If you’re trying to stretch your gas budget as far as possible, one of the smartest ways to do that in 2025 is by picking a used car with excellent owner-reported MPG — not just the EPA estimates. Real-world numbers tell a more honest story, and you’d be surprised how many sub-$14,000 cars outperform expectations when driven right.
As someone who’s spent years diving into driver forums, Fuelly logs, Reddit threads, and owner surveys, I’ve rounded up the top used cars under $14,000 that owners consistently say are fuel-sipping champs. Whether you’re commuting daily, driving for Uber or DoorDash, or just hate stopping for gas, these cars offer the kind of MPG that keeps your wallet full and the pump visits rare.
Let’s break it down.
1. 2010–2015 Toyota Prius
- Owner-Reported MPG: 47–55 MPG
- Average Price in 2025: $6,500–$12,000
No surprises here — the Toyota Prius remains the undisputed real-world MPG king. Owners across the country routinely report hitting or beating 50 MPG without hypermiling. Older models like the 2010–2013 Gen 3 versions are especially reliable and cheap to maintain. It’s also easy to find mechanics who know how to work on them, and replacement hybrid batteries are no longer scary-expensive.
If you’re trying to save gas without driving a tin can, the Prius is the safest bet.
2. 2012–2015 Honda Civic HF / Civic Hybrid
- Owner-Reported MPG: 40–45 MPG
- Average Price: $6,000–$11,000
The Civic HF (high fuel-efficiency trim) was Honda’s response to the fuel-conscious crowd. It doesn’t get a lot of hype, but owners love how consistent it is with gas mileage. Meanwhile, the Civic Hybrid adds another layer of efficiency, hitting the mid-40s even after 100k+ miles. Both trims are lightweight, aerodynamic, and benefit from Honda’s ultra-smooth CVT.
The Civic is also known for being cheap to insure and keep on the road — perfect for younger drivers or students.
3. 2012–2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
- Owner-Reported MPG: 38–42 MPG
- Average Price: $6,500–$9,000
You don’t hear much about the C-Max Hybrid anymore, but people who own them tend to love them. This compact wagon-like hybrid was Ford’s answer to the Prius and offers better driving dynamics along with very solid fuel economy. A lot of owners have shared that they easily average over 40 MPG with smooth, low-speed city driving.
The C-Max is also one of the most spacious small hybrids around — great if you need cargo room but want to avoid a thirsty SUV.
4. 2013–2016 Hyundai Elantra Eco / GLS
- Owner-Reported MPG: 36–40 MPG
- Average Price: $7,000–$10,500
The Elantra Eco trim comes with Hyundai’s small turbocharged engine and delivers excellent gas mileage. Even standard GLS trims are known to get close to 40 MPG on the highway when driven gently. These cars are light, responsive, and offer a surprisingly upscale interior for the price.
If you want something newer than a 2010 Prius but don’t want hybrid complexity, this is a solid choice.
5. 2011–2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (Diesel)
- Owner-Reported MPG: 44–52 MPG (highway)
- Average Price (Post-Dieselgate Fix): $6,500–$9,000
Despite the scandal years ago, many Jetta TDIs were fixed and resold with extended emissions warranties. And owners will tell you — these diesels can get 50+ MPG on long drives without even trying. They’re torquey, solid on the highway, and more fun to drive than most hybrids. Maintenance can be slightly more expensive, but if you drive a lot of highway miles, this might be the cheapest car to fuel over the long term.
Just make sure you’re buying one that’s had its emissions recall and warranty work done properly.
6. 2015–2017 Chevy Cruze Eco (Gas)
- Owner-Reported MPG: 38–45 MPG (highway)
- Average Price: $6,000–$9,500
This version of the Cruze was specifically tuned for MPG. It uses lightweight materials, special gearing, and aerodynamic tweaks to squeeze as much distance as possible out of a gallon. Owners often report 40+ MPG without needing to do anything special. The Eco model is less flashy than some trims, but the value per mile is top-tier.
7. 2011–2013 Lexus CT 200h
- Owner-Reported MPG: 42–46 MPG
- Average Price: $9,000–$13,000
It’s basically a luxury Prius — literally. The drivetrain is almost identical, so it gets similar MPG numbers, but with nicer materials and quieter rides. If you’re someone who wants hybrid fuel savings but prefers something a bit more refined than a base Toyota, this is a great under-the-radar option. It’s also built like a tank and retains its value well.
8. 2013–2015 Mazda3 Skyactiv
- Owner-Reported MPG: 35–41 MPG
- Average Price: $8,000–$12,000
Mazda’s Skyactiv engine tech really shines in the real world. Unlike EPA estimates, which tend to underrate Mazda3s, drivers often report highway fuel economy close to 40 MPG and strong city numbers too. It’s also more fun to drive than most cars on this list, which makes it one of the few practical cars that doesn’t feel like a chore behind the wheel.
9. 2010–2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
- Owner-Reported MPG: 38–41 MPG
- Average Price: $8,000–$11,500
If you want midsize comfort but still solid MPG, the Camry Hybrid punches way above its weight. Owners often hit 40 MPG in mixed driving without even trying. Plus, it’s a Toyota — so reliability, safety, and long-term resale are all on your side.
10. 2013–2015 Nissan Sentra FE+
- Owner-Reported MPG: 35–39 MPG
- Average Price: $6,000–$8,500
This lesser-known trim was Nissan’s take on fuel economy optimization. While the CVT can be polarizing, drivers consistently report getting mid-to-high 30s for MPG without making any effort. Maintenance is affordable, and you can still find low-mileage examples floating around for well under $9k.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a used car that gets real-world MPG numbers people actually experience — not just EPA test cycles — this list is a great starting point. Each of these cars proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to go further on every tank.
Also worth noting: how you drive matters just as much as what you drive. Smooth acceleration, light loads, proper tire inflation, and skipping aggressive freeway speeds can easily bump your MPG by 10–15 percent, regardless of the car.