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Top 20 Most Fuel Efficient Used Cars
May 26, 2011
Given the price of gas, and the economic recovery still slow to gain traction, many new car buyers are opting for used.
And the more fuel-efficient, the better.
Here’s a list of the most fuel-efficient cars from the last 10 years (2001-2010) as compiled by Consumer Reports.
Not surprisingly, hybrids top the list.
Consumer Reports notes that they look for cars that are reliable, safe, and perform well in tests. While most models here meet those criteria, not all do.
Note the super-fuel efficient first-generation Honda Insight. Great fuel economy, but a stiff, choppy ride and loud road noise may make you reconsider buying one.
| Model Years | Vehicle | Overall MPG |
| 2001-2006 | Honda Insight | 51 |
| 2010 | Toyota Prius IV | 44 |
| 2004-2009 | Toyota Prius | 44 |
| 2007-2009 | Toyota Prius Touring | 42 |
| 2001-2003 | Toyota Prius | 41 |
| 2001-2005 | VW Golf GLS TDI | 41 |
| 2008-2010 | Smart ForTwo Passion | 39 |
| 2010 | Honda Insight EX | 38 |
| 2010 | VW Golf TDI | 38 |
| 2001-2005 | Toyota Echo | 38 |
| 2006-2010 | Honda Civic Hybrid | 37 |
| 2003-2005 | Honda Civic Hybrid | 36 |
| 2009-2010 | VW Jetta wagon TDI | 34 |
| 2006 | VW Jetta sedan TDI | 34 |
| 2010 | Ford Fusion Hybrid | 34 |
| 2007-2008 | Honda Fit Sport | 34 |
| 2007-2009 | Toyota Yaris 2-door hatchback | 34 |
| 2007-2010 | Toyota Camry Hybrid | 34 |
| 2007-2010 | Scion xD | 34 |
| 2007-2009 | Toyota Yaris sedan | 33 |
3 Steps Every Car Buyer Needs to Take to Save Maximum Money
The key to getting the best deal is to gather price or lease bids from as many local dealers as possible. Then shop that best price around until no one can beat it. Here are the steps:Step 1 Get Prices From My Trusted Network
Select the vehicle you're interested in to see if there are local dealers in my network who will provide you with their best upfront price. You will get direct access to an internet sales manager who you can further negotiate with online (no need to visit dealership).Select Vehicle to Get Local Pricing
Step 2 Get Prices From TrueCar / CarsDirect
TrueCar, and CarsDirect are my top 2 online price quote recommendations. These services show you pre-negotiated prices from dealers closest to you - and the deals are usually pretty decent. But remember, you can still negotiate further.Step 3 Complete my Checklist
Follow this up with my checklist to make sure you squeeze out every last bit of savings.- Gregg Fidan
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About The Author
Gregg Fidan is the founder of RealCarTips. After being ripped off on his first car purchase, he devoted several years to figuring out the best ways to avoid scams and negotiate
the best car deals. He has written hundreds of articles on the subject of car buying and taught thousands of car shoppers how to get the best deals.
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