you're contemplating buying a used SUV but | | | | For a buck or two you can purchase a tire gauge |
| are concerned about gas mileage, consider this; | | | | that will turn your used SUV into a savings piggy |
| with proper care and maintenance you can reduce | | | | bank. Get in the habit of checking the tires at |
| the amount you spend on gas significantly while | | | | least once per month before you leave your |
| still enjoying the benefits of an SUV. With their | | | | driveway while the tires are still cold and you'll be |
| roomy interiors, extra seating, and advanced | | | | amazed at how much you'll be saving compared |
| entertainment options, SUV's fit the lifestyle of | | | | to other SUV owners. |
| American families. If you ask most SUV owners, | | | | Set the cruise control: |
| the pleasure and convenience of owning an SUV | | | | Driving fast and carefree is fun, but if you don't |
| is well worth a few extra dollars at the gas tank. | | | | feel it's worth an extra $0.25 per gallon, keeping |
| However, by following a few simple tips, you can | | | | speed under control can save you a great deal of |
| achieve fuel efficiency that rivals that of many | | | | cash. At speeds above 55 miles per hour, fuel |
| car and minivan owners. | | | | efficiency drops drastically according to published |
| Choose an SUV wisely: | | | | statistics from the Environmental Protection |
| The single most important measure you can take | | | | Agency. |
| toward lowering the price you'll pay for gas is to | | | | While most speed limits in the US are set at 65 |
| do your research ahead of time. Buying a | | | | miles per hour, many drivers push the limits to 80 |
| preowned SUV is not only more economical in | | | | or 85 miles per hour which is not only hazardous, |
| terms of sticker price, but buying used also gives | | | | but a gas mileage killer. Get in the habit of setting |
| you the opportunity to really dig in to research | | | | your cruise control, then sit back, relax, and enjoy |
| and consumer reviews about how a particular | | | | your used SUV and the fact that you're saving |
| model performs in terms of gas mileage. | | | | money. |
| Not all SUV's are created equal in terms of gas | | | | Remain conscious of your driving habits" |
| mileage. The used Lexus SUV has consistently | | | | Fast acceleration can increase the gas |
| ranked top among SUV's for best gas mileage. | | | | consumption of your preowned SUV by up to |
| But Lexus didn't stop there. In 2005, Lexus | | | | 40% - that's $1.20 per gallon with today's $3 gas |
| released the gas and electric hybrid SUV and | | | | prices! Nearly half of the energy to fuel your used |
| pre-sold 9,000 of the vehicles before it was even | | | | SUV is used during acceleration and aggressive |
| released. Soon, these preowned Lexus SUV's will | | | | starts drive this percentage up even further. |
| become available for second owners who can | | | | What's more, all of those impatient drivers who |
| enjoy low vehicle cost and low gas prices. | | | | feel the need to put the pedal to the metal reach |
| Keep tires at the right pressure: | | | | their destination only about 4% faster than |
| For such a simple task, keeping the tires on your | | | | patient drivers who arrive with more gas in the |
| used SUV inflated properly has an incredible | | | | tank and more money their pocket. Today's |
| impact on gas mileage. Tires with low air pressure | | | | SUV's are built to be enjoyed with surround sound |
| can reduce the fuel efficiency of your SUV by | | | | televisions, televisions for the kids, and navigational |
| 6%, or $0.18 per gallon at $3 per gallon. When the | | | | systems. Instead of being in a rush to get to |
| tires of a used SUV are low, the engine has to | | | | your destination, enjoy the creature comforts of |
| exert more pressure to move the weight of the | | | | your used SUV and keep your $1.20 per gallon in |
| vehicle. | | | | your pocket. |