Because environmental concerns and gas prices are on the rise, it’s critical for car shoppers to understand vehicle fuel efficiency in used cars. Fuel-efficient cars save drivers money at the pump and reduce emissions’ negative impact on the earth’s climate. According to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, on-road vehicles use about 60 percent of the oil and emit 25% of the greenhouse gasses in the U.S. The benefits of fuel-efficient used cars are good for your wallet and the environment—and maybe even your taxes!
Benefits of Fuel-Efficient Used Cars
Buying a used car offers several benefits compared to buying a new vehicle. Quality used cars are less expensive, depreciate more slowly, and offer the most value. They also feature modern convenience, advanced safety systems, and impressive fuel efficiency. In addition to the financial and environmental benefits, vehicle fuel efficiency in used cars also impacts the daily driving experience.
Commuting and long trips are more convenient when you drive a fuel-efficient used car because you refuel less often. The time-savings of less frequent trips to the gas station can really add up, giving you more free time. One of the best benefits of fuel-efficient used cars is the savings that can be used for preventive maintenance and repairs.
How to Evaluate Vehicle Fuel Efficiency in Used Cars
Late model, fuel-efficient used vehicles provide significant savings, from the purchase price to the cost of ownership. There are many fuel-efficient used vehicles, from sporty coupes to hard-working trucks. However, if you’re in the market for the most fuel-efficient used vehicles, here’s your criteria.
Check the MPG Ratings: The EPA rates cars for fuel efficiency based on city, highway, and combined MPGs. While how and where you drive and a vehicle’s condition, your mileage may vary slightly.
Go Smaller: A vehicle’s weight, size, and design significantly impact fuel efficiency. Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs have to move much more weight than the typical car and are less fuel-efficient. Vehicles with more mass are also less wind resistant, reducing fuel efficiency.
Check Out Hybrids and EVs: Electric vehicles and hybrids provide new levels of fuel efficiency that significantly reduce emissions. While these next-generation vehicles may cost more initially, the ongoing fuel savings can more than make up for the difference.
When shopping for the best fuel-efficient used cars, start with a trusted local car dealership. Established dealers will have a large inventory of quality used vehicles so you can find the right fit. Here are five of the most fuel-efficient used vehicles to get you started.
5 Fuel-Efficient Used Cars to Consider
While finding the ultimate vehicle fuel efficiency in used cars is a worthy goal, it’s essential to consider other factors like reliability and safety. Each vehicle on the list is safe, affordable, dependable, and economical at the pumps.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient used vehicles around. The Prius features a comfortable cabin, plenty of room, impressive safety technology, and a smooth ride. It also boasts some of the best fuel efficiency you can buy. The Toyota’s gas-electric drivetrain delivers 121 horsepower with EPA-estimated gas mileage as high as 56 mpg combined.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic received a makeover in 2016, featuring a more spacious cabin, increased ride quality, and a more upscale interior. Like most Hondas, the quality, reliability, and safety features are top-notch. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 33 mpg city/42 mpg highway, the latest generation Civic is a top pick.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most affordable used cars on the market. The latest generation Mirage has modern looks, plenty of pep, and standard automatic climate control. The car is pretty fun to drive, and the 78-horsepower three-cylinder gets about 36 mpg city/43 mpg highway.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is another fuel-efficient model to get a recent revamp. The 147-hp four-cylinder engine, sporty looks, and advanced technology make the Elantra a fun and frugal choice. With class-leading safety features and an EPA-estimated 33 mpg city/43 mpg highway rating, the Elantra has come into its own.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla continues to be an affordable, safe, comfortable, and well-equipped fuel-efficient used car. The four-door hatchback and sedan feature 139-hp 1.8 liter four-cylinder engines that get 32 mpg city/41 mpg highway. When you consider Toyota’s stellar reputation for quality and dependability, the Corolla is always an excellent choice.
Car Time Supercenter: Quality Used Cars With the Features You Need
When you’re ready to find a fuel-efficient used car or truck you’ll love, count on Tucson’s premier dealership. Since 1984, our family-owned dealership has helped drivers get on the road with quality used cars, low prices, and flexible financing. Check out our used vehicle inventory online or stop by the store and we’ll help you find the car or truck with the features you want most.
FAQs:
Why is fuel efficiency important in used cars?
Fuel efficiency is essential in new and used cars because the cost of fuel will continue to increase, and lower emissions are better for the environment. Saving money and the planet are two of the most significant benefits of fuel-efficient used cars.
What is considered good fuel economy?
A used vehicle that gets at least 30 mpg on the highway is considered fuel-efficient and is ideal for economic commuting. If most of your driving is in town, look for a used car that gets at least 25 mpg in the city. For typical drivers, a used car that gets a combined rating of at least 28 mpg will fit fine.
How can I get the best fuel economy from my used car?
Even the most fuel-efficient used car can use a little help keeping the MPGs high. Remove junk from the trunk to keep the weight down. Get out of the idling habit to save gas. Contrary to some opinions, it takes much less fuel to restart an engine than it does to sit and idle.
There are good reasons people will buy their next used car in Tucson from Car Time Supercenter. But I think we are one of the most trusted used car dealerships mainly because we treat everyone like family. My family has provided quality, dependable local used cars to Tucson customers since 1984, and I’m proud to be a part of our continued success.
Like many family-owned businesses, I grew up going to work with my dad. Falling in love with cars was natural because of my father’s passion, and eventually, I came to love the car business just like him. I officially joined the Car Time Supercenter team in 2012, starting in the finance department. Over the past decade, I’ve learned the used car business and how to treat customers from my family and industry resources.
Today, I oversee marketing, social media, inventory, and reconditioning, so I play an essential role in delivering local Tucson used car buyers the best experience possible. I also help our family business keep up with the times while providing old-fashioned customer service. From attending NADA classes to becoming Allstate certified for back-end products, I continue to learn and add skills to serve our customers better.
