Calculate your gas mileage

The calculations won't be exact, but to determine your gas mileage, fill up your tank. Make a note of your mileage or set your tripometer. At your next fill up, make a note of the number of gallons you put in. Then, divide the miles by the gallons.

For example, on a recent drive to Maine, I traveled 380 miles on 12.24 gallons, which worked out to about 31 mpg (with the AC on). Around town, I tend to get 26 or 27 with the AC on.

I drive a 2004 Ford Focus 5-speed hatchback and I love it. It's zippy, comfortable, surprisingly spacious, and as you can see, good on gas. And my car payment is half what it would have been if I'd bought a Corrolla instead. Yay, thrift.