9 Used Cars That Are Affordable and Get At Least 40 Miles per Gallon

With the cost of just about everything skyrocketing, consumers who are looking to hold onto more of their hard-earned cash would be wise to consider purchasing a used vehicle instead of a new one. 

However, purchasing a used vehicle alone will not automatically save people money, since some cars will cost you more at the pump than others.

That's why purchasing a used vehicle with excellent fuel economy is a smart money move for car owners. This list represents some of the most affordable, fuel-efficient used vehicles on the market that are worth consumers' time and money.

All car pricing was pulled from the Car Gurus blog as of May 2025. All fuel efficiency data was pulled from Kelly Blue Book (KBB) unless otherwise noted.

Average Price: $16,954

The 2018 Honda Civic has fantastic fuel economy, with averages of 31 miles per gallon while driving in the city, 40 miles per gallon while driving on the highway, and 34 miles per gallon combined.

In addition to being an incredibly fuel-efficient vehicle, reviewers have praised this compact sedan for being a practical daily driver that's an absolute blast to cruise around in.

Average Price: $9,480

The 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage has outstanding gas mileage, with average fuel economy ratings of 33 miles per gallon while driving in the city, 41 miles per gallon while driving on the highway, and 36 miles per gallon combined.

Average Price: $22,368

The 2022 Honda Insight has phenomenal gas mileage. With ratings of 55 miles per gallon while driving in the city, 49 miles per gallon while driving on the highway, and 52 miles per gallon combined, this compact hybrid sedan is sure to save consumers money at the pump.

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Average Price: $15,108

Reviewers have praised the 2022 Kia Rio as an excellent choice for young people who are looking to purchase their first vehicle. Part of what makes it such a great purchase for young car shoppers is its remarkable fuel efficiency.

This entry-level sedan gets an outstanding 33 miles per gallon while driving in the city, 41 miles per gallon while driving on the highway, and 36 miles per gallon combined.

Average Price: $16,078

The 2022 Hyundai Accent is a practical, affordable, fuel-efficient daily driver. This compact sedan gets 33 miles per gallon while driving in the city, 41 miles per gallon while driving on the highway, and 36 miles per gallon combined.

Average Price: $18,903

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra rocks a reliable four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine that allows it to have phenomenal gas mileage.

This stylish sedan gets 33 miles per gallon while driving the city, 43 miles per gallon was driving on the highway, and 37 miles per gallon combined.

Average Price: $20,226

As consumers likely expect, the 2018 Toyota Camry hybrid has outstanding fuel efficiency.

With ratings of 51 miles per gallon while driving in the city, 53 miles per gallon driving on the highway, and 52 miles per gallon combined, this hybrid sedan is a paragon of fuel economy.

Average Price: $12,814

The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid sits atop its class for offering a mix of premium features, stellar warranty, and, above all, amazing gas mileage.

This sporty hatchback gets 57 miles to the gallon while driving in the city, 59 miles a gallon while driving on the highway, and 58 miles per gallon combined.

Average Price: $19,825

The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime hails from the model that set the gold standard for hybrid vehicles.

This sleek, space-age looking hatchback gets outstanding gas mileage, with averages of 55 miles per gallon while driving in the city, 53 miles per gallon driving on the highway, and 54 miles per gallon combined.

Purchasing a used car with excellent gas mileage is a great way for shoppers to save extra money down the road. However, consumers who are interested in finding ways to hold onto more of their money should also consider looking into whether a used vehicle is still under warranty. For example, the Hyundai Ioniq hybrid comes with a lifetime battery coverage warranty.

Just like drivers can compare auto insurance rates to find a better deal on car insurance, consumers can keep an eye out for warranties that will help them mitigate the costs of vehicle ownership.