5 Used Cars With Standout Gas Mileage

December 16th, 2022 by

A red 2019 Honda Civic is shown from the front driving on an open city.

If you’re trying to do your part to reduce your carbon footprint, looking at fuel-efficient used cars for sale is a great way to go about it. Buying a pre-owned vehicle has a number of benefits. Not only does it allow you to scoop up some premium luxury features at a budget-friendly price, but when more people buy used, that means less production, less shipping, fewer resources used, and fewer carbon emissions overall.

The good news is that there are a lot of fuel-efficient used cars on the market, and you can find many examples right here at Orange Coast CJDRF. One look at the automotive industry, and you’ll see it’s quickly becoming all about efficiency. Not only has design evolved by leaps and bounds in the last decade, but so have advances when it comes to fuel efficiency.

There’s a lot of talk about electric cars, and we get it; they’re exciting. But many buyers aren’t ready to give up on gasoline-powered vehicles or simply can’t afford the high prices of all-electric models. An electric car can be intimidating, and making such a big change right now might not be on your list of fun ways to spend the weekend. If you want to make your ride a little greener and save more than a few bucks on gas, then great news! You’ll be happy to learn that there are a lot of amazing options out there.

Take a look at our used car lot, and you’ll quickly see you won’t have a problem finding an efficient model that works for your lifestyle while fitting into your budget. The only issue you might run into is figuring out where to start. With so many fuel-efficient used vehicles, you want to make sure you get the most for your money. We’ve compiled a list of our top five used cars that deliver when it comes to comfort, convenience, and above all, efficiency.

#1 – Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a compact sedan that lives up to the hype. It is not only one of the most reliable used vehicles on the market, but it ranks high when it comes to fuel efficiency, cargo space, and performance, making this car tough to pass up.

The Honda Civic has a lot of great years, but check out the 2019 model to unlock great tech and high fuel efficiency without a high price tag. Drivers will find the 2019 Civic is offered in three different body types: a sedan, a hatchback, and a coupe. Plus, there are six different trims available. This makes it easy to find a used Civic that fits your needs, whether that is commuting or hauling the family.

Where does the 2019 Civic stand when it comes to efficiency? Depending on the engine choice, you can expect up to 36 MPG combined. You can also expect your Civic to deliver when it comes to great technology and cargo space. Being at the tail end of the tenth generation means the 2019 model benefits from past remodels, making it one of the most desirable and reliable compact sedans on the market.

A popular fuel-efficient used car for sale, blue 2019 Toyota Corolla, is shown from the side parked in a city.

#2 – Toyota Corolla

The Corolla is one of Toyota’s best-selling models. That’s saying a lot considering Toyota’s reputation for making durable, efficient, and long-lasting vehicles. We’ve chosen to recommend the 2019 Corolla because it marks the end of the twelfth generation, making a used 2019 Corolla a real bargain that is also relatively trouble-free.

The 2019 Corolla is not only a fuel-efficient machine, but also delivers comfort, safety, and reliability at an affordable price, making it a top contender if you’re looking at used models. In 2019 the Corolla sedan came with a 1.8L engine rated for up to 34 MPG combined. However, the more powerful Corolla hatchback with its 2.0L engine is actually the more efficient option at up to 36 MPG combined. Either way, this car is a prime choice for commuters that want an efficient and dependable model that will save them money at the pumps.

#3 – Ford Fiesta

Ford discontinued its popular subcompact, the Fiesta, in 2019, but that shouldn’t stop drivers from shopping for this efficient model on the used market. We’ve picked out 2017 as a great year to focus on. Why? This slightly older model can be found at a great price, and it offers an ultra fuel-efficient 1.0L turbocharged engine that makes it a fun but efficient drive.

Pick from a sedan or hatchback body style to find the one that works best for you. The responsive and nimble steering makes the Fiesta easy to handle when navigating busy traffic areas. If you choose the available 1.0L turbocharged engine, you can get an estimated 35 MPG combined. However, the standard 1.6L engine still gets 31 MPG combined, although it is slightly less powerful.

Another great thing about the Fiesta? You can unlock a user-friendly infotainment system, efficient engine, and cabin comfort for a remarkably low price. The 2017 Fiesta even has all the tech drivers need to sync their compatible smartphones with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for a personalized driving experience.

A grey 2020 Toyota Prius Prime is shown from the side driving on an open road.

#4 – Toyota Prius

No fuel-efficient car list would be complete without a hybrid or two, and one of our favorite hybrids is the Toyota Prius. Take a short test drive in a Prius, and you’ll see why it ranks as one of the most popular fuel-efficiency vehicles on the market.

The Prius was introduced in 2000 and has had a lot of good years, so it’s tough to pick just one. The 2016 model marked the start of the fifth generation and is now quite affordable on the used market. Also, that same year Toyota introduced the Prius Eco. This stripped-down model deletes the spare tire, rear wiper, and more, causing its EPA-estimated fuel economy to shoot to an impressive 56 MPG combined!

Looking for something a little newer? The 2020 Prius Prime ranks high when it comes to dependability, cabin space, and of course, a stand-out fuel economy. This refreshed plug-in version of the standard Prius is rated for 133 MPGe and can travel for 25 miles on battery power. When the battery is exhausted, you can either plug in and recharge or switch to gasoline power and enjoy 54 MPG combined for another 615 miles.

#5 – Hyundai Ioniq

The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq may not be as well known as the Toyota Prius, but it should be. This is an excellent used vehicle for buyers to consider when shopping for fuel-efficient used cars. Not only does it offer a spacious, comfortable cabin, but it also enjoys a high safety rating, lots of standard features, and easy-to-use technology.

For 2020 drivers can select from three different powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and an all-electric model. Whichever you choose, get ready for plenty of power and an enjoyably peppy ride. With the base Ioniq Hybrid, you can enjoy up to 58 MPG combined. The addition of great standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus its highly regarded safety features, make the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq a noteworthy choice when considering efficient, affordable models.

There’s More!

It isn’t easy to choose just five of the most efficient used models when there are so many great options out there. Some of the biggest names in the automotive industry have introduced game-changing technology in the last decade, leading to many amazingly efficient vehicles.

When it comes down to it, it’s all about what’s right for you and your budget. If you’re looking to get into an efficient pre-owned model, you won’t have a problem here at Orange Coast CJDRF. Well, maybe trying to decide, that could be a problem. But in our opinion, it’s one of the best problems to have.

Get ready and go green. Whether you choose Ford, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, or another option, there is a fuel-efficient used car for sale that is ready to help you stretch your dollar and reduce your carbon footprint. Don’t wait! Get behind the wheel of your own green machine today and see how your small actions can lead to big change.