Fuel Saving Tips For US Car Hire by Fiona Hiliard

With fuel prices at an all time high and the demand for cheap Florida holidays rocketing, US car hire customers will be looking for the most fuel-efficient ways to get them to their sunny destination this summer.

The convenient nature of the on-site petrol pump is one of the main reasons why so many car hire customers choose to fill-up their tank at their pick-up garage rather than at the local petrol station located just around the corner. However, prominent travel experts are advising travellers to think twice about purchasing petrol at the point of collection. Bruce Williams, a contributor to US publication Springfield Business Journal recently reported on a reader who wondered whether it was more expensive to fill up their rental car at their car hire outlet, prior to driving off or at a local petrol station.

Williams came to the conclusion that purchasing petrol from a rental company is not a good idea in many cases, since most car hire companies sell the same petrol that is available at any station but at a much higher price than usual. Williams also recognizes that the vast majority of car renters will leave at least a few gallons of gasoline in the car's tank when the vehicle is returned. He says purchasing over-priced fuel from rental firm is less worth it for those who do not intend to drive long distances. Williams suggests that those planning to go on longer road trips should find filling up at a rental outlet to be the most sensible option, especially if the driver believes that they will use the complete tank of gas and if there is the possibility that petrol stations may be few and far between on off-the beaten track routes.

Continuing on the 'more drive for your dollar' theme, the following is a list of eight of the world's most cost-effective and fuel-efficient cars.

The world's most fuel-efficient cars:

1. Honda Civic GX

The Honda Civic GX is fueled by compressed natural gas and travel about 170 miles on one fill up.

2. Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is the vehicle of choice of the carbon footprint conscience set. Deceptively spacious, the original eco car qualifies as a mid-sized sedan.

3. Honda Civic Hybrid

The Civic Hybrid uses electric motors to help power its 1.3 litre engine.

4. Toyota Camry Hybrid

A battery pack is the key to the Camry's fuel efficiency

5. Nissan Altima Hybrid

The Nissan Altima Hybrid is a product of the same hybrid technology as the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

6. Ford Escape Hybrid

This spacious four-wheel drive is the most fuel efficient SUV of its kind.

7. Smart For Two

This nifty little model more than makes up for its lack of legroom by leading the field in terms of fuel efficiency. The Smart For Two's small 1.0 three-cylinder engine ensures that a little petrol goes a long way.

8. Toyota Yaris

Toyota's budget offering fills a money-saving role that used to be taken up by the Corolla and offers excellent value for money.


About the Author

Fiona writes for Argus Rentals and Car Hire Orlando.

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