Skip the Gas Station Sticker Shock: Your Next Car Choice Could Save Thousands

Gas prices are doing serious damage to your wallet, and it’s only going to get worse if you’re still driving around in a vehicle bigger than you actually need. The good news? Choosing smarter when you’re shopping for your next car doesn’t mean settling for a cramped commuter box or sacrificing the driving experience you want.

Consumer Reports auto expert Keith Barry lays out the reality: this isn’t the time to buy more vehicle than you really use. That oversized SUV gathering dust in your driveway while you make daily trips to work? It’s bleeding you dry. Instead, Barry recommends focusing on what actually fits your day-to-day life. And here’s the kicker—if you genuinely need something bigger for occasional road trips, renting one periodically will likely cost far less than financing and fueling a larger vehicle year-round.

The performance argument is dead, too. Hybrid versions of popular vehicles now come in virtually every size and style imaginable, and Consumer Reports’testing shows they don’t just save money at the pump—they’re often more fun to drive than their gas-only counterparts. Yes, hybrids carry a slightly higher upfront price tag, but that gap is usually modest and pays for itself within a year or two through fuel savings alone.

If you’re shopping used, electric vehicles are worth serious consideration. There are plenty of used EVs on the market right now at competitive prices compared to gas models. But Barry’s caution matters here: electricity costs have climbed along with gas prices, so you need to think beyond the pump. Where you drive and how often you charge matter. Compare total energy costs—not just fuel—before you commit.

The bottom line is straightforward: match your vehicle to your actual lifestyle, not to trends or what you think you should drive. And if battery longevity is keeping you up at night about used hybrids or EVs, Consumer Reports’data shows most batteries hold up remarkably well over time and typically come backed by substantial warranties. Sacramento drivers facing June heat and summer road trips should especially consider how their daily commute and occasional adventures actually break down—because the right choice today could mean hundreds of dollars back in your pocket every year.