Green Car Recommendations

nalibz

heckmondwike06 wrote: »

I drive a dual-fuel Ford Focus on 04 plate that runs on LPG. The cost of LPG per litre is 53p per litre and it gives me equal mileage to petrol. My monthly fuel bill is £250 that gives me in excess of 2600 miles per month - that's less than 10p per mile. Of this, 2400 miles is driven on motorway.

LPG is arguably one of the cleanest fuels around. However, if you're considering LPG then opt for either a Ford, Volvo or Vauxhall as they support LPG technology. LPG does not give you same economy on local roads but I estimate that it gives me 15p per mile.

Other alternatives are second hand cars with diesel engines and you can them on vegetable oil.

firstly whats an lpg?:p liquid petroleum gas?

secondly are these lpg things commonly available?

jeannieblue

nalibz wrote: »

firstly whats an lpg?:p liquid petroleum gas?

secondly are these lpg things commonly available?

Dunno what lpg stands for to be honest - but it is gas!

You can buy some makes of car with it fitted - you'd have to do research to find out what ones as I don't know - I think could be volvo and/or vauxhall.

You can get an ordinary vehicle converted to run on gas - if prepared to lose a chunk of your boot for the tank. But recommend that the people who have done the conversion have done it properly - they can really screw up the running of the car if its not done properly. At our garage we will service a car with the lpg conversion but don't 'touch' that side of it - it has to go to the lpg specialists for any problems/maintenance with the gas.

Congestion zones don't charge for cars with lpg - but only ones fitted from new - after ones don't count.

jeannieblue

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

Originally Posted by jeannieblue
Being female - the shape of the Prius puts me off!



Being "human" and possibly sane puts me off. Anyway in 100 years it won't really matter to us anyway, feel sorry for the ggggnd kids tho:A .

No offence meant Jeannie just an observation through my weird eyes:kisses3: :shhh: :EasterBun

No offence taken - I have to like the shape and colour of a car first before I'd consider buying it! After that, then I look at the points that matter to all the guys..........:p

nalibz

Ok, so the prius or new focus seem to be the best options.. what about a larger (ie. 7 seater car)? any options there? still within my budget if possible!

n:)

jeannieblue

nalibz wrote: »

Ok, so the prius or new focus seem to be the best options.. what about a larger (ie. 7 seater car)? any options there? still within my budget if possible!

n:)

Oooh - I don't really know......

7 seater? Galaxy has seven, Granvia's are very roomy - but you wouldn't get a very new one as they are imported over, well not seen any late ones........

I'm not really up on the 'biggies' !! I'll ask the guys at work for their opinions but they tend to veer towards big engines rather than big cars! RAV 4? Or too small? Land Cruiser??? - I'd love one of those - don't need one so big as I'd only be for me - but they are like driving around in a comfy armchair...:D

I'm so un pc

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

The batteries in a Prius aren't very green, being full of hazardous chemicals.

jeannieblue

S Max??

Zafira and the Mazda thingy one have small fold down seats.... middle one not very roomy.........

Still thinking.......

Big car.... Bently Continental?

vikingaero

piggeh wrote: »

The Polo Bluemotion (or Golf Bluemotion if you want something bigger) both have emissions below 120. As does the new Mini, and even the BMW 1 series (where you can get a 1 series that can do 0-60 in under 7.5 seconds and still emissions below 120). I'd imagine there's clean larger (ie family) vehicles available with the same engine within them, which should give similar green performance.

Personally though I would consider waiting until 2009 when Euro V emission standards are made legislative and all manufacturers should have cleaner engines, before purchasing a new car. With regards diesels this will set stricter emissions targets for NOX emissions and others which is where diesel is generally regarded as being worse for the environment than petrol.

There's also a Passat Bluemotion although I think it's about £18k.

Remember that there are degrees of green. Do you want a car that's green purely on it's MPG? Or do you seek longevity? You can buy a premium car and in 5 years time most things will be worth repairing. Or you could buy something French and mainstream such as a Renault Laguna. In 5 years if something major occurs it's simply not worth repairing the car.

goldspanners

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

The batteries in a Prius aren't very green, being full of hazardous chemicals.

this isnt being cheeky but dont understand your post,why are the batteries so environmentally unfriendly? they dont let off much in the way of emissions,the chemicals are contained securely,when they are finished with they can be treated and filtered like batteries we already use (i think).
i work with batteries daily all be it large lead acid traction batteries. not sure what is in the prius are they gel type?

nalibz

vikingaero wrote: »

There's also a Passat Bluemotion although I think it's about £18k.

Remember that there are degrees of green. Do you want a car that's green purely on it's MPG? Or do you seek longevity? You can buy a premium car and in 5 years time most things will be worth repairing. Or you could buy something French and mainstream such as a Renault Laguna. In 5 years if something major occurs it's simply not worth repairing the car.

In all honesty, I'm looking for as green car as possible but it only needs to be a short term fix. I'm only expecting to keep the car for about 3 months (dont ask!). I need either a new car or a fairly recent one so short term green is fine!

n:)

ps. thanks jeannieblue, i might just buy an airbus and fly around instead!:rotfl: