Fuel-smart car shopping

Advice on how to consider fuel consumption when buying your next car

(Money Magazine) - If you're planning on buying a car in the new world of $3-a-gallon gas, fuel economy has probably gone from nice option to deciding factor. Link

Do the math: If you can save, say, around $1,000 a year in gas, that will equal roughly $5,000 in five years -- enough for a nice down payment on a car for your kid.

It used to be that if you wanted a car that took it easy at the gas station, you were going to have to make some sacrifices: You'd squeeze yourself into something smaller than you really wanted. Or you'd find yourself behind the wheel of something really thrifty -- and really underpowered.

It doesn't have to be that way anymore. If oil prices have been getting you down at the dealership, check out the following four car-buying strategies. Each one is a way to drive something that is miserly at the pump but also a great ride... regardless of the price of gas.