Tips on Buying Cars: Gas mileage all wheel drive vs front wheel drive, lexus gs 300, weather climate

Question
Am considering a used '06 Lexus GS 300 and have seen some that are all wheel drive, front wheel and even rear wheel (I think).  Is the all wheel going to use much more gas than the front wheel?  I don't want a rear wheel drive.  Thanks!

Answer
Vickie,

Thanks for your question.  The all wheel drive version offers more than a little less gas mileage.  It offers more traction on the road, and better handling.  It is always better to get a all wheel drive in my opinion because of the better responsivness the vehicle will offer.  Yes, it will give you less gas mileage, but not much less to make that big of a difference.  It really depends on the weather climate that you live in.  If you drive in a lot of rain, snow, or ice, then an all wheel drive is certainly better, but if not, then it really doesn't matter.

Hope this helped.

Thanks - JB