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BEST MILEAGE AMONG LUXURY CARS
Infiniti G20
From Nissan's luxury brand but, costing in the mid-20s,
barely at a luxury price, the G20 is fun to drive with great
handling through the curves and corners. But the suspension
is also tuned for a comfortable ride on the straight stuff. The
styling is ho-hum, and -- as you might expect from so
fuel-efficient a car -- acceleration is less than breathtaking.
Audi A4 1.8T AWD
This Audi Quattro was one of the first to offer the full-time all-wheel
drive, feature that's increasingly popular among luxury and near-luxury car
shoppers. With sleek styling and good safety crash-test scores, this Audi is
among the most attractive luxury models for under $30,000. The car also
offers some luxury service perks like free maintenance and roadside
assistance for the first four years.
BMW 330ci
Despite a more powerful, 3.0-liter engine for 2001, this BMW coupe still
stays in the high-mileage derby. As befits a BMW, it has impeccable road
manners and great handling in tight spots. Also typical of the BMW 3
series, rear-seat space and cargo room are tight. All the BMW 3s now come
with an all-wheel-drive option, though that would cut into gas mileage.
Saab 9-5 Aero
The turbocharged engine in this Saab provides the happy combination of high
mileage and lots of punch when you stomp on the accelerator. The Saab comes
with lots of standard equipment - from a premium stereo to safety
enhancements like traction control and side-impact air bags. And all Saab
models now come with the OnStar system from their corporate parent General
Motors, which locates your vehicle and calls for help when you need
assistance.
Mercedes-Benz CLK320
This Mercedes is getting into the real luxury price range, which starts at
over $40,000. But the sleek, sporty look of the two-door coupe plus the
wood-and-leather luxury of the interior should make you feel like you got
your money's worth. It comes with a V8, but for higher mileage opt for the
V6 engine. Only automatic transmission is available, but it has a clutchless
manual control for those who still like to shift for themselves. And the car
offers Mercedes' own TeleAid version of roadside location and assistance.
NEXT: Sports cars >>
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