How high does gas have to cost before you’ll buy a more fuel-efficient new car?

Let the whining begin: Gas prices in Toronto are topping $1.40 per litre. And guess what? Nobody wants to pay that. Especially the majority of drivers who are still driving large, fuel-chugging vehicles. That’s right boys and girls. Despite countless warnings that fuel will only get more expensive as time goes on, and the scare we had in 2008, Canadians still refuse to buy smaller cars.

Of course, one way for Canadian drivers to stop complaining about high fuel costs is to buy a more fuel-efficent new car. I mean, it’s not like automakers and governments haven’t been doing their part. To fall inline with increasingly stringent fuel economy standards, car makers have been pushing a raft of interesting, well-made, small cars into showrooms at a record pace. And there are still more fuel sippers coming our way.

Yet, despite the influx of smaller vehicles that offer everything large cars offer in terms of features and style, the answer to the question as to how to get North American buyers out of their trucks, vans and SUVs has been, When gas prices go through the roof. But the stats prove otherwise.

Don’t believe me? Last month, more Canadians bought gas-guzzling full-size trucks, vans and utility vehicles than more fuel-efficient cars.

According to DesRosiers and Associates, 79,597 Light Trucks were sold in April (up 5.9 per cent compared to April 2010), compared to 70,061 Passenger Car vehicles. And based on the latest figures from March, the three best-selling new vehicles so far in 2011 are the Ford F-Series (20,364), Dodge Caravan (14,313), and Dodge Ram (13,154), with the Honda Civic (11,957) popping up on the sales charts down in fourth-place as the best-selling passenger car.

So I ask: At what price per litre does gas have to cost before you’ll ditch your older gas-hog for a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle?

$1.50?

$1.75?

$2.00?

Never?

[Source: DesRosiers and Associates]

Comments

[lowering kit]

In buying a car we must consider the fuel efficiency. Yes, we can have the unit, but how capable are you in maintaining and sustaining its fuel as it is needed everyday of your life for you to be able to drive the car? Economy car is good for those who are earning an average income per month. Enjoy the ride!

[CGS intake]

You can make your car fuel efficient by installing components such as air intake systems and exhaust systems. These components reduces heat, especially if it's of a cold source (cold air intake), which prevents too much heat loss (loss of energy). The more energy it losses, the less efficient it becomes.

[Chevy HHR cold air intake]

A car consumes most gas as it accelerates. A moving car doesn't require much gasoline to keep moving. In order to improve your mileage you need to keep the ride smooth.

[CGS Motorsports]

The demand for fuel economic cars is constantly increasing. It's a good thing because we can save up a lot of fuel this way.

[Truck Lowering Suspension Parts]

I would say if gas prices keep on going up you have to help renovate your car to achieve the mpg rating fit for you and your budget.