Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

MARQUETTE -- If fueling up is getting you down, purchasing a vehicle with better fuel economy can be one way to avoid paying big at the pump.

But gas prices haven't recently been the deciding factor to every consumer.

"With the prices going up it's definitely a concern, but I don't think it's a number one concern,” Andy Grundstrom of Frei Chevrolet in Marquette said.  “I think the biggest thing is still the value of the car, still making sure that it's either the best car or the car that suits your needs the best is still the most important thing, and gas mileage is a bonus."

Jon's Auto Manager, John Kivela, says a trap consumers may fall into if they are looking for a more fuel efficient car is buying a car that is too small for their needs.

You have to ask yourself first, how many people will be riding in the car most of the time.

"If you typically drive 5 people around a small car is going to be cramped all the time," Kivela said.    

Kivela also says if you do choose a smaller car you'll get better fuel economy, at least 3 or 4 miles per gallon, sometimes a lot more.  

So what do prices look like for a larger used vehicle like a Chevy Impala compared to a smaller used vehicle like a Ford Focus?

"We've got a couple of 2011 Impalas here, you're going to pay roughly 19,000 dollars for a 2011 with teens for miles on it,” Kivela said.  “Comparatively, you're going to pay probably $13,000 or $14,000 for a comparable smaller vehicle."

So remember, buy for your needs.

And before you buy, make sure you determine how much you would save overall if you purchased a new vehicle solely for the rising prices at the pump.