Best Used Cars Under $5,000 With Great Gas Mileage in 2025

If you’ve got a $5,000 budget in 2025 and fuel efficiency is a top priority, you’ll need to be strategic — but it’s still possible to land a solid gas-sipper. I’ve personally spent years flipping and researching budget cars, and I can tell you firsthand that with some patience and careful inspection, $5K can still get you a reliable, fuel-efficient ride.

Below are the best used cars under $5,000 that consistently deliver great gas mileage, minimal maintenance headaches, and enough comfort to get you through a daily commute or weekend drive.

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🚗 1. 2006–2009 Toyota Prius (Gen 2)

• MPG: 44–48 city / 45–48 highway
• Why It’s Great: This second-gen Prius was built like a tank and still delivers class-leading MPG almost two decades later. Battery replacements are affordable now, and the drivetrain has proven itself over hundreds of thousands of miles.
• What to Watch For: Oil burning at high mileage and battery age — but refurbished packs run ~$800 installed.

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🚙 2. 2007–2011 Honda Fit

• MPG: 28–35 city / 34–38 highway
• Why It’s Great: The Fit packs insane versatility into a small footprint. The “Magic Seats” system gives you wagon-level cargo space, and the 1.5L engine is one of Honda’s best.
• What to Watch For: Manual models are more reliable long-term than the automatics. Look for rust in cold-weather states.

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🚗 3. 2008–2011 Hyundai Accent (Manual)

• MPG: 28–34 city / 35–38 highway
• Why It’s Great: If you’re just trying to get from point A to B without spending at the pump, the Accent does the job. The manual version especially gets better mileage and avoids common transmission issues.
• What to Watch For: Base trims have zero frills, and higher-mileage units might need suspension work.

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🚗 4. 2005–2008 Toyota Corolla

• MPG: 26–30 city / 34–37 highway
• Why It’s Great: One of the most reliable compact sedans ever built. If you find a clean one under $5K, grab it. Fuel economy is strong for a non-hybrid, and the 1.8L engine runs forever with regular oil changes.
• What to Watch For: Look out for leaky valve covers and cracked motor mounts on older units.

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🚗 5. 2007–2010 Nissan Versa (Manual)

• MPG: 26–30 city / 33–36 highway
• Why It’s Great: It’s not glamorous, but the early Versa is one of the most spacious subcompacts you can find for the price. Stick to manual transmission versions to avoid CVT problems and you’ll get solid MPG.
• What to Watch For: Electrical quirks and cheap interior plastics, but overall dependable if maintained.

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📊 Comparison Table: High-MPG Cars Under $5,000

Model	Years	MPG (City/Hwy)	Transmission	Key Strength	Watch Out For
Toyota Prius (Gen 2)	2006–2009	44 / 48	CVT	Best MPG, ultra-reliable	Old batteries, oil burning
Honda Fit	2007–2011	28 / 35	Manual/Auto	Cargo space, zippy handling	Auto issues, rust
Hyundai Accent	2008–2011	28 / 38	Manual	Cheapest to run	Very basic trim, noisy ride
Toyota Corolla	2005–2008	30 / 37	Auto	Proven long-term reliability	Old rubber, worn bushings
Nissan Versa	2007–2010	27 / 34	Manual	Spacious and cheap	Avoid CVT models

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🔧 Buying Tips for the $5,000 Range

• Stick with private sellers. You’ll get more value and more honest condition reports.
• Bring a mechanic or inspection checklist. At this price range, condition matters more than mileage.
• Look for basic trims. Fewer power features = fewer expensive repairs down the road.
• Manual transmissions usually outlast automatics in older compact cars.

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