Even as gas prices are beginning to fall, it is still taking a bite out of the typical family's budget -- which makes finding the right car more important.

According to a Consumer Reports study, depreciation of the typical new car accounts for 46 percent of owner costs over a five-year period, with most of the depreciation happening in the first few years.

With that in mind -- if saving money is a goal -- car shoppers should take a look at used cars, the study said.

"Pre-owned vehicles have already gone through the initial period of rapid depreciation," the study concluded. "By focusing on a nearly new model, say 2-3 years old, you can find a vehicle that offers comparable fuel economy, performance, safety, and reliability as a new car, often with some transferable warranty coverage remaining."

The cars tested are the most fuel-efficient models available in their price range and many have performed well in Consumer Reports tests. The miles per gallon is derived from equal driving in the highway, city and rural roads.

Under $10,000

2000 Honda Insight (manual transmission), 51 mpg

2001-02 Toyota Prius 41 mpg

2000-05 Toyota Echo 38 mpg

1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm 32 mpg

1998 Mazda Protegé LX 32 mpg

1998-2000 Toyota Corolla LE 32 mpg

1998-2001 Acura Integra LS (manual transmission), 32 mpg

$10,000-$20,000

2004-06 Toyota Prius, 44 mpg

2001-03 Toyota Prius, 41 mpg

2006-07 Honda Civic Hybrid, 37 mpg

2003-05 Honda Civic Hybrid, 36 mpg

2007 Honda Fit Sport (manual transmission), 34 mpg

2007 Toyota Yaris Liftback (manual transmission), 34 mpg