In September 2001, I was wise enough to buy a diesel hatchback that got 43-49 MPG. I still own the VW Golf TDI. Diesel engines typically last twice as long as standard engines and are more fuel efficient.
I named my car Silver Surfer. The other car was VW Beetle named BeetleJuice. BeetleJuice is gone, but the Silver Surfer rides on. The car is paid off and I laugh at fuel prices.
[...] My car will be loaded with essential items. Those include some clothes, my PC and my espresso machine. That way if our movers overshoot Seattle, go to Canada and try to play Ice Road Truckers, I’ll have enough stuff to get by. [...]