Environmental factors when purchasing a car?

Question

What environmental considerations should I take into account when purchasing a car?

Thank-you

Answer 1

engine size(bigger=more gas) exhaust, and just how good on gas the car is

Answer 2

if you want the most green car on the planet wait for the

2009 VW jetta TDI

or buy a Toyota prius.

when you buy a hybrid your not saving a ton of money on gas but you are making less pollution.

Answer 3

None.  Don't worry about "the environment" when buying a car.  What matters are these:

Is the car comfortable for you to sit in and drive?

Can you reach the pedals well if the seat isn't all the way forward or backward?  You'll have to adjust the seat less between drivers if you can do this.

Are the controls on the dashboard easy for you to understand and to reach while driving?

Does the car have a good place to mount a cell phone holder so you can drive hands free?  No one should drive with their cell phone held up to their ear.

Is the car easy for you to get into and out of?  If it's too low, It'll be hard on your knees to get out of it.

Can you see out all the windows and side mirrors ok?  This is critical when it comes to changing lanes and checking to see if it's ok to pull out onto a street.

Does it have a lot of safety features for the price? The more air bags, shoulder belts in the back etc. the better.

Does it have a good crash safety rating? Check websites and magazines like Car and Driver and Consumer Reports for this.

Do you like the way it looks?  If you find it ugly, you'll have buyer's remorse later.

Are the seats and inteiror surfaces covered with good quality materials?  If the seat fabric feels cheap, it probably won't last long.  I had a car once that had such poor fabric on the seats that they started tearing after having it a couple of years.  It was a new car and I was pretty careful what I put on the seats too.

Does it get good gas mileage for it's class? (by class I mean, sedan, van, sport utility etc.)  

Unless you don't mind driving a glorified golf cart that they could bury you in if you have a bad wreck, you're going to have a hard time finding a "eco-friendly" car.