Fuel-Efficient Used Cars That Are Excellent Purchases Today
Used cars are great if you’re on a budget, but they defeat the purpose if they cost a fortune to refuel. It’s always better to choose economical cars to get the best deal, so we’ve rounded up the 35 most fuel-efficient cars to buy right now.
Mitsubishi Mirage
It’s a supermini for a reason! The Mitsubishi Mirage is big on the used car market because it’s so cheap to buy and maintain, which includes its frugal engine. It has a combined MPG of 39, and costs hardly anything to drive around cities.
Skoda Citigo
The Skoda Citigo is built on the same platform as Volkswagen, so you can expect great quality at a budget price. It’s a great money saver if you buy second-hand, with an economical engine that keeps fuel costs down on the road.
Opel Astra
Whether you call it Opel or Vauxhall, you can’t go wrong with the classic Astra. It’s fairly basic and practical but also sporty, so you get an all-round vehicle for a respectable used price. You can also rely on its modern turbo engine for strong MPG.
SEAT Ibiza
Like the Citigo, the SEAT Ibiza holds its market value well even after being previously owned, so it’s typically very affordable. Both the petrol and diesel versions are economical and strike a perfect balance between performance and efficiency, with a consistently cost-effective MPG.
Mercedes-Benz A180
It’s stylish, but the Mercedes-Benz A180 is actually an entry-level car, and its depreciation also works in its favor when it comes to buying a second-hand model. The 1.3-liter petrol models are the most fuel-efficient A180s, capable of 59mpg or more.
Volkswagen Up!
Who doesn’t like the Volkswagen UP!? This fun little car is reliable, robust, and ready to tackle any commuter journey. It’s built to be quick and nimble, so it saves fuel and often achieves 60mpg. The UP! is another premium car to buy used.
Hyundai I10
Many people buy used Hyundai i10s as their first cars because they’re so affordable, and their efficiency is a major reason why. These models also have strong residual value, so they live out their lifespans and cost very little money to upkeep.
Toyota Yaris Hybrid
Of course, hybrid cars are more fuel-efficient because the electric motor conserves energy, but the Toyota Yaris Hybrid is particularly good. Toyota batteries are long-lasting and low-maintenance, so they work just as well second-hand as new, and you can rely on them.
Suzuki Baleno
We admit that Suzuki Balenos aren’t common, but they’re great finds on the used car market. They’re also dependable and practical for everyday driving, plus upkeep is cheap and infrequent. The Baleno’s light build and great engine make it an efficient choice.
Skoda Octavia SE
The Skoda Octavia SE is a top family vehicle, and its durable, low-maintenance build means it looks just as good second-hand. Their size doesn’t mean they eat fuel, either, because the engines are designed to be frugal and save money along the way.
Dacia Sandero
As if it wasn’t affordable enough when brand new, the Dacia Sandero is just as good second-hand, with simple mechanics and an engine that is designed to sip fuel, not chug it. Drivers can save even more cash by skipping frequent gas station trips.
Opel Insignia
The Insignia has been a beloved family car for years, and you don’t have to sacrifice that comfort or value if you’re buying used. Diesel Insignias are particularly efficient, capable of achieving up to 60mpg, making them a great choice for highway driving.
Lexus CT200h
The Lexus CT200h is a premium hatchback that can be purchased more easily and affordably on the second-hand market due to its depreciation. It utilizes the Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which doesn’t employ a traditional motor, resulting in fuel economy of between 40 and 55mpg.
Citroen C4
It might be over two decades old, but the Citroën C4 is still a top car that looks good and drives even better, without costing as much as its closest competitors. The C4’s efficient engine and practical driving style make it a realistic and reliable second-hand option.
Renault Megane
Speaking of long-enduring cars, the Renault Megane is also a great find on the used-car market. Buying used means you get a decent amount of tech and equipment for a lower price, without compromising on engine economy, no matter where you drive.
Suzuki Swace
It’s slick and suave, but, more importantly, the Suzuki Swace is super reliable and conserves fuel in the city and when you’re roaring down the highway. The hybrid engine is a particularly good feature, so you can trust a used Swace to drive as well as a new one.
Kia Niro
One of the best things about the Kia Niro is its versatile efficiency. You can get second-hand hybrid, plug-in, or battery electric models, and they typically have their original long Kia warranties. They’re comfortable, economical, and ideal for everyday family use.
