Practical, High MPG Used Car Recommendations

[kevink]

For years DW and I have followed Mr. Money Mustache's "Cars for Smart People" recommendations from nearly a decade ago, owning a succession of used, one-owner, nicely-depreciated "clown car" hatchbacks (Scion XA, Toyota Yaris, Mazda 2, etc.). Of course MMM has long since switched to electric cars and I've come to belatedly understand I'd have gotten better mileage and been a whole lot happier all along with compact instead of sub-compact cars.

We still really like the utilitarian advantages of hatchbacks but want something road trip worthy, as it looks like long car trips are going to replace airplane travel mostly or entirely for us in this bizarre pandemic world.

So far we've been looking at late-model used Honda Civic Sports (2017 on), Mazda 3's and lately some VW TDI Golfs which seem to be a kind of contrarian bargain with hugely extended warranties thanks to the one-time event of VW trying to atone for their emissions scandal. I have my doubts about VW reliability but know from renting one in Europe that TDI and GTI Golfs are a blast to drive. Anything else we should be looking at (or avoiding?). Trying to stay well under 20K used and look at total cost of ownership carefully.

 

[njhowie]

Almost 3 years ago we purchased a VW Tiguan certified pre-owned from the local VW dealership for DW. It was in mint condition as prior owner was a US Embassy in DC (which caused a hassle getting the title, but that's another story) and it was well taken care of. Absolutely no problems, rides like a dream - DW loves it.

 

[travelover]

I'd stick with Toyotas and Hondas, just to save yourself grief. They run forever, parts are readily available and anyone can fix them if needed. A Camry or Avalon would be a nice road trip car.

 

[MBAustin]

I have a 2010 Toyota Prius that has required no service other than oil changes, tires, and a new battery (not the big hybrid battery, just the regular one). Nearly 50 mpg. Love this car. I suspect you could find a low-mileage one (either the Gen3 that I have or the current Gen4) well within your budget.

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

Prius.

 

[Sunset]

I'd follow Consumer Reports regarding individual models for reliability and low repairs.
Since they interview their own subscribers, it's got at least some truth built into it, and it spans years.

 

[OldShooter]

... look at total cost of ownership carefully.

Very wise. Any time I have looked at this, MPG has not turned out to be a major factor in total cost of ownership. Since you're looking at driving long distances that may not be true for you though.

Insurance cost varies quite a bit between car models. A call to your insurance agent might color your view of some of the car models you're considering. Accident rates are probably similar for the kind of cars you're looking at but parts cost may not be.

I'd follow Consumer Reports regarding individual models for reliability and low repairs.
Since they interview their own subscribers, it's got at least some truth built into it, and it spans years.

+1 At https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm you can buy a month's membership for ten bucks (remember to cancel at the end of the month) and you can also buy a hard copy of the auto issue. IIRC the magazine took a couple of weeks to arrive after I ordered one last time.

 

[W2R]

Frank bought a used 2018 Ford Fiesta last January, and loves it. It was a lot cheaper than a Toyota and price was what he was looking for. The Fiesta is pretty small so it is fairly zippy, and it gets twice as good gas mileage as his Murano did. For such a small car it is surprisingly easy to get in and out of even at our age.

He is already saving for the next car just in case, but so far the Fiesta is working out OK and hasn't needed any repairs.

 

[easysurfer]

I drive a Honda Fit 2012. But it used from Carmax. Haven't had any issues except having to recharge the AC a couple of times. A nice, good MPG car if you don't mind being on the slow side and beware of those A-pillar blind spots.

 

[Bamaman]

I have a 2010 Toyota Prius that has required no service other than oil changes, tires, and a new battery (not the big hybrid battery, just the regular one). Nearly 50 mpg. Love this car. I suspect you could find a low-mileage one (either the Gen3 that I have or the current Gen4) well within your budget.

If the Prius is good enough for NYC taxicabs, it should be good enough for anyone. Now, Toyota is putting out RAV-4's, Highlanders, Corollas and Camry Hybrids that look like regular cars.

My 2018 Camry Hybrid is 100% new technology, and it was $27K new. You ought be able to buy a new Camry LE in gas for $23K or so--a great road car too. My Hybrid gets 49 mpg and has never seen the shop in 58K miles.

The 2021 Sentra is also a very well priced, upgraded car that's now very attractive and getting good ratings.

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

With all the dreadnoughts motoring on the highways, there's a limit to how small I'd go for safety's sake.

