Master Mechanic and shop owner The Car Wizard recently did a video on used “economic” cars you might think would save on gas but in reality are poor choices; he also suggests a better alternative for each one. Our members looking for their next vehicle to save at the pump can benefit from watching this video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VF-wSokjpFc
Anyone who’s looking to buy an economical car should just get a previous generation Toyota Corolla with the 1.8L.
The conventional automatic gets 30 mpg, manual gets 31, CVT gets 34.
The previous generation Mazda3 is also rated to get above 30mpg, even with the 2.5L and a conventional auto.
Small Toyota hybrids are also a good bet, the Prius is rated at 52 mpg and they tend to be extraordinarily reliable.
Those who really need to have the minimum possible fuel consumption can go with the Ioniq HEV sedan, it’s entry level spec is rated at 59 mpg combined - but IMO it’s definitely going to turn into a nightmare when it ages.
