What is the most economical car I can buy?

Monday, 14 November 2022

When buying a new car, we can often get excited about new features, its colour, and look, but it is also a great idea to consider running costs. Fuel prices fluctuate, but it’s rare that they drop a huge amount, so your new car needs to be affordable to fill up, especially if you use it regularly. This guide will show you some of the most economical vehicles available, helping you pick the right one for you.

We also have a helpful guide to buying a used car for you to read before you purchase anything second-hand.

Click on a model to jump to more information.

Hyundai Ioniq PHEV
Volvo V60
Kia Niro PHEV
Mercedes E 300 de
Kia Optima PHEV

Hyundai Ioniq PHEV

The Ioniq PHEV with its large battery pack is far more efficient than its diesel counterparts, and when fully charged, has a range of 25 to 30 miles on electric power alone, although the petrol engine does provide a boost when you push the accelerator hard. It has a motorway fuel economy of up to 70mpg.

Hyundai also makes a non-plug-in version of the Ioniq, which is less efficient but cheaper.

Volvo V60

Far less boxy than a typical Volvo, the V60 also has a vertical touchscreen, supportive seats and great height for taller drivers and passengers. Available in a choice of one hybrid, two petrol, and two diesel engines the one most recommended for fuel economy is the 150hp D3 diesel which gets around 50mpg in either manual or automatic.

Kia Niro PHEV

The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid makes a great family car thanks to its size, plus offers excellent fuel economy. It has all the benefits of an off-road car, with the comfort and stability of a standard hatchback. The hybrid system will power the car on electric energy alone for around 35 miles, meaning longer journeys can be boosted with the petrol system.

Mercedes E 300 de

The Mercedes E-Class comes in the choice of a petrol or diesel plug-in hybrid car. Both the Mercedes E 300 de (diesel) and E 300e (petrol) have official fuel economy figures of more than 150mpg, with the diesel a little more efficient for longer journeys, hence it pipped the petrol version to the post. On electric power alone, both achieve around 30-35mpg.

Kia Optima PHEV

Definitely a car designed for efficiency rather than speed, the Kia Optima has a range of around 30 miles on electric power alone, but an efficient petrol engine too, so fuel economy remains good even when the battery is low and the engine fires up. A more affordable used option, you can also get a saloon version with a smaller boot.

Looking for one of these cars? Check our salvage auction for automatic vehicles.

Let ASM help you find the best used car

We have plenty of other guides to help you on our blog, so be sure to check for the latest advice.

If you are on the hunt for your next car, ASM Auto Recycling has consistent stock of repairable vehicles, offering regular online auctions supported by our site in Thame, Oxfordshire. For help buying used cars at online auctions, read our full guide.

We can also take unwanted used cars to be scrapped, recycled, and resold where possible. Contact us today to discuss your needs. ASM is an Authorised Approved Treatment Facility.

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