Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Available With Five-Year Total Cost of Ownership Less Than $30,000

Analysts Recommend Car Shoppers Consider Long-Term Expenses in Choosing Next New Car

IRVINE, CA--March 13, 2012: Kelley Blue Booktoday reports the most fuel-efficient vehicles available with a five-year Total Cost of Ownership less than $30,000. Available on kbb.com, Kelley Blue Book's Total Cost of Ownership information reveals depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees for new models for the initial five-year ownership period.

In today's economy, most families are looking to save money wherever possible. Going out to eat less often, cutting back on premium cable channels and nixing expensive coffee shop habits are a few ways consumers can reduce their weekly expenses in the short term. However, with gas prices on the rise, many consumers are looking beyond short-term savings by considering more fuel-efficient vehicles to help offset the rising price of fuel. For those shoppers who are ready to purchase a vehicle soon, Kelley Blue Book provides a list of fuel-sipping new vehicles that are most affordable in the long term, according to the company's Total Cost of Ownership data.

"When it comes to purchasing an automobile, consumers need to think long term to determine all of the costs associated with owning a vehicle," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. "It is simple enough to estimate monthly payments or even the cost of fuel on a short-term basis; however, the cost of insurance, maintenance and repairs are far more difficult to obtain on a case-by-case basis. Kelley Blue Book provides this helpful information for free on kbb.com with its Total Cost of Ownership data for new cars."

Kelley Blue Book analysts focused on highlighting the vehicles that provide excellent fuel economy with a five-year operating cost of $30,000 or less. Shoppers looking for a small car can choose from a variety of new or redesigned subcompacts such as the Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta or Chevrolet Sonic. For consumers who need a little more space, the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta would make an excellent choice. See the chart below:

"We featured only the most affordable trims available for each vehicle on our list, so some creature comforts and amenities may not be available at these bargain basement prices," said Gutierrez. "Consumers can always opt to spend a little more to jump up a trim or two to get all of the features they want, but those determined to spend as little as possible on a new vehicle need look no further than this list."