Are you ready to move to a fuel-efficient used car that is reliable, affordable and relatively new? These 17 fuel-efficient used cars cost from $10000-$12000 range from 2002 to 2006 and represent the best of what manufacturers offer. A wide variety are represented that should meet your needs. All will comfortably carry 4 adults. Pricing info courtesy of KBB.com. Reliability info from ConsumerReports.org and fuel economy stats 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
11. 2006 Nissan Sentra $10,350
Photo © Nissan
Nissan is the Japanese manufacturer that really gets little respect in this country for the vehicles it offers. The Sentra’s a nice compact sedan. CR rated the 2006 model with average reliability and fuel economy of 24/32 AFC-$2065.
12. 2004 Pontiac Vibe $10,995
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 2004 model as excellent reliability. Any fuel number that dips below $2000 is a good thing thanks to 26/33 AFC-$192513. 2004 Scion xB $12,180
Photo © Scion
This odd-looking wagon took the world by storm when it was first introduced. It’s a fun, little box that’s going to give you just adequate performance but strong fuel economy for its practicality. CR rated the 2004 model as having excellent reliability. Fuel economy of 27/32 AFC-$1925.
14. 2003 Subaru Legacy $12,035
Photo © Subaru
Subarus are the little trains that could. They can have amazing longevity and this sedan is no exception. CR rated the 2003 model average reliability but there are questions about potential engine problems. Get a good inspection. Fuel economy (never a Subaru strong point) is 19/25 AFC-$2656
15. 2004 Toyota Corolla $11,480
Photo © Toyota
What a surprise. There’s a Toyota Corolla on this list. This compact does its job without a lot of flash, but that’s never a bad thing when it comes to your daily commute. CR rated the 2004 model excellent reliability. It also gets that magical fuel economy of 28/36 and AFC-$1802
16. 2004 Toyota Matrix $11,830
Photo © Toyota
If you’re really hung up on the Toyota name plate, pick up a Matrix, Otherwise, consider the Pontiac Vibe listed above because it actually gets slightly better fuel economy. Yet, both cars are manufactured in the same plant with some called Pontiacs and others called Toyotas. CR rated 2006 model excellent reliability with EPA numbers of 25/33 AFC-$1992.
17. 2003 Volvo S40 $11,835
Photo © Volvo
This sedan is a good deal because Volvo was always ahead of its time when it comes to safety (plus it’s pleasing to the eye). CR didn’t rate the 2003 Volvo S40 but 2000 models were rated as reliable. Fuel economy tending toward the high end of our scale at 19/27 and AFC-$2689.