Volkswagen Passat
Family vehicles typically keep their value on the second-hand market, which is good news for the Volkswagen Passat! That gorgeous exterior conceals a fuel-saving diesel engine that excels on highways, allowing for long journeys without draining your wallet along the way.
BMW 330e
It’s a premium option when new, but there’s still plenty of value in a used 330e. You can get a stylish car from a popular brand for a fraction of the price, while also enjoying cost-effective BMW driving dynamics, including being able to make short journeys on electric charge alone.
Ford Kuga Hybrid
It’s a family SUV, so, of course, the Ford Kuga Hybrid is spacious, comfortable, and practical. But did you know it’s also highly fuel-efficient, even after being pre-owned? The Hybrid driving system reduces fuel consumption, particularly in urban environments, and has an average MPG of 52.
Toyota IQ
Like the name suggests, the Toyota iQ is a little brainbox, but it’s often overlooked, so many excellent used models are missed. If you find one, you can expect the best fuel economy as you zip around town, thanks to the iQ’s light body, efficient engine, and renowned Toyota innovation.
Mitsubishi Colt
The Mitsubishi Colt is solid, dependable, and cheap to buy used, so it’s perfect for people on a budget. You won’t need a massive fuel budget because it has low running costs, plus a lightweight build that prevents excess fuel loss on the roads.
Daihatsu Sirion
You might not see many Daihatsu Sirions around, but they’re simple cars that drive well and sometimes pop up on the used car market for very reasonable prices. They also cost little to run because they have small, no-frills engines that don’t waste gas on unnecessary performance features.
Audi A1
As a premium supermini, the Audi A1 holds up well in the used market, offering all those comforts, luxuries, and features with a nifty second-hand saving. The A1’s engine is designed to be high-performance with low waste, conserving fuel and dropping running costs.
Chevrolet Aveo
Of all the Chevies, the Aveo is one of the most underrated, but don’t count it out of the game! Not only is it cheap to buy used, but it’s also a nice-looking car with a powerful yet modest engine that preserves fuel whenever it can.
Volkswagen Lupo
The Volkswagen Lupo has been a smart used buy for years, offering that well-known Volkswagen class for a lot less than market price. It’s super light and agile, so little fuel is wasted while it drives, and the engine also doesn’t demand much filling up.
Subaru Justy
You may not recognise the name, but the Subaru Justy is a solid little hatchback that you can get for next to nothing if you buy second-hand. The unsung hero of the vehicle is the efficient engine, which is mechanically sound and capable of decent MPG for an older car.
Opel Adam
The Opel Adam is a popular first car, so it’s often better to buy used. It’s very compact, which makes it more efficient and the perfect choice for urban driving, with a real-world MPG of between 32 and 52. Sometimes, simplicity is king.
Citroen AX
It’s an oldie but a goodie, and the Citroen AX is one of the most underrated fuel-efficient cars still available. They’re mostly found second-hand now, but that just proves how practical, long-lasting, and maintainable they are. It’s rugged and basic, but it has a great real-time MPG.
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is a reliable estate car that offers great used value, particularly as it comes with Toyota’s now-customary hybrid technology. Naturally, this delivers efficient power, uses fuel-saving electricity, and makes short and long journeys with ease.
SEAT Mii
It’s a cousin of the Skoda Citigo and Volkswagen Up!, so you can expect similar fuel efficiency and reliable driving dynamics from the SEAT Mii. Used models are popular because they’re so economical and conquer urban driving conditions without wasting gas.
Renault Zoe
As far as EVs go, the Renault Zoe is one of the most accessible. It has zero fuel consumption and low charging costs, so it’s perfect for any regular city driver who wants to reduce expenses. For even better prices, get a used Zoe and start saving now!
Nissan Note
Finally, we had to mention this often-underrated practical hatchback, which you can now get used for a great price. The Nissan Note is small and light, so it wastes minimal fuel on the road, and the running and maintenance costs are also practically non-existent.
Toyota Aygo
First up, we’ve got the ever-trustworthy Toyota Aygo. Not only is this car cheap to run, it also has an average city MPG of 50 and 60 on highways, efficient Toyota engineering, and low depreciation, so your used buy will pay off.
