If you’ve been shopping for a used car lately, you’ve probably noticed that sky-high gas prices have increased the cost of used hybrid and electric vehicles. While used vehicle prices increased 16.9% overall in May over the same time last year, EV prices jumped even more by 37.7%, and hybrids climbed by 32.1%.
So, if you’re looking for an inexpensive car right now, a traditional gas-powered vehicle might be the way to go. There are still relatively affordable new and used conventional cars available, especially if you’re willing to settle for a compact or subcompact model.
Five Non-Hybrid New Cars That are Affordable and Efficient
Are you the frugal type who isn’t concerned about keeping up with the Joneses? Then these affordable fuel-saving new cars might be right up your alley.
Note: The prices listed below may have changed since the time this article was written.
2022 Nissan Versa
Car and Driver and many other sources point out that the Nissan Versa is exceptionally slow, thanks to its four-cylinder engine and available continuously variable transmission (CVT). The silver lining, however, is that the Versa is affordable and gets great gas mileage.
The 2022 model has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 32 city/40 highway miles per gallon (mpg). What’s more, the Versa is affordable, with a base manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $15,380.
2022 Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback
Regarding the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage, Car and Driver reports that: “It gets good gas mileage, it’s easy to park, and it’s cheap, but that’s where the pros end and the cons begin”.
Ouch. Still, if fuel economy is your primary concern, the Mirage definitely delivers. For 2022, the little hatchback has an EPA-estimated rating of up to 36 city/43 highway mpg. Pricing starts at $14,645.
2022 Chevrolet Spark
The Chevy Spark might spark a bit more interest (pun intended) than the Versa or Mirage. MotorTrend says: “The 2022 Chevy Spark punches above its price point. Given the Spark’s position as the cheapest car in America, that may sound like faint praise, but the Spark lives up to its name with liveliness and cheer.”
Above all else, fuel efficiency and affordability are where the Spark really shines. The Spark has a highly respectable fuel economy rating of up to 30 city/38 highway mpg and a base MSRP of $13,600.
2022 Hyundai Accent
Even though Car and Driver put the 2022 Hyundai Accent on its Editor’s Choice List, the publication admits the car is less than thrilling to drive. But the Accent isn’t designed to provide an exhilarating driving experience—it’s made to be affordable transportation that won’t break the bank at the pump.
With a base MSRP of $16,645, the Accent seems like a bargain in today’s market. Furthermore, the subcompact sedan is extremely fuel-efficient, earning an EPA-estimated rating of up to 33 city/41 highway mpg.
2022 Kia Rio Hatchback
Because Hyundai is Kia’s parent company, the Rio is built on the same platform as the Accent. When reviewing the 2022 Kia Rio, MotorTrend wrote: “Although not quick by any means, it’s zippier than rivals.”
Zippy or not, the Rio is definitely affordable, with a base MSRP of just $16,450. The subcompact car is also fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated rating of 33/41 mpg city/highway.
Five Non-Hybrid Used Cars That are Affordable and Efficient
Since the onset of the pandemic, used car prices have hit an all-time high, with many selling for more than the original MSRP. But if you look hard enough, you can still find affordable and fuel-efficient pre-owned vehicles, including the options listed below.
2020 Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a versatile hatchback that was discontinued in 2020. While you can’t walk into a dealership and get a brand-new Fit anymore, you can still find pre-owned models on the market.
And it might be worth searching for a used Fit if you want a vehicle that’s both reasonably priced and fuel-efficient. When new, the FIT had an EPA-estimated rating of up to 33 city/40 highway mpg. The car now has an average retail price of around $24,000. While that figure is more than the original MSRP of $16,190 to $20,620, it’s still relatively affordable by today’s unprecedented standards.
2020 Toyota Yaris
When you think of compact cars from Toyota, the Corolla and Camry usually come to mind. It’s easy to forget about the compact Toyota Yaris, which was discontinued in 2020.
If you’re shopping for an economical used car, the Yaris is worth considering. When new, the 2020 Yaris had an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 32 city/40 highway mpg. The 2020 model currently has an average retail price of around $21,000.
2015 Honda Civic HF
Honda produced an HF (High Fuel Economy) version of the Civic for several years until discontinuing the model in 2015. When the 2015 Civic HF rolled off the assembly line, it delivered an EPA-estimated 31/41 mpg, thanks to special equipment, such as low-resistance tires and aerodynamic underbody cladding. The average retail price for a 2015 Civic HF is currently around $17,000.
2015 Chevrolet Cruze Eco
The Chevrolet Cruze is a rental car special that is unlikely to make anyone’s list of dream cars. One thing the Cruze has going for it, though, is good fuel economy—especially when you’re dealing with the Eco trim level.
Chevrolet discontinued the Cruze compact car in 2019 and dropped the Eco trim level in 2015 (an Eco Limited was offered through 2016). But if you do some searching, you’ll likely be able to find an Eco model for sale secondhand.
When the 2015 Cruze Eco was new, it had an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 28 City/42 highway mpg. The Cruze now has an average retail price of around $13,500.
2005 Toyota Echo
Even though the Toyota Echo was discontinued 17 years ago, in 2005, you can still find these durable cars for sale on the pre-owned market. The Echo is a bare-bones commuter, but it makes up for its spartan interior with efficiency and value.
When new, the Echo had an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 35 city/42 highway mpg. The car now has an average retail value of a little under $4,000.
Do You Have a Favorite Car that’s Both Affordable and Efficient?
Do you have a favorite affordable and efficient car that wasn’t mentioned on this list? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
Where to Get Parts for your Fuel-Efficient Car
While fuel-efficient cars can reduce fuel costs, they can lose that advantage if something goes wrong with one or more of their parts, like their fuel injectors. Fortunately, it’s easy to get a replacement fuel injector from CarParts.com.
At CarParts.com, we take the guesswork out of figuring out whether a part will fit your vehicle. Our vehicle selector lets you enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine to see a list of only compatible parts. Our knowledgeable team of parts experts can help you with your questions, ensuring you have everything you need to make an informed decision. After you place your order, you can expect your new fuel injector to arrive within several business days.
Restore your vehicle’s fuel-efficient performance by replacing its faulty fuel injector with a new one from CarParts.com. Visit our website and find the fuel injector that fits your vehicle!
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Ford Fusion Hybrid. Cheaper than most, if not all of the choices listed. Newer, larger and more practical and gets mileage as good or better than many on the list. 40-45 MPG. I helped my daughter get a 2018 in 2020 for about 16,500.