Some might remember my earlier research on carbon offset credits. My wife and I push ourselves to reduce our carbon footprint. Added to this is a new push to reduce the footprint carbon has on our budget.

 

Rising oil prices are starting to hurt. Today, I calculated my average monthly spend on gas for the Jeep Liberty. At $4 a gallon, it now reaches $165 a month. That doesn’t tickle.

 

More and more Honda Civics are on the road. A line of them at a stop light this morning got me thinking about oil efficiency. Would it be cheaper for me to get a new car? If so, how much money could I save by spending money?

 

Tonight, I did some calculating. Based on the manufacturer’s suggested sticker price, I could save the following money each month if I were to buy one of the following car new at full sticker price (figures include monthly payment and gas prices based on $4 per gallon at my normal monthly mileage averages using EPA MPG estimates).

 

-        Honda Civic (entry-level): $156.40 per month

-        Honda Civic (high-end): $125.40 per month

-        Toyota Corolla (mid-level): $114.20 per month

-        Mini Cooper (mid-level): $87.20 per month

-        Honda Civic Hybrid: $85.00 per month

-        Subaru Impreza: $67.60 per month

-        Toyota Prius (mid-level): $39.4

 

Minus interior space and 4×4 capabilities, I can’t think of one reason to not buy a new car. Am I crazy to think this is a no brainer?