Used 4-Door Cars with Best MPG for $6,000 or Less

If you’re on a tight budget but still need a reliable 4-door car that won’t bleed you dry at the gas station, there are still plenty of great choices out there. I’ve put together a list of used sedans and hatchbacks that balance fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability under $6,000 in 2025. These picks aren’t just good on gas—they’re also known for being relatively low-maintenance and dependable.

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2008–2011 Toyota Prius

The Prius is the king of fuel economy in the used market. You can regularly find second-generation Prius models in good mechanical shape for under $6,000. With EPA ratings of 48 city and 45 highway MPG, it’s hard to beat. These models are known for their reliability and roomy interior. Battery life is a concern, but many still perform well past 150,000 miles, and replacement prices have dropped in recent years.

Quick Specs:

• MPG: 48 city / 45 highway
• Drivetrain: FWD
• Average Price: $4,500–6,000

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2007–2010 Honda Civic

The eighth-generation Civic offers excellent reliability and fuel economy. The 1.8L four-cylinder engine gets up to 36 MPG highway and 25 city. Manual transmission models tend to offer slightly better performance and savings. With solid build quality and affordable maintenance, these Civics are a go-to for budget-conscious drivers.

Quick Specs:

• MPG: 25 city / 36 highway
• Drivetrain: FWD
• Average Price: $3,800–5,800

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2009–2012 Ford Focus

Ford’s compact sedan from this era is often overlooked but provides a great value. The 2.0L engine is simple and reliable, and you can squeeze out around 35 MPG on the highway. Interior quality is decent, and parts are cheap. Just check for past transmission issues in higher-mileage examples.

Quick Specs:

• MPG: 24 city / 35 highway
• Drivetrain: FWD
• Average Price: $3,500–5,500

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2007–2011 Hyundai Elantra

Elantras from this era fly under the radar but deliver decent fuel economy and often come with lower mileage for the price compared to Japanese brands. You’ll get about 33 MPG on the highway with a comfortable interior and solid standard features like power windows and A/C.

Quick Specs:

• MPG: 25 city / 33 highway
• Drivetrain: FWD
• Average Price: $3,000–5,000

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2006–2009 Toyota Corolla

If you’re after a bulletproof commuter, the Corolla from this period is hard to beat. It’s efficient, extremely reliable, and holds its value well. Many will have high mileage at this price point, but they’re known to keep going well beyond 200k miles with basic maintenance.

Quick Specs:

• MPG: 26 city / 35 highway
• Drivetrain: FWD
• Average Price: $4,000–6,000

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Comparison Table

Model	Years	City MPG	Hwy MPG	Price Range	Notable Traits
Toyota Prius	2008–2011	48	45	$4,500–6,000	Hybrid efficiency, roomy
Honda Civic	2007–2010	25	36	$3,800–5,800	Reliable, solid resale
Ford Focus	2009–2012	24	35	$3,500–5,500	Simple, often overlooked
Hyundai Elantra	2007–2011	25	33	$3,000–5,000	Budget-friendly, decent comfort
Toyota Corolla	2006–2009	26	35	$4,000–6,000	Long-lasting, easy to maintain

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You Might Also Be Interested In:

• Reliable Used Sedans Under $6,000 for Gas Mileage
• Fuel-Efficient Cars That Aren’t Hybrids Under $10k
• Best Budget Commuter Cars in 2025 Under $9,000
• Used Cars with 35+ MPG Highway Under $9,000
• Top Compact Cars for Long Commutes with High Fuel Efficiency