How Does MPG (Miles Per Gallon) Affect Car Prices At Auction?

Even if you are buying a car at an auction, it is still essential that you base your choice in certain criteria. After all, you are spending money. One of these is miles per gallon (MPG).

Miles per gallon is exactly what it is—how much miles you travel per gallon. For example, if the vehicle as 30 mpg, it means it reaches 30 miles before one gallon of the gasoline is used up.

Since 2010, vehicles now bear an mpg label from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the numbers of which stand for three things: city mpg, highway mpg, and combined mpg. These numbers can be found usually in a window sticker. If you are not sure where it is, ask the seller or the auctioneer.

Where it is, is the least of your concerns, however. What you must understand is why mpg matters especially on its effect on possible car auction price.

Importance of MPG

Mpg has been used as a measure of fuel efficiency or fuel economy, which means how good the car is in burning fuel. To make this explanation even more simplistic, a car with high mpg means you are getting more for your money. That is some good news for people who are getting more concerned about the rising fuel costs. By knowing the mpg, you should have a much better idea as to how much you will likely spend every time you travel in different conditions.

Further, a higher mpg may be viewed as more environment friendly since it consumes less gasoline and produces lower carbon emissions.

When it comes to auction prices, therefore, cars with a lower mpg may cost less to make them more attractive to potential buyers.

But … Wait!

To consider mpg as the only factor in choosing a car at an auction is not ideal. In fact, many auto experts believe that the system is far from perfect for a variety of reasons.

One, trading a car with a lower mpg with something higher does not always translate to cost of savings. It could be possible that the new car may also require more expensive maintenance.

Some also argue that there seems to be a mismatch between the numbers in the EPA label and the actual mpg. For example, a car that is supposed to have 25 mpg may have 23 mpg in reality. Of course, many factors can affect the actual number such as driving skills and weather, but the bottom line is, those in the EPA label may not be gospel truth.

Further, as a buyer, you need to find a vehicle that suits your purpose. Trucks usually have a lower mpg, but they may make better sense than getting a sedan if the intention of buying is for business.

While mpg may still have weight, it is not the be all end all when it comes to choosing your vehicle. Go beyond it and consider other buying-related factors, and you have a much higher chance of choosing the right vehicle in an auction