Cheap High MPG Cars: 1992

7 thoughts on “Cheap High MPG Cars: 1992”

1. Your list is well and good, but I thought I’d mention the Tempo/Topaz twins. When equipped with 4 cyl 5sp m/ts (and driven smartly) they will return 35-40 mpg. Some of the good things about them is they are cheap, plentiful, durable, and have good interior space and comfort.

2. I have a 1992 Isuzu Stylus I bought new. I was thinking of repainting and keep driving it. I have 170,000 miles and have replaced computer,battery twice, on my fifth set of tires and replaced cv joint and wheel bearing recently and a radiator. My question is if I wanted to put money in reserves for a new motor am I looking at 1,500.00 or so? Think it’s worth restoring?

3. @Monica – It sounds like your Stylus has been very good to you over the years. Congrats on the 170K!

   Isuzu recently announced that they are pulling out of the US automotive market (although they will continue to sell trucks). That might make it tough to find parts for your Stylus down the road.

   Putting money away for that next big automotive expense is never a bad idea, but I can’t say how much it might cost to replace the motor. The best bet might be to talk to a local engine shop or two in order to get an idea of the expense.

4. I’m finding that high mileage cars get the best MPG. I use synthetic 5-30 energy conserving, @65 mph and far exceed original ratings. 88 CRX HF 5spd 177K 62mpg, 95 Civic LX 5spd 110K 55mpg, 90 Civic LX AT 225K 48mpg. All have the 1.5 liter in various configurations. Stock. Next week I’ll try the K&N air filter. Also the 51psi tires might improve things.

5. I drive a ’92 Daihatsu Charade. Its not worth much now, and parts are hard to come by, but its mostly mechanically sound and it has paid for itself ($400) over and over again in fuel savings.

   I’ll drive it until the wheels fall off.

6. I think your off, on your Ford Escort. I have a 1.9 engine with a manual transmission. I get 39 in town, and 51 on the highway. The engine has 208009 miles on it, and runs great still.

7. I’d like to see that 51mpg out of a 1.9 Escort. I’ve got two of them. I just made a trip from East Coast to Texas and back. MPG varied between 35-39mpg, depending upon speed. MPG drops precipitously as speed rises above 60. I got around 37-38 at around 70mph.

   I don’t believe 51mpg. I’ve cracked 40mpg, but that requires keeping it under 60mph, and so isn’t real practical. How fast were you driving?