I took DW's 2007 Prius on a 1500-mile road trip a few years ago and found it a bearable experience. We've had the car for 100K miles (it's at 130K now) and the only non-maintenance repair it has required is both front wheel bearings (a common weak point on the car).

 

[pacergal]

We had a VW Jetta once, worse car we've ever owned--uncomfortable drive, needed constant engine work, a real lemon.
Every Toyota we have had has been a dream and a work horse, lasting over 200,000 miles with no problems and good mileage.

 

[sengsational]

For road trips, I'm willing to suffer slightly worse mileage to get a crap-ton more room, a pleasant "up high" position, and really easy and uncomplicated packing and loading. The solution? Sienna. We had one 2006 and never a problem. Just got a 2019, still the same design. 25MPG around town and close to 30 on the highway.

 

[Starsky]

I have a Prius I bought new in 2007, and I recently bought myself a new vehicle - another much larger Toyota.

I love my Prius to death. It is an extraordinary car that sips fuel, but... once I started to drive my truck on longer trips, I realized how noisy and exhausting the Prius is to drive over long distances. It's very low compared to most cars, lightweight for efficiency, and you feel the road. A Prius would be an unbeatable local daily driver, but not so much for long road-trips.

Something a bit larger, like a Camry, would be an excellent road trip vehicle. I absolutely love my wife's Camry Hybrid. It's the best Camry Toyota has ever built, IMO. (and this is our fourth!)

 

[OldShooter]

OP, don't forget @Sunset's post #6. Reading and writing anecdotes is great fun, but there is hard statistical data available. An ounce of data trumps a pound of anecdotes.

 

[aja8888]

For road trips, I'm willing to suffer slightly worse mileage to get a crap-ton more room, a pleasant "up high" position, and really easy and uncomplicated packing and loading. The solution? Sienna. We had one 2006 and never a problem. Just got a 2019, still the same design. 25MPG around town and close to 30 on the highway.

Same with us as with our 2019 Dodge Caravan (loaded to the gills). It's a great highway cruiser and can haul a ton of stuff. Plus, it's not a small tin box like a Prius or other lightweight compact.

Last year, a round trip to Wisconsin and back (Texas) achieved about 27 MPG @ an average of 75 MPH (cruise set) with the A/C on all the time. DW is handicapped and with the seats that fold into the floor,there was ample space for her oxygen equipment, walker, wheelchair, and two big suitcases. My stuff was less cumbersome.

 

[ExFlyBoy5]

I have a buddy that owns a VW/Audi shop. That is the only kind of cars he works on. He is the busiest mechanic I know. I would drive a VW, but only while it was still covered under factory warranty.

 

[aja8888]

I have a buddy that owns a VW/Audi shop. That is the only kind of cars he works on. He is the busiest mechanic I know. I would drive a VW, but only while it was still covered under factory warranty.

A few of my neighbors have BMW's. The stories I hear about invoices for normal maintenance and repairs are legendary.

One lady neighbor brought her 2105 BMW in for an oil change and inspection recently @ 40,000 miles. The oil change was $140.00 and the service manager tried to convince here she needed an additional $4,700 in repair work (I kid you not). She took the car to an independent shop near us and they told her the car was fine, just keep driving it.

 

[samm]

If the Prius is good enough for NYC taxicabs, it should be good enough for anyone. Now, Toyota is putting out RAV-4's, Highlanders, Corollas and Camry Hybrids that look like regular cars.

My 2018 Camry Hybrid is 100% new technology, and it was $27K new. You ought be able to buy a new Camry LE in gas for $23K or so--a great road car too. My Hybrid gets 49 mpg and has never seen the shop in 58K miles.

I find the Prius too light on the highway on windy days, especially when I drive >75 MPH.

Camry Hybrid is an excellent choice. Great Value too. Wonderful road trip car.

Nissan is all CRAP these days.

 

[ExFlyBoy5]

A few of my neighbors have BMW's. The stories I hear about invoices for normal maintenance and repairs are legendary.

One lady neighbor brought her 2105 BMW in for an oil change and inspection recently @ 40,000 miles. The oil change was $140.00 and the service manager tried to convince here she needed an additional $4,700 in repair work (I kid you not). She took the car to an independent shop near us and they told her the car was fine, just keep driving it.

Yep. BMW is another car that I wouldn't own if I had to pay for maintenance/repairs. Although, she may have had issues getting a car fixed that is from 85 years in the future...

