Best Gas Mileage Used Cars

Looking for a used car that won’t drain your wallet at the pump? Let’s talk about fuel efficiency and how it can save you big bucks over time. Here are the best gas mileage used cars on dealer lots.

Why Gas Mileage Matters

Gas mileage, or MPG (miles per gallon), tells you how far a car can go on a single gallon of fuel. The higher the MPG, the less you’ll spend on gas. Pretty simple, right?

Vehicle	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid	57	59	58
2017 Kia Niro	52	49	50
2010 Toyota Prius	51	48	50
2016 Chevrolet Spark	31	41	35

Save Money Over Time

 

Driving a fuel-efficient car can save you a ton of money. Imagine this: a car that gets 30 MPG will save you about $900 a year compared to one that gets 20 MPG, assuming you drive 15,000 miles annually and gas costs $3.60 per gallon. Over five years, that’s $4,500 back in your pocket.

To get the most bang for your buck, here are some of the most fuel efficient old cars:

• 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: This car is a champ with 57 city/59 highway/58 combined MPG.
• 2017 Kia Niro: Holds a Guinness World Record ? for lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid, offering 52 city/49 highway/50 combined MPG*.
• 2010 Toyota Prius: A budget-friendly option with 51 city/48 highway/50 combined MPG *.
• 2016 Chevrolet Spark: A compact choice with 31 city/41 highway/35 combined MPG, plus an all-electric variant*.

Choosing a fuel-efficient used car not only saves you money but also helps the environment. Check out our picks for good used cars under $10,000 and best used cars for commuting to find your perfect match.

Top Brands for Fuel Efficiency

Looking for a used car that won’t guzzle gas? Toyota and Honda are your go-to brands. Known for their stellar fuel efficiency and reliability, these two have been winning hearts (and wallets) for years.

Toyota: The Fuel-Saving Champ

Toyota’s got a solid rep for making cars that sip, not gulp, fuel. Models like the Camry and Corolla are fan favorites for their dependable performance and great gas mileage. In Canada, the Corolla is a hit across the board for its fuel efficiency and reliability. That kaizen thing seems to work.

Toyota Model	Year	MPG (City)	MPG (Highway)
Toyota Camry	2017	24	33
Toyota Corolla	2017	28	36
Toyota Prius	2010	51	48

 

Want more deets on fuel-efficient Toyotas? Check out our guide on best used cars for families.

 

Honda: Practical and Reliable

Honda’s another brand that nails it with fuel-efficient cars. The Civic and Accord are top picks for their mix of performance, fuel efficiency, and durability. The Civic, especially, is a budget-friendly choice with its reliable performance and low fuel consumption.

Honda Model	Year	MPG (City)	MPG (Highway)
Honda Civic	2017	28	40
Honda Accord	2016	23	34
Honda CR-V	2017	25	31

 

For more on reliable Hondas, swing by our article on best used cars for commuters.

 

Both Toyota and Honda offer a range of cars that are not just fuel-efficient but also reliable and practical for everyday driving. Whether you’re eyeing a compact Toyota Corolla or a versatile Honda CR-V, these brands have got you covered for good used cars for gas mileage.

Eco-Friendly Used Cars

Looking for a used car that won’t guzzle gas? Let’s talk eco-friendly rides that are easy on your wallet and the planet.

Brands with Fuel-Sipping Models

Some car makers just get it when it comes to fuel efficiency. Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, and Mazda are the big players here. These brands have a knack for creating cars that sip gas, making them perfect for anyone who wants to save money and the environment.

Brand	Notable Fuel-Efficient Model	MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
Toyota	2010 Toyota Prius	51/48/50
Hyundai	2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid	57/59/58
Kia	2017 Kia Niro	52/49/50
Chevrolet	2016 Chevrolet Spark	31/41/35
Ford	2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid	41/36/39

 

Want more options? Check out our articles on best used cars under 20000 and good used cars under 15000.

 

Why Go Green?

