There's lots to think about when you buy your first car: price, insurance, fuel efficiency and how it fits your lifestyle. You may dream of going fast or big, but you can only drive what you can afford.
Another thing to keep in mind — whether you're buying your first or third car, new or used — is the environmental cost. What you drive and how you drive will have a big impact on how much pollution and GHGs you produce, as well as how much it will cost to burn that extra fuel.
It can be surprising when you find out what makes your vehicle a gas guzzler or not. It may not even be the car itself! Here are a few things to look for:
Buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. Smaller vehicles with small engines use less gas.
Smaller front wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles weigh less and produce less friction, reducing the amount of fuel necessary to power them.
Opt for the stick, and learn how to use it properly. You'll consume less fuel, your transmission will have a longer lifespan than most automatic transmissions and you'll add years of life to your brakes.
These things don't just look good, they reduce overall vehicle weight and require less energy to put in motion.
It literally makes your vehicle cooler by blocking heat from the sun, and reducing the need for air conditioning. Don't go crazy though: some provinces and municipalities have by-laws governing the degree of tint and which windows may be tinted. Make sure your tint is street legal before personalizing your vehicle.
Want to find out more? Take our "Environmental Options" Quiz!