Finding a good used fuel efficient car is important these days. Whether you’re trying to save money, have a long commute, or want to help the environment, a fuel-efficient used car can be a great choice. This guide will help you find the best used fuel efficient cars for both city and highway driving. We’ll look at hybrids, electric cars, and regular gas cars to give you lots of options.
Key Takeaways:
- Fuel-efficient used cars can save you money on gas and are better for the environment
- Top choices include the Toyota Prius, BMW 330e, Volkswagen Golf, and Mercedes-Benz E300 de
- Think about things like mileage, car history, fuel type, and how much it costs to maintain
- Electric and hybrid cars are becoming more popular because they’re very efficient
- Taking care of your car and driving smartly can help keep it fuel efficient
Why Choose a Fuel Efficient Used Car?
Buying a fuel-efficient used car has many benefits:
- Save Money on Gas: You’ll spend less on fuel compared to gas-guzzling cars. This can add up to big savings over time.
- Help the Environment: These cars produce fewer emissions, which means cleaner air, especially in cities.
- Avoid Big Value Loss: Used cars have already lost a lot of their value, so you won’t lose as much money as you would with a new car.
- Lower Insurance Costs: Many fuel-efficient cars are cheaper to insure.
- Possible Tax Benefits: Depending on where you live, you might pay less in taxes for a fuel-efficient car.
- Future-Proof Your Purchase: As rules about car emissions get stricter, fuel-efficient cars are less likely to be affected.
Highest Used Fuel Efficient Cars
1. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a great choice for saving fuel. It can get up to 235.4 miles per gallon in its plug-in hybrid version. It’s good for families and people who drive a lot. Here’s what’s cool about it:
- Really good fuel efficiency in all kinds of driving
- Lots of space inside for people and stuff
- Safety features like cruise control that adjusts itself and warnings if you start to leave your lane
- Toyota makes reliable cars that don’t break down much
- You can choose between a regular hybrid or one you can plug in to charge
2. BMW 330e
The BMW 330e is a fancy car that’s also good on gas. It can get up to 217.3 miles per gallon when you plug it in to charge. It’s great for people who want a fun car to drive that doesn’t use too much gas. Here’s what’s special about it:
- Nice inside with fancy materials and a cool computer system
- Fun to drive like other BMW cars, with good steering
- Can drive on just electricity for short trips
- Goes fast like a sports car
- Has a system that saves energy when you brake
3. Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is a good all-around car that’s efficient and practical. It’s great for young workers or small families. Here’s what’s good about it:
- Comes with different types of engines that are all good on gas
- Some versions can get over 60 miles per gallon
- Nice inside with easy-to-use controls
- Lots of space inside and easy to put stuff in the back
- Has safety features to help you drive better
4. Mercedes-Benz E300 de
The Mercedes-Benz E300 de is a fancy hybrid car. It’s perfect for business people who want a nice car that’s also good on gas. Here’s what’s cool about it:
- Uses both a diesel engine and an electric motor to save fuel
- Very smooth and comfy to drive
- Has lots of safety features and can almost drive itself
- Really nice inside with fancy materials
- Can drive on just electricity for short trips in the city
5. Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is great on gas, getting up to 63.8 miles per gallon in its hybrid version. It’s good for families who need space and want to save on gas. Here’s what’s good about it:
- Lots of space in the back for family trips
- Good on gas in both city and highway driving
- Nice to drive and comfortable
- Has safety features to help you drive
- Toyota makes reliable cars that last a long time
6. Hyundai IONIQ
The Hyundai IONIQ is a cheaper option that’s still good on gas, getting up to 60 miles per gallon. It’s great for people who want a modern, efficient car without spending too much. Here’s what’s good about it:
- Not too expensive
- Has cool tech features like a good computer system
- Good on gas in all types of driving
- Comes in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric versions
- Lots of space inside for people
What to Think About When Buying a Used Fuel Efficient Car
When you’re looking for a used fuel efficient car, think about these things:
1. How Many Miles It’s Been Driven & Its History
Check how many miles the car has been driven and ask about its history. A car with fewer miles is usually better, but a well-cared-for car with more miles can still be good. Look for:
