Let's say you want to get a used car for $5,000 and hope to drive it for 5 years. Below are some 5 year gas cost estimates based on driving 15,000 miles per year and buying gas for $1.40 per gallon. If gasoline is more expensive than $1.40, costs will be even higher.

A Sampling of Used Cars:

1994 Ford Explorer SUV (2WD) 5 year gas estimate = $5525

1994 Honda Accord Sedan 5 year gas estimate = $3885

1994 Honda Civic DX Sedan 5 year gas estimate = $2385

A Sampling of New Cars:

2004 Ford Explorer 2WD 5 year gas estimate = $6175

2004 Honda Accord 5 year gas estimate = $3750

2004 Honda Civic Hybrid 5 year gas estimate = $2235

2004 Toyota Prius Hybrid 5 year gas estimate = $1910

This is a small sampling of cars but you get picture. Unless you really need an SUV or large truck, you can save a lot of money by buying a fuel efficient compact car. You will sacrifice size and sometimes luxury when choosing fuel economy first. Part of this is because bigger cars and trucks are heavier and will naturally get worse gas mileage. But it is also a function of consumers not worrying about gas mileage when they make a decision on purchasing a new or used car.

A great site for comparing cars fuel economy is www.fueleconomy.org. At www.fueleconomy.org you can compare numerous makes and models of both new and used cars and set default gas costs to reflect current prices. The numbers above are based on a $1.40 regular gas price which is really hard to find right now. In case of 1994 Ford Explorer you likely pay as much in gas over a 5 year span as you payed for vehicle in first place.

Put fuel economy first and you will find yourself with more money in your pocket.

About Author: Fisher Swanson is a regular contributer to The ThriftyFun.com News. ThriftyFun publishes information about thrifty living. Send an email to thriftyfunnews-on@thriftyfun.com to subscribe to The ThriftyFun.com News. http://www.thriftyfun.com

Unfortunately you realize that she is unable to understand your feelings because she has no idea who this artist is. Her eyes are absolutely empty, she has never even heard song before. You cannot believe it ! You tell her that this artist is so famous! Everyone knows him! How it possible that she doesn't know??? Your light feelings of nostalgic disappear and instead you feel within your soul at very large disappointment ...

Be patient! Don’t become upset so quickly. Remember that your wife has same situation with you. You don t know her country’s songs, her country's famous actors, her books. She has her own memories and in actuality, for her, everything is much more difficult than it is for you. At least, you live in your own country where everybody can understand you. She lives in completely strange surroundings, where she has nobody to share her feelings with, except you.

Do some research and learn about your wife's country, culture and lifestyles. Talk with her, ask her questions, get to know what songs she likes, what movies and books are of interest to her. The Internet will give you a great opportunity to find anything! Tell her about your country's culture, let her listen to music that you like, rent a movie for her that left you with great impression. Let her understand you better through things that you like. Patience and time will help you to fight cultural differences .