With used cars scarce and price hikes, it’s easy to assume that you’re out of luck if you want a used car for less than $15K.
But this isn’t so, as they can be had for that price tier, and you won’t sacrifice excellent fuel efficiency.
Here are five used cars that won’t break the bank or suck your expendable income dry at the pump.
The Top 5 Fuel Efficient Used Cars
Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 mpg | Avg. Used Price Range: <$15K
The budget hero Mitsubishi Mirage might be just what the doctor ordered with gas surging. A 2018 Mirage can be found for under $10K with ease.
Getting the most out of its 1.2L three-cylinder engine, the Mirage performs well, as its 39 MPG can attest.
Hyundai Elantra | 28/37 MPG | Avg. Used Price Range: <$15K
Hyundai’s Elantra has been a popular choice for compact car enthusiasts since 1990. Some thirty-plus years later, the Elantra doesn’t need to prove its staying power.
The 2020 Elantra’s with that all-new look and feel can be had for under $15K, which won’t diminish its popularity.
What stands out about the Elantra is that you get a sedan-sized feel for the same price point as a compact. And you don’t have to sacrifice fuel economy either.
Ford Focus | 26/36 MPG | Avg. Used Price Range: <$12K
The Ford Focus is a compact car that doesn’t feel as pinched as some of the other cars on our list.
Once seated, you’ll notice the interior is wide enough to allow even longer legs room to roam. Plus, the 4-cylinder FWD has plenty of punch to cut down your commute time.
Even better: a used Ford Focus can be had for less than $10k. Impressive, especially considering that used cars are one hot ticket in 2021.
Toyota Prius Prime | 52/55 MPG | Avg. Used Price Range: <$25K
A Toyota Prius Prime has the highest average used price on our list. But, if cutting the price at the pump is your number one priority, a Prius Prime is worth the hefty price tag.
The jaw-dropping efficiency of the Prius Prime is due to its plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The 2019 model is available in three trim levels and can be had in the $25k range.
If you’re willing to go back to the 2017 production model, you can find the Prime at a more comfortable <$20K range.
Chevrolet Spark | 33 MPG
Caste from the same miniature mold of the Mirage, the Chevrolet Spark has plenty of perks.
For one, it’s priced under $15K brand new, making it a new car a used car budget can afford. Or something like that. A cursory Google search returns used Sparks, with reasonable mileage, all averaging $10K.
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