- Regular oil changes and check-ups
- Any big repairs that have been done
- Signs that the previous owners took good care of it
2. What Kind of Fuel It Uses: Gas, Diesel, Hybrid, or Electric?
Think about how you usually drive when picking the fuel type. Each has good points:
- Electric cars are great for short city trips and cost less to run
- Hybrids are good for both city and highway driving
- Diesel might be better if you drive long distances on highways a lot
- Regular gas cars are still a good choice and are getting better on gas
3. Comfort & Features Inside
Make sure the car is comfortable and has features you like:
- Good sound system that works with your phone
- Comfy seats, especially if you drive a lot
- Air conditioning that works well
- Safety features to help you drive better
4. How Much It Might Sell For Later & Cost to Fix
Look into how much the car might be worth when you want to sell it and how much it costs to fix. Think about:
- If the car brand is known for making cars that last
- How easy and expensive it is to get parts
- How often it needs to be checked by a mechanic
- For hybrid and electric cars, how much it might cost to replace the battery
Key Factors in Choosing a Used Fuel Efficient Car
- Mileage & Vehicle History: Check the car’s past to ensure reliability and longevity
- Fuel Type: Consider petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric options based on your needs
- Comfort & Interior Features: Find a balance between efficiency and convenience
- Resale Value: Choose models that hold their value well over time
- Maintenance Costs: Look for cars with lower long-term expenses
Where to Find Good Deals on Used Fuel Efficient Cars
Here are some good places to look for used fuel efficient cars:
1. Online Car Websites & Dealerships
Websites like Bobi.Car have lots of used fuel-efficient cars. These sites are good because:
- You can easily compare prices and features of different cars
- They have more cars to choose from than just local car lots
- They often tell you about the car’s history and condition
- You can read what other people think about the cars
2. Certified Pre-Owned Programs
Many car makers have certified pre-owned (CPO) programs. These are used cars that have been checked and fixed up. They’re good because:
- The cars are checked carefully before they’re sold
- They often come with a warranty that lasts longer than a regular used car
- You might get extra help if your car breaks down
- You can be more sure that the car is in good condition
3. Tips for Getting a Good Price
- Look up how much the car should cost before you buy
- Be ready to walk away if the price isn’t right – there are always other cars
- Think about all the costs, not just the price of the car
- Try to buy at the end of the month when car dealers want to sell more cars
- Get approved for a loan before you go shopping
- Ask if they can include extra things in the deal
Popular Types of Fuel Efficient Cars
1. City Cars
City cars are great for driving in town. They’re good on gas and easy to park. They’re perfect for short trips and busy streets. Good things about them:
- Easy to drive in tight spaces
- Don’t cost much to run and often cheaper to insure
- Easy to park in crowded areas
- Many new city cars have cool tech features even though they’re small
2. Compact Hatchbacks
Compact hatchbacks are good on gas and practical. They’re great for small families or people who need a bit more space than a city car. Good things about them:
- Lots of space for stuff when you fold down the back seats
- Good on gas but more powerful than city cars
- Comfortable for both short and longer trips
- Lots of different models to choose from
3. Crossovers
Crossovers are like small SUVs but better on gas. They’re good for families who need space but don’t want to use too much gas. Good things about them:
- You sit higher up so you can see better
- More space inside than hatchbacks
- Many come with hybrid engines that are good on gas
- Good mix of comfort, space, and not using too much gas
Tips for Saving Gas When Driving in the City
To use less gas when driving in the city, try these things:
- Speed up and slow down smoothly
- Make sure your tires have the right amount of air
- Don’t let your car run when you’re not moving
- Use the stop-start feature if your car has it
- Plan your trips to avoid traffic and lots of stops
- Take out anything heavy you don’t need in the car
- Use the eco-mode if your car has it
Tips for Saving Gas When Driving on Highways
To use less gas on the highway, try these things:
- Use cruise control to keep a steady speed
- Try to keep a steady speed and don’t speed up or slow down too fast
- Plan your route to avoid traffic and take the shortest way
- Keep your windows closed when going fast to make your car more aerodynamic
- Try to predict traffic so you don’t have to brake a lot
- Use the highest gear you can without making the engine work too hard
- Don’t use roof racks or boxes if you don’t need them
The Future of Saving Gas: Electric and Hybrid Cars
As technology gets better, electric and hybrid cars are becoming more popular. These cars use less gas (or no gas at all) and are better for the environment. Here are some things to think about:
- Electric cars don’t make any pollution when you drive them and cost less to run
- Hybrid cars are a mix between regular cars and electric cars
- There are more places to charge electric cars now, so they’re easier to use
- The batteries in electric cars are getting better, so they can go farther and charge faster
- In some places, you might get money back from the government for buying an electric or hybrid car
Annual CO2 Emissions by Vehicle Type (lbs)
- Gasoline vehicles
- Typical hybrids
- Plug-in hybrids
- Electric vehicles
How to Keep Your Used Car Good on Gas
To keep your car using less gas over time, try these things:
- Get your car checked regularly by a mechanic
- Change the air filter when the car manual says to
- Use the right kind of oil for your car
- Keep your tires filled with the right amount of air
- If a warning light comes on, get it checked out quickly
- Change the spark plugs when needed
- Clean the fuel system sometimes to keep it working well
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Used Fuel Efficient Car for You
Picking a good used fuel efficient car can save you money, help the environment, and make driving more fun. Think about what kind of fuel the car uses, how much it costs to fix, and how you usually drive when choosing a car. Use websites like Bobi.Car to compare different cars, read what other people think, and find good deals. If you choose carefully, you can get a car that’s cheap to run, good for the environment, and nice to drive for many years. Good luck finding your perfect car!