 

[kevink]

Thanks everyone for the excellent advice and suggestions!

 

[NateW]

I can comment on the VW TDIs, having driven and repaired VW diesels since 1992. With that being said, unless you like doing all your work on cars, or know a mechanic who truely knows how to properly maintain and repair VW TDIs, knows about replacing the numerous torque-to-yield (single use) fasteners, and has the many special tools required, I suggest buying another make and model. Even VW dealers routinely botch repair jobs on TDIs.

Since the newest TDI I have owned is a 2004, I am not familiar with the changes the newer ones have undergone (well I was going to add "to comply" with US emissions regulations"). I do know that the TDIs involved in the VW emissions scandal/coverup have dual exhaust gas recirculation systems (one is high pressure) and an exhaust particulate filter that regenerates. It is a very complex system. I think there were expensive problems with the high pressure fuel pump. If you want to know the specifics, take a look at Fred's TDI Club, at Fred's TDI Page. TDIClub.com. VW TDI Enthusiast Community and look at the threads for the Golf/Jetta V or VI.

Also, diesel fuel costs about 30% more than regular unleaded gasoline, so the fuel cost per mile is on par with that of a vehicle that uses regular unleaded and gets 30 mpg, such as a Toyota RAV4 (our other car) or a Honda CRV.

Note that VW's 4 cylinder direct injected gasoline engined vehicles are not a good alternative. Mileage is not that good and I think they require premium gas.

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

A few of my neighbors have BMW's. The stories I hear about invoices for normal maintenance and repairs are legendary.

One lady neighbor brought her 2105 BMW in for an oil change and inspection recently @ 40,000 miles. The oil change was $140.00 and the service manager tried to convince here she needed an additional $4,700 in repair work (I kid you not). She took the car to an independent shop near us and they told her the car was fine, just keep driving it.

I was a big BMW fan 20 years ago. Now, I wouldn't touch one.

As for the new direct-injection engines, they all seem to have a common problem: buildup of carbon deposits on the intake valves. In prior fuel-injection cars, the injectors sprayed gasoline on the valves and kept them clean. Now that the injector is mounted in the combustion chamber, that process no longer occurs. So burned oil and recirculated exhaust vapors can condense and accumulate on the valve surfaces in the intake ports.

AFAIK, no manufacturer has an easy fix for this. Valvoline has a pretty good description of the problem here. https://team.valvoline.com/diy/truth-behind-carbon-buildup

 

[NateW]

Another problem with at least Honda's direct gasoline injection engines, is oil dilution (gasoline in the oil). Problem is worse in the winter. My son has a 2017 Honda CRV with the 1.5 liter turbocharged engine and I've been researching this. Sent Blackstone Laboratory an oil sample at 10,000 miles, pulled from the Honda, and it had in excess of 5% fuel dilution and smelled of raw gas. Oil appears overfilled on the dipstick. Honda is basically denying the issue. There are countless complaints about this engine. To get 180 horsepower, a lot of fuel and air had to be crammed into the cylinders of that 1.5 liter engine, more gasoline than can be fully vaporized before it burns, so unburned gas makes its way past the piston rings and ends up in the oil.

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

Another problem with at least Honda's direct gasoline injection engines, is oil dilution (gasoline in the oil). Problem is worse in the winter. My son has a 2017 Honda CRV with the 1.5 liter turbocharged engine and I've been researching this. Sent Blackstone Laboratory an oil sample at 10,000 miles, pulled from the Honda, and it had in excess of 5% fuel dilution and smelled of raw gas. Oil appears overfilled on the dipstick. Honda is basically denying the issue. There are countless complaints about this engine. To get 180 horsepower, a lot of fuel and air had to be crammed into the cylinders of that 1.5 liter engine, more gasoline than can be fully vaporized before it burns, so unburned gas makes its way past the piston rings and ends up in the oil.

It's amazing how much power comes out of small displacement with DI technology, but I suspect the engines will not be that long-lived. As with most engines designed for high performance, durability is not a top priority. To paraphrase an old saying, Fast, frugal, reliable: choose any two.

That's why the Prius is my pick for a reliable fuel sipper. I believe it is Toyota's most trouble-free car, according to Consumer reports. The performance won't rattle your dentures, but it will get you from point A to point B for the lowest cost over the life of the car. And, it's a hatch, which the OP seems to prefer.