Most Fuel-Efficient Used Cars for Under $10,000 and More

There's no question that high prices and rising interest rates have put used cars out of reach for many car shoppers. It's to the point that used car dealers have observed demand has slowed as many consumers are feeling the inflationary pinch of higher prices for fuel, food and other products so much that they have begun to prioritize needs over wants.

The price of gas and that of used cars may not come down soon, but there are still cheap cars to be found. For those who can't wait for prices to come down and need to purchase a used car now, MotorBiscuit, a site that provides the latest automotive news, reviews, and buying advice, offers hope by recommending some of the most fuel-efficient cars that can be purchased for under $10,000 or close to that price. You may need to search hard and have to settle for older models with higher milage, but the gas savings you can still derive from these cars will put your wallet at ease.

Here are the site's recommendations based EPA mileage data:

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid - 43 mpg city/39 mpg highway
2010 Toyota Prius – 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway
2010 Honda Insight – 40 mpg city/43 mpg highway
2005 Honda Civic Hybrid – 47 mpg city/51 mpg highway
2014 Chevrolet Spark – 31 mpg city/ 39 mpg highway

CarMax, the nation's largest used car dealer, also has its updated list of the highest mpg used cars based on EPA mileage data for 2022. The car dealer's list is of newer used models, so the prices for these models are double those on MotorBiscuit's recommended list:

2019 Honda Insight - 55 City/49 Highway MPG
2016-2018 Toyota Prius - 54 City/50 Highway MPG
2016 Toyota Prius c - 53 City/46 Highway MPG
2017-2019 Kia Niro - 51 City/46 Highway MPG
2017 Honda Accord Hybrid - 49 City/47 Highway MPG

These are not the only fuel efficient cars in the market. In fact, if car shoppers search online they will find other sites with just as good recommendations. However, if you are looking for a fuel-efficient car, always check first with your local dealer first. You may be surprised that a good deal could be had close to home.

You can also check the Department of Energy's gas mileage tips and 2022 Best and Worst Fuel Efficiency Cars.

When in the market for a used car, stop by Carousel Preowned.  Carousel Preowned serving Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, North Liberty, Marion, and Coralville, IA, is proud to be an automotive leader in our community. We do our best to ensure your complete satisfaction every time you step into our car dealership. This is why we offer the widest selection of used and pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs and provide true ease of purchase in Iowa.