Top 10 Cheap Fuel-Efficient Used Cars to Buy Today
There are plenty of great cheap fuel efficient cars available on the used car market, offering something for all types of buyers. In fact, we’ve got a lot more variety here than you might think, from compact sports cars to ultra-efficient executive saloons. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 15 April 2026 | 8 mins read
Let's be honest, watching the numbers tick up at the petrol station can bring a tear to anyone's eye. With living costs squeezing our wallets, finding a car that gets you from A to B without drinking fuel like it's going out of style is more important than ever. The good news? You don't need a massive budget to find a brilliant, economical ride. The used car market is packed with gems that are kind to both your bank account and the environment.
Whether you need a zippy little city runner, a spacious family motor, or something with a bit of premium sparkle, we've rounded up 10 fantastic used cars that offer excellent miles per gallon (mpg). Ready to spend less time at the pumps and more time enjoying the open road? Let's dive in.
Volkswagen Up! (2012-2022) - Up to 64mpg
The Volkswagen Up! is the cheeky little city car that makes tackling tight streets an absolute breeze. Despite its compact size, it feels remarkably sturdy and spacious inside, comfortably fitting a weekly shop in the boot. With fuel economy reaching up to 64mpg on the 1.0-litre engines, it barely sips petrol. It is incredibly cheap to insure, making it a fantastic choice for new drivers or anyone wanting a hassle-free, low-cost daily commute.
Toyota Aygo (2005-2014) - Up to 60mpg
If reliability had a face, it might just look like the Toyota Aygo. Built alongside the Peugeot 107 and Citroën C1, this little hatchback strips driving back to its cheerful basics. Capable of hitting the 60mpg mark, it is famously cheap to run, service, and maintain. Because it is so light, the small engine feels surprisingly peppy around town. When looking at models from this era, check that the clutch engages smoothly, as they can wear out if the car has spent its whole life in stop-start traffic.
Volkswagen Golf (2013-2020) - Up to 68.9mpg
The Volkswagen Golf is the ultimate all-rounder. It manages to feel classy, practical, and solidly built, all while delivering fantastic fuel efficiency. The diesel models from this generation (specifically the 1.6 TDI) can comfortably return around 68.9mpg on longer motorway runs. It is the perfect companion if you do a lot of motorway driving but still want a car that is easy to park when you get to the city.
Honda CR-Z (2010-2015) - Up to 56mpg
Who says fuel efficiency has to be boring? The Honda CR-Z is a brilliant little hybrid coupe that looks sporty and futuristic. It pairs a petrol engine with an electric motor to give you an impressive 56mpg. It features a brilliant manual gearbox—a rarity in hybrids—which makes it genuinely fun to drive on a winding country road. Because it is a Honda, you also get peace of mind knowing the engineering is incredibly reliable.
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (2014-2022) - Up to 74.3mpg
If you have a growing family but still want a premium badge on the driveway, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is a massive win. It is spacious, comfortable, and packed with neat storage tricks. If you opt for the diesel versions, you can see returns of up to 74.3mpg, which is staggering for a car of this size. It proves that you don't have to sacrifice luxury just because you need room for a buggy and a boot full of groceries.
Mercedes C-Class (2014-2021) - Up to 70.6mpg
Cruising in comfort doesn't have to cost the earth. The Mercedes C-Class is a gorgeous, refined saloon that makes long journeys melt away. The C220d diesel engine from this era is a masterpiece of efficiency, offering up to 70.6mpg. You get a beautifully finished interior, quiet running, and that undeniable Mercedes charm, all while keeping your fuel costs firmly in check.
Audi TT (2006-2015) - Up to 53mpg
Yes, you really can have a sports car without crying at the petrol pumps. The second-generation Audi TT is a design icon, offering sharp handling and a beautiful cabin. If you track down the 2.0-litre TDI diesel version, you can achieve around 53mpg. It gives you the best of both worlds: the thrill and style of a low-slung coupe with the running costs of a sensible family hatchback.
Mini Hatch (2006-2013) - Up to 72mpg
The Mini Hatch brings a massive dose of fun and personality to everyday driving. It handles like a little go-kart, making every roundabout feel like a tiny adventure. If you choose the diesel Cooper D model, you can squeeze out an astonishing 72mpg. It is the perfect car for someone who wants retro styling and cheap running costs. Just make sure to check the service history, as Minis love to be looked after properly.
Suzuki Swift (2010-2017) - Up to 72mpg
The Suzuki Swift is a bit of a hidden gem in the used car market. It is brilliant fun to drive, highly dependable, and surprisingly spacious up front. The 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine is the fuel-sipping champion here, offering up to 72mpg. It is a fantastic alternative to the usual European hatchbacks and usually comes packed with great standard equipment for the price.
Ford Fiesta (2008-2017) - Up to 76.3mpg
There is a very good reason the Ford Fiesta is one of the UK's best-selling cars of all time. It is incredibly fun to drive, cheap to maintain, and looks great. The ultra-frugal 1.6 TDCi ECOnetic diesel model can hit a mind-boggling 76.3mpg. Even the petrol EcoBoost engines are incredibly efficient and perfect for shorter journeys. Parts are cheap and every garage in the country knows how to fix one, making it a stress-free ownership experience.
Buyer's Guide: What to Consider
Finding a fuel-efficient car is a great start, but you want to make sure the specific used car you are buying is in top condition. Here are a few friendly tips to keep in mind before you hand over your hard-earned cash:
- Check the service history: A car that has been regularly serviced with oil and filter changes will run more efficiently and last much longer. Always ask to see the service book or receipts.
- Look at replacement parts: Cars like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf have very cheap and readily available parts. Premium cars like the Mercedes or BMW might save you money on fuel, but tyres and brake pads will cost a bit more.
- Petrol vs Diesel: Diesel cars usually offer the best mpg for long motorway drives, but if you only do short trips around town, a small petrol engine (or a hybrid) is often the smarter, more reliable choice to prevent engine clogging.