Eco-friendly used cars aren’t just about saving at the pump. They’re about cutting down on your carbon footprint. Brands like Toyota and Honda are leading the charge with hybrid and electric cars that pump out fewer greenhouse gases.

Toyota

Take the 2010 Toyota Prius, for example. This hybrid is a legend in the world of fuel efficiency, boasting a combined mpg of 50. It’s reliable, it’s green, and it’s a favorite among those who want to tread lightly on the planet*.

Hyundai

Then there’s the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. With a combined 58 mpg, this car proves you don’t have to sacrifice performance for sustainability. Hyundai’s all about making cars that are both efficient and kind to the Earth*.

Kia

And let’s not forget the 2017 Kia Niro. This hybrid SUV gets a combined 50 mpg and even snagged a Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid. If you’re looking to cut down on emissions, the Niro’s got your back.

For more on eco-friendly used cars, check out our articles on best used cars hybrid and best used cars for a road trip.

Choosing a fuel-efficient, eco-friendly used car means saving money and helping the planet. Whether you go for a Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, or another brand, these cars offer a sweet spot of performance, efficiency, and green credentials.

Top Fuel-Efficient Used Cars ❤️

Looking to save some bucks at the gas station? Check out these five fuel-efficient used cars that won’t drain your wallet.

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 

The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is a champ when it comes to fuel efficiency. With a stellar rating of 57 city/59 highway/58 combined mpg, this car is perfect for those long commutes or quick trips around town. Plus, it’s comfy and packed with modern features.

Metric	Value
City MPG	57
Highway MPG	59
Combined MPG	58

 

2017 Kia Niro

 

The 2017 Kia Niro is a hybrid SUV that’s easy on the gas. It boasts 52 city/49 highway/50 combined mpg. Fun fact: it snagged a Guinness World Record in 2016 for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle. Spacious and efficient, it’s a win-win.

Metric	Value
City MPG	52
Highway MPG	49
Combined MPG	50

 

2010 Toyota Prius

 

The 2010 Toyota Prius is a classic in the fuel-efficient game. With 51 city/48 highway/50 combined mpg, it’s a reliable choice for city driving. The Prius has been a go-to for years, thanks to its dependable performance and great mileage.

Metric	Value
City MPG	51
Highway MPG	48
Combined MPG	50

 

2016 Chevrolet Spark

 

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark is a compact car that’s big on savings. It gets 31 city/41 highway/35 combined mpg. If you’re into electric cars, there’s also an all-electric version with an impressive 100 MPGe combined. Perfect for zipping around the city.

Metric	Value
City MPG	31
Highway MPG	41
Combined MPG	35

 

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

 

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid offers 41 city/36 highway/39 combined mpg, making it a solid choice for inter-city commutes. It’s comfortable, tech-savvy, and a great all-around vehicle.

Metric	Value
City MPG	41
Highway MPG	36
Combined MPG	39

 

These cars aren’t just fuel-efficient; they come with a bunch of features that make them great picks for anyone shopping for a used car. Want more options? Check out our articles on good used cars for under 10000 and best used cars under 20000.

 

Think About Resale Value ?

When you’re hunting for good used cars for gas mileage, don’t forget to think about resale value. It can make a big difference in your long-term savings and overall investment.

Save More in the Long Run

Picking a car with solid resale value can save you a bundle over time. Some cars can give back about 65% of their original price after five years (RateWorks). So, when you sell or trade your car, you can get a good chunk of your money back.

Luxury cars, though, usually lose value faster. They can drop around 40-50% in the first five years (RateWorks). They might have fancy features, but if resale value matters to you, they might not be the best pick.

Cars That Hold Their Value

Some cars keep their value better than others. Here are a few fuel-efficient used cars that are known for strong resale value:

Vehicle	MPG (City/Hwy/Combined)	Resale Value (5 Years)
2010 Toyota Prius	51/48/50	High
2016 Chevrolet Spark	31/41/35	Moderate
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid	57/59/58	High

Data from Phil Long Dealerships and Carfax.

