Best Deals on Used, Fuel-Efficient Cars
If you drive 15,000 miles per year, each mile per gallon increase in fuel efficiency will save you around $150 in fuel costs each year.
Consumer Reports recently identified the best used car deals on fuel-efficient small cars for the 2007-2008 model years. These are vehicles that have already depreciated greatly, saving you a considerable amount.
Each model has average or better reliability, scored well in Consumer Reports' tests, and performed well in crash tests. Some of the models have been discounted by up to 40% compared to their original retail price.
Here are the recommended cars:
Make & model | MSRP (new) | Selling to dealer avg price | Buying from dealer avg price | Drop in private sale vs. MSRP | Drop in retail value vs. MSRP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2008 Suzuki SX4 | $15,870 | $8,175 | $10,025 | 48% | 37% |
2007 Toyota Corolla LE | 16,315 | 8,960 | 11,075 | 45% | 32% |
2007 Honda Fit Sport | 15,970 | 9,330 | 11,350 | 42% | 29% |
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit | 16,065 | 9,500 | 11,600 | 41% | 28% |
2008 Toyota Corolla LE | 16,415 | 9,810 | 12,025 | 40% | 27% |
2007 Mazda3 i | 14,795 | 10,010 | 12,100 | 32% | 18% |
2008 Honda Fit Sport | 16,070 | 10,875 | 13,075 | 32% | 19% |
2007 Honda Civic EX | 19,510 | 11,330 | 13,675 | 42% | 30% |
2008 Scion xD | 17,349 | 11,950 | 14,150 | 31% | 18% |
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit | 18,650 | 11,960 | 14,300 | 36% | 23% |
2008 Scion xB | 16,600 | 12,185 | 14,400 | 27% | 13% |
2007 Toyota Prius | 22,175 | 13,220 | 15,475 | 40% | 30% |
2008 Mazdaspeed3 | 22,440 | 14,800 | 17,175 | 34% | 23% |
2008 Toyota Prius | 22,475 | 15,175 | 17,450 | 32% | 22% |
2008 Honda Civic Si | 29,500 | 15,150 | 17,700 | 49% | 40% |
2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STi | 33,495 | 22,070 | 25,225 | 34% | 25% |

Each week, I'll keep you up-to-date on the latest car deals and news that might affect your purchase. This includes...
- Best Rebates, Incentives, and Lease Deals
- Latest Car Buying Scams and Tricks
- The Best & Worst Time to Buy a Car
- Which Cars You Should Avoid
About The Author

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