(Update: The ecoAUTO rebate program concluded its 2-year run on March 31, 2009.)

In March 2007, the federal government announced an initiative to offer Canadians a rebate for buying a new, fuel efficient vehicle. This offer has many people thinking. After all, if you're considering buying a new vehicle, getting one that is eligible for a rebate because it is fuel-efficient--while spending less at the pumps--might be the way to save money.

What are your vehicle options then? Many people are wondering if the only vehicles are hybrids. The good news is, if hybrids are not your thing, there are not only non-hybrid vehicles eligible for the rebate, but also Flex-Fuel vehicles. Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of up to 85% ethanol (E85). While you may not be able to name a flex-fuel vehicle off the top of your head, you'd be surprised at how many vehicles out there are available with this option.


What criteria is used to determine a vehicle's eligibility for the rebate?

According to Transport Canada's website, the list of eligible vehicles currently includes "New cars getting 6.5 L/100km or better and new light trucks getting 8.3 L/100km or better. The list features hybrid electric and highly energy efficient vehicles. In addition, new flexible-fuel vehicles with combined fuel consumption E85 ratings of 13.0 L/100km or less will be eligible."

The 2007 model year vehicles that are currently eligible for the rebate are:

Hybrids

Flex-fuel vehicles

High-efficient vehicles
Toyota Prius
Rebate: $2000
  • 1.5 L, 4 cylinder

  • Continuously Variable Transmission
    		•  Chevrolet Impala FFV
    Rebate: $1000
  • 3.5 L, 6 cylinder

  • 4-speed Automatic


    		•  Mini Cooper
    Rebate: $1000
  • 1.6 L, 4 cylinder

  • 6-speed Manual


    		•
    Honda Civic Hybrid
    Rebate: $2000
  • 1.3 L, 4 cylinder

  • Continuously Variable Transmission
    		•  Chevrolet Monte Carlo FFV
    Rebate: $1000
  • 3.5 L, 6 cylinder

  • 4-speed Automatic


    		•  Toyota Yaris
    Rebate: $1000
  • 1.5 L, 4 cylinder

  • 5-Speed Manual


    		•
    Toyota Camry Hybrid
    Rebate: $1500
  • 2.4 L, 4 cylinder

  • Continuously Variable Transmission
    		•  Chrysler Sebring FFV
    Rebate: $1000
  • 2.7 L, 6 cylinder

  • 4-speed Automatic


    		•  Toyota Yaris
    Rebate: $1000
  • 1.5 L, 4 cylinder

  • 4-Speed Automatic


    		•
    Nissan Altima Hybrid
    Rebate: $1500
  • 2.5 L, 4 cylinder

  • Continuously Variable Transmission
    		•  Chrysler Sebring FFV
    Rebate: $1000
  • 2.7 L, 6 cylinder

  • 4-speed Automatic with Manual Mode
    		•  Toyota Corolla
    Rebate: $1000
  • 1.8 L, 4 cylinder

  • 5-Speed Manual


    		•
    Ford Escape HEV
    Rebate: $2000
  • 2.3 L, 4 cylinder

  • Continuously Variable Transmission
    		•    Jeep Compass
    Rebate: $1000
  • 2.4 L, 4 cylinder

  • 5-Speed Manual


    		•
    Ford Escape HEV 4X4
    Rebate: $1500
  • 2.3 L, 4 cylinder

  • Continuously Variable Transmission


    		•  Jeep Compass
    Rebate: $1000
  • 2.0 L, 4 cylinder

  • Continuously Variable Transmission


    		•
    Saturn VUE Hybrid
    Rebate: $1000
  • 2.4 L, 4 cylinder

  • 4-Speed Automatic
    		•  Jeep Patriot
    Rebate: $1000
  • 2.4 L, 4 cylinder

  • 5-Speed Manual
    		•
    Lexus RX 400h
    Rebate: $1000
  • 3.3 L, 6 cylinder

  • Continuously Variable Transmission
    		•  Jeep Patriot
    Rebate: $1000
  • 2.0 L, 4 cylinder

  • Continuously Variable Transmission
    		•
    Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4X4
    Rebate: $1000
  • 3.3 L, 6 cylinder

  • Continuously Variable Transmission
    		•   


    For rebate eligible 2008 models (or for additional details about the 2007 models), visit Tranport Canada's website for the most up-to-date information.


    As the title suggests, rebates are great - but what about the insurance?

    Don't forget that on top of rebates and fuel efficiency, even more can be saved by shopping around for your auto insurance. That's why we compared quotes online from all the insurance companies featured through the www.kanetix.ca auto quote comparison service. For comparison purposes, for each of the auto insurance quotes we used the same driver; a 35-year old with a clean driving record and 15 years driving experience.

    See the difference in quotes between the rebate eligible vehicles for our driver in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

    Eligible vehicles

    Halifax, Nova Scotia
    Toyota Prius $869
    Honda Civic Hybrid $908
    Toyota Cambry Hybrid $808
    Nissan Altima Hybrid $868
    Ford Escape Hybrid 4x4 $864
    Saturn Vue Hybrid $860
    Lexus RX 400h $932
    Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4x4 $937
    Chevrolet Impala $787
    Chevrolet Monte Carlo $878
    Chrysler Sebring $819
    Mini Cooper $981
    Toyota Yaris $856
    Toyota Corolla $840
    Jeep Compass $899
    Jeep Patriot $904
    Auto insurance quotes obtained through www.kanetix.ca in April, 2007. Lowest quote shown.

    You're in the driver's seat

    If you plan on taking advantage of the federal government's rebate program, don't forget that you could save even more money by comparing auto insurance quotes from competing insurers. Shopping around is important because there is a wide range of prices available for essentially the same coverage; and this range can often be a difference of hundreds of dollars. You don't want your rebate to go towards paying for your auto insurance do you? Keep your rebate money, and compare auto insurance quotes from competing insurers.


    It all adds up - get started today

    Start saving today and shop around for auto insurance coverage by getting quotes from multiple companies. It's the best way to know you are getting the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Compare quotes online instantly today at Kanetix.



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