• 2010 Toyota Prius: With 51 city/48 highway/50 combined mpg, the Prius is famous for its reliability and high resale value.
• 2016 Chevrolet Spark: Gets 31/41/35 mpg, saving you money on gas. There’s also an all-electric version with an EPA-estimated 100 MPGe combined.
• 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: Offers an impressive 58 mpg combined, even better than the Prius.

When you’re shopping for a used car, think about both fuel efficiency and resale value. This way, you can make a smart choice that saves you money on gas and gives you a good return when you sell. For more tips, check out our articles on best used cars under 20000 and best used cars under 25k.

Mileage and Maintenance ⛽

When you’re on the hunt for good used cars for gas mileage, getting a grip on how mileage and maintenance play together is crucial. Balancing these two can help you snag a ride that lasts without breaking the bank.

Evaluating Mileage and Age

Mileage and age are like the dynamic duo of used car shopping. A car with over 150,000 miles might seem like it’s been around the block a few too many times, but don’t write it off just yet. Modern cars are built tough, and with the right care, they can keep rolling well past that “used car mileage sweet spot.”

Mileage Category	Condition
Under 50,000 miles	Excellent
50,000 – 100,000 miles	Good
100,000 – 150,000 miles	Fair
Over 150,000 miles	High Mileage

 

Both mileage and age matter, but their importance can flip-flop. A newer car with high mileage might still be in better shape than an older car with fewer miles, thanks to advancements in car durability.

 

Finding the “Sweet Spot”

The “sweet spot” for mileage is usually around 100,000 miles, but it really depends on your wallet and what you need the car for. Cars in this range often strike a good balance between cost and how long they’ll last.

Mileage Range	Potential Benefits
0 – 50,000 miles	Higher cost, longer lifespan
50,000 – 100,000 miles	Moderate cost, good lifespan
100,000 – 150,000 miles	Lower cost, fair lifespan
Over 150,000 miles	Lowest cost, shorter lifespan

 

When checking out a used car, look at its maintenance history and overall condition. A well-kept car with higher mileage can be a better deal than a neglected one with fewer miles. This strategy can help you find good used cars for under $10,000 or best used cars under $20,000.

 

By keeping an eye on both mileage and maintenance, you can score a car that offers good gas mileage and stays reliable for years. For more tips on finding the best used cars, check out our guide on top 10 used cars for reliability.

FAQ

What are the best older cars with great fuel economy?

Years	Make & model	MPG
2004-07	Toyota Prius	44
2007-09	Toyota Yaris	34
2007-08	Honda Fit	34/32
2004-06	Scion xB	32/30
2006-07	Honda Civic EX	31/28
2009	Hyundai Accent	30/28
2008	Mazda3 2.0L	30/27
2009-10	Toyota Yaris	30
2004-05	Honda Civic EX	29
2004-08	Toyota Corolla	29

 

How can I determine the fuel efficiency of a used car?

 

To determine the fuel efficiency of a used car, check the mpg ratings provided by the manufacturer, which can often be found on the window sticker or in the owner’s manual. Websites such as the EPA’s Fuel Economy website provide detailed information on mpg ratings for various models across different model years.

 Additionally, reading reviews and owner reports can help gauge real-world gas mileage and fuel economy experiences. Factors such as the vehicle’s maintenance history, driving conditions, and your driving habits will also affect its actual fuel efficiency.

What are the benefits of buying a fuel-efficient used vehicle?

Buying a fuel-efficient used vehicle comes with numerous benefits. Firstly, fuel-efficient vehicles often save you money on fuel costs over time, especially in periods of high gas prices. Secondly, many of these cars offer lower emissions, making them environmentally friendly options. 

Additionally, models like the Toyota Prius or Honda Civic have strong resale values due to their enduring popularity. Reliability is another factor; many fuel-efficient used cars

*Phil Long Dealerships