​​Best Used Cars With Good Fuel Economy​

Gas is expensive, and while it’s nice to have a big truck or SUV, it can often be a better financial decision if you can buy a good car that saves you money at the pump. There are lots of options for used cars that offer good to great fuel economy while also giving you plenty of luxury amenities and cargo capacity. Any one of the vehicles listed below are also exceptional vehicles for first-time car buyers, first-time drivers, kids going off to college, or as an extra car to keep miles off a collector or sports car.  

Before we get to some of the best options for cars to buy, let’s go over some ways you can help increase your fuel economy on a daily basis. While it’s nice to be first in line, stomping on the accelerator pedal at a traffic light or stop sign only hurts your fuel economy and doesn’t really subtract much time, if any, off your travel time. So, be a little more gentle with the throttle, especially when driving in traffic. Another thing to do is make sure to check your tire pressure and wear regularly. Having tire pressure that is too low can severely reduce your fuel economy as well as cost you hundreds to replace your tires sooner. Uneven tire wear is one of the top reasons people have to buy new tires prematurely.  

Toyota Prius

When it comes to cars that are cheap at the pump, nothing can really compete against the Toyota Prius. Not only are they reliable cars, but they also get excellent fuel mileage thanks to their hybrid powertrain, which uses a battery and an internal combustion engine (ICE) to help each other be more efficient.  

Depending on the year, drivers can expect up to 57 mpg around town, which means that, depending on how much you drive and how far, you may be able to fill your gas tank just once a month. The Prius is also comfortable for up to five passengers and has a hatchback design that gives owners optimal cargo capacity.   

Honda Civic 

For some people, the Prius is just not their style. In that case, another great option when you’re trying to be frugal at the pump is the Honda Civic. The Civic has been around for many, many years and features a range of 4-cylinder gas engines that can get up to 40 miles per gallon. The Honda Civic is also considered by many to be a mature pick for an everyday car that can reliably hold five people and their stuff. 

Maybe you’d like to get good gas mileage and still have fun behind the wheel. In that case, there are no other cars like the Honda Civic Si in sedan, coupe, or hatchback form, depending on the year. While the Si is the sportiest Civic and only comes with a manual transmission, it is still good on gas, with over 25 mpg in the city and between 30-40 mpg on the highway. The Civic has also been an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ since 2009.  

Toyota Camry 

For those who need luxury car levels of refinement and quality while maintaining great reliability, there is nothing like the Toyota Camry. Due to its size, it can also handle five passengers. Every iteration of the Camry has always had a very large trunk with 15 or more cubic feet of space—larger than any Mercedes-Benz C-Class.   

The IIHS has awarded the Camry as a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ since 2012. Toyota has produced a Hybrid model since 2007 that gets over 50 miles to the gallon.  

Toyota RAV4 

Those who would like to get good gas mileage but also have an SUV will appreciate the following few suggestions, including the Toyota RAV4, one of the originators of the small crossover SUV craze in America. Like the Toyota Camry, the RAV4 is also very reliable and has had many years as an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Because it is an actual SUV, the RAV4 is able to carry furniture, people, and even tow up to 3,500 lbs. Owners can expect to get up to 35 mpg on the highway, depending on the year and model.  

Chevy Equinox 

Like the RAV4, the Chevy Equinox is another crossover SUV that’s been around for a while. They are reliable and economical, getting around 30 to 32 mpg, depending on the year. The Equinox is also a surprisingly good handling vehicle for a crossover. Just because you have a family doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good back road from time to time.  

Buick Encore  

The Buick Encore is a little bit smaller than the Chevy Equinox, but it still packs a luxurious punch in a compact crossover package. When it comes to an SUV that’s great for big cities, the Encore is perfect. With 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, the little Buick can fit in any parking lot, is very easy to maneuver in small downtown areas, and is quite reliable to boot. It sits just a bit higher than a standard sedan and has a decent amount of extra space, especially since it has a true SUV-like hatchback design.  

Chevy Colorado 

Trucks have quickly become the new norm for everyday driving, especially as a family vehicle. A used Chevy Colorado can easily check off a lot of boxes for someone who needs a vehicle that can tow, haul five people, and still carry stuff in the bed. The Colorado is currently on its third generation, with the second-gen being the sweet spot for usability and options, including a 4-door crew cab design with a 6-foot bed and even a reliable Duramax diesel engine for those who want to get better fuel economy and have lots of torque for towing.  

Dodge Ram 

We know what you’re saying, “A full-size truck is fuel efficient?!” Yep. Well, it’s not going to compete against a RAV4 or a Prius, but at 25 mpg and the ability to tow over 10,000 lbs (depending on year, options, and engine choice), there’s no harm in looking at a nice truck that can handle any lifestyle.  

Ford F-150 

The F-150 is much like the Ram in the sense that it tows a lot, has options for days, and multiple great and reliable engines. Depending on trim level and options, the F-150 can also get up to 26 mpg on the highway. The full-size Ford also happens to be the best-selling vehicle in America for 43 years, 48 if you’re only counting best-selling trucks.  

Why Choose Alderman Automotive 

At Alderman Automotive, we work tirelessly to give you the best possible price and service on every used car we sell, and our finance department will work within your monthly payment needs. Whether you are looking for a high-end luxury car or SUV, or if your budget is something under $15,000, we have a whole host of vehicles best suited for your wants and needs. Our state-of-the-art service department and helpful staff will ensure your vehicle is always in the best condition possible.  

We look forward to serving you soon.