The best cars with cheap running costs
Whether you’re looking for an MPV, a coupe, a sports car or supermini, there are some great second-hand options that offer ultra-low running costs.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 03 December 2025 | 1 min read
If you’re in the market for a second-hand car, there are lots of options out there that offer ultra-low running costs.
Whether you’re looking for a practical seven-seat MPV, a two-seater sports car or a safe and sensible supermini, there are plenty of cars in these categories that won’t break the bank to run and are all available at Cazoo.
So, if low running costs are an important factor when it comes to buying your next car, what are the best options for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best cars with cheap running costs.
Dacia Jogger
If you have a large family and need a seven-seat MPV, then the Dacia Jogger represents exceptional value for money.
Not only does it provide lots of interior space for all occupants, but there is also a range of petrol and hybrid powertrains that make this cheap and cheerful family wagon much more affordable to run.
The entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine can return a claimed 48mpg and sits in a low insurance group 13, while emissions are just 132g/km of CO2.
There is also a hybrid model that combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor that can manage a claimed 57mpg and sits in insurance group 15, while CO2 emissions are just 109g/km.
Prices for a second-hand Jogger vary depending on the powertrain and mileage. A 1.0-litre petrol model with less than 40,000 miles on the clock will set you back £13,200, whereas a low-mileage hybrid model comes in at £17,700.
Search for used Dacia Jogger on Cazoo
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a great choice for those looking for their first set of wheels, or just need a cheap and simple little runaround.
The Fiesta is great fun to drive, thanks to its agile handling and well-setup chassis, while there is a choice of powertrains that are frugal and cheap-to-run.
Under the bonnet, there is the option of turbocharged 1.0-litre and naturally-aspirated 1.1-litre petrol engines, and older examples can be specified with a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel unit.
In terms of running costs, the 1.0-litre model can manage up to 68mpg on the combined cycle, while it sits in a very low insurance group 10. The 1.1-litre car on the other hand, can manage up to a claimed 62mpg and is in just insurance group four.
If you need the diesel, then Ford claims that this model can manage up to 67mpg on the combined cycle and it sits in insurance group 14, while emitting between 82 and 89g/km of CO2.
Second-hand prices are affordable too, with a 1.1-litre Trend model on the market for just £10,700 with 22,000 miles on the clock. A diesel example with less than 40,000 miles on the clock is priced at £9,900.
Search for used Ford Fiesta on Cazoo
Honda CR-Z
If you want a sleek and stylish coupe, but need to keep running costs to a minimum, then how about the Honda CR-Z?
The CR-Z was launched in 2010 with its futuristic styling, which still looks modern today, and features a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.
Under the bonnet, there is a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor, with power sent through to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The CR-Z is a real driver’s car as its low centre of gravity, slick gearbox, and lightweight chassis make this a really fun car to drive.
Plus, with its hybrid credentials, Honda claims that the CR-Z can achieve up to 54mpg and emits just 117g/km of CO2, meaning that annual road tax costs just £35.
The CR-Z is a rare car; however, used prices are still affordable with a 2014 model that’s covered 48,000 miles in flagship GT trim on the market for £8,500.
Search for used Honda CR-Z on Cazoo
Mazda MX-5
The MX-5 is regarded as one of the best and most affordable small open-top roadsters on the market.
This little Japanese sports car has won the hearts of many driving enthusiasts around the world for its perfect weight distribution, rear-wheel drive setup and affordable running costs.
The fourth-generation model is the most sophisticated yet, with the 1.5-litre petrol engine eager and full of character.
This setup can manage up to a claimed 47mpg on the combined cycle and emits 140g/km of CO2.
Second-hand prices for a 2017 car with less than 40,000 miles on the clock can be yours for just £11,300, making it one of the cheapest two-seater sports cars around.
Search for used Mazda MX-5 on Cazoo
Skoda Octavia Estate
Estate cars offer lots of boot space and provide a lot of room inside for occupants, and the Skoda Octavia is one of the best at doing that.
The Octavia Estate comes packed full of handy cubby holes, as well as providing an impressive 610-litre boot capacity and 1,710 litres with the rear bench pushed forwards.
It’s also affordable to run, which is thanks to a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel powertrains.
In terms of economy, the entry-level 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine can manage a claimed 58mpg, while the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol can do a claimed 56mpg. There is also a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel that provides up to 70mpg, making it one of the most frugal cars on this list.
Used prices shouldn’t be too high either, with a 1.4-litre petrol example with less than 50,000 miles on the clock priced at £12,500, and a diesel model can be picked up with low mileage for £13,000.
Search for used Skoda Octavia Estate on Cazoo
Toyota iQ
The Toyota iQ is one of the most cleverly packaged small cars around. With a three-plus-one seating arrangement, it's the world’s smallest four-seat car.
The iQ is a superb choice for those looking for a quirky, efficient and cheap-to-run city car, which is also easy to own and reliable.
Under its bonnet, there is the choice of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 68bhp, can return a claimed 65mpg and sits in just insurance group three. Meanwhile, it only emits 99g/km of CO2, which means road tax is only £20 a year, or £35 if you fancy the automatic variant.
If you want your iQ with a bit more power, then there is the option of a beefier 1.33-litre four-cylinder unit that boasts a six-speed manual gearbox and stop-start technology. This variant can achieve a claimed 58mpg and sits in insurance group six, while road tax still costs just £35 a year.
Second-hand values of iQs stand at £3,995 for a 43,000-mile 1.0-litre example, and £5,000 for a 1.33-litre model.
Search for used Toyota iQ on Cazoo
Volkswagen Up! GTI
The Volkswagen Up! is a great city car and one that offers ultra-low running costs.
If you fancy a bit more power, and still need a car that is going to be kind to your wallet, then the Up! GTI is a fun option.
It features lots of upgrades over the standard car with the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 113bhp and 200Nm of torque, while it sits on larger alloy wheels, sports suspension, a body kit and has Tartan seat upholstery, just like on the original Golf GTI.
In terms of running costs, Volkswagen claims that the Up! GTI can manage up to 58.9mpg on the combined cycle and that insurance should be more than affordable, sitting in group 17.
Used prices stand at £12,000 for a 22,000-mile five-door example from 2018.
Search for used Volkswagen Up! GTI on Cazoo
