Are you ready to move to a reliable, affordable and relatively new fuel-efficient used car? These 14 fuel-efficient used cars that cost from $8000-$10000 represent the best of what manufacturers offer. A wide variety are represented that should meet the needs of almost any driver. All will comfortably carry 4 adults. Pricing info courtesy of KBB.com. Reliability info comes from ConsumerReports.org and fuel economy stats come from FuelEconomy.gov. Here are the abbreviations used: CR = Consumer Reports EPA = Environmental Protection Agency 22/29 = city mpg/highway mpg AFC = Annual Fuel Costs
1. 2001 Acura Integra $9,350
Photo © Acura
The Acura Integra was a great car in its time and gets high marks from Consumer Reports with the 2001 model rated at above average reliability. Fuel economy is 22/28 and AFC-$2327
2. 1999 Acura TL $9575
Photo © Acura
Here’s another Acura model that reinforces the lines reputation for reliability (and it’s fun to drive to boot). The CR rated the 1999 model at above average reliability. This model just squeaks in under the fuel efficiency rate with 17/25 and AFC of $2955.
3. 1999 Audi A4 $9230
Photo © Audi
Not all Audi A4s are made alike. CR rated the 1999 model average reliability, but advises staying away from the 2000 model year. Also, some might find this car a little cramped. Fuel economy is good at 20/29 with AFC-$2464.
4. 2005 Ford Focus $9025
Photo © Ford
The market for used Ford Focuses is going to get white hot. It’s a good, reliable sedan that’s going to leave a smile on your face. CR rated 2005 model above average reliability Fuel economy of 22/32 and AFC-$2148 are good. Here’s a review of the 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 ST.
5. 2002 Honda Civic $9415
Photo © Honda
This is just good solid transportation that will treat you well as long as its maintenance is maintained. The CR rated 2002 model excellent reliability 28/36 AFC-$1802
6. 2004 Hyundai Elantra $8360
Photo © Hyundai
This was the year Hyundai started to click with good cars. Prior to this, you had to keep your fingers crossed. The 2004 model Elantra is CR rated above average reliability. It also has good fuel economy numbers of 24/31 AFC-$2138.
7. 2002 Infiniti G20 $9030
Photo © Nissan
Infiniti’s entry-level sedan has evolved into bigger and better things, but there are no complaints with this model. It is CR rated for the 2002 model as having excellent reliability. Fuel economy numbers are good at 21/29 with AFC-$2327.
8. 2006 Kia Rio $8650
Photo © Kia
Bland can be good and they don’t come much blander than the Rio. It’s going to provide basic transportation from point A to point B. CR has no information available on reliability. Good fuel economy numbers of 27/32 and AFC-$1925. (Any AFC below $2000 should be considered good.)
9. 2003 Pontiac Vibe $9705
Photo © GM
What I really like about the Vibe is it’s a Toyota Matrix in Pontiac clothing. I find it to be a little noisy, but that’s a personal thing. CR rated the 2003 model as above average reliability. Good fuel numbers at 25/33 with AFC-$1992. Here’s a review of the 2004 model, which wasn’t substantially different from the 2003 model.
10. 2001 Subaru Legacy $9660
Photo © Subaru
Subarus are the little trains that could. They can have amazing longevity.
CR rated 2001 model average reliability but there are questions about potential engine problems 19/25 AFC-$2656
