Fuel efficiency isn’t just found in electric cars and hybrids. There is a wide range of fuel-efficient used cars available with all sorts of engines — largely because manufacturers have been focusing on fuel efficiency for the last decade. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a used car that sports high miles per gallon. But if you are looking for a cheap option, you will be hard-pressed to find one in today’s car market.
Look at more than just hybrids
Yes, hybrids are an amazing fuel-efficient option that are easily available as used cars. But they are far from the only option out there. Considering manufacturers are pushing more electric and alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) — and standard gasoline engines are getting better — you will have a wide selection.
Electric
Electric vehicles don’t use gas or oil. Provided you have a place to charge your car overnight, many EVs have a range of 200 miles or more. And they’ve been available for so long that you may not have much trouble finding a used model, especially if you live somewhere with good public charging stations.
Factor in the cost of installing a 240-watt plug and the electricity your car will need to determine the cost per mile. This can guide you toward a used electric car that won’t cost more to drive than its gas-guzzling cousins.
Plug-in hybrid
Traditional hybrids utilize the energy generated from braking to keep fuel efficiency up. A plug-in hybrid, on the other hand, has a secondary electric engine. This gives them a longer range and can increase fuel efficiency for both gas and electricity used.
Plug-in hybrids have been on the market for a few years now, but they are popular. This means you should be able to find a used model — just that it may not be as budget-friendly as some other choices.
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