If you’re on a budget and sick of gas station sticker shock, these cars under $10,000 are not only affordable to buy but easy on your wallet when it comes time to refuel. Whether you’re commuting, doing deliveries, or just want a solid daily driver, these picks deliver strong MPG and small tank sizes that keep costs down.
2012–2015 Toyota Prius
The Prius continues to dominate when it comes to fuel efficiency and low cost of ownership. With over 50 MPG and a tank that holds just 11.9 gallons, you’ll rarely spend more than $50 to fill up—even in high-cost areas.
Quick Specs:
- Highway MPG: 48–50+
- City MPG: 51
- Fuel Tank: 11.9 gal
- Price Range: $8,500–$10,000
2014–2016 Honda Fit (CVT)
Compact, efficient, and surprisingly roomy. The Honda Fit gets great MPG and has a small tank, so your fill-ups are short and cheap.
Quick Specs:
- Highway MPG: 40
- City MPG: 33
- Fuel Tank: 10.6 gal
- Price Range: $7,000–$9,500
2013–2016 Ford Fiesta (1.6L Manual or SFE)
The Ford Fiesta SFE trim (Super Fuel Economy) is especially thrifty. Even non-SFE trims are efficient and come with a smaller-than-average fuel tank.
Quick Specs:
- Highway MPG: 43
- City MPG: 31
- Fuel Tank: 12.4 gal
- Price Range: $5,500–$8,000
2012–2014 Hyundai Accent (Manual)
This subcompact is cheap to buy, cheap to run, and sneaky-good on gas—especially with the 6-speed manual.
Quick Specs:
- Highway MPG: 37–40
- City MPG: 28–30
- Fuel Tank: 11.4 gal
- Price Range: $6,000–$8,500
2012–2013 Mazda2 (Scion iA)
Often overlooked, the Mazda2 is simple, reliable, and returns good gas mileage. It also has one of the smallest tanks on this list.
Quick Specs:
- Highway MPG: 35
- City MPG: 29
- Fuel Tank: 11.3 gal
- Price Range: $5,000–$7,000
2010–2012 Honda Insight
The Insight hybrid is the Prius’s little cousin with a smaller footprint and tank, yet still packs 40+ MPG.
Quick Specs:
- Highway MPG: 43
- City MPG: 41
- Fuel Tank: 10.6 gal
- Price Range: $5,500–$9,000
Comparison Table
| Model | Years | Hwy MPG | City MPG | Tank Size | Fill-Up Cost (Est.) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Prius | 2012–2015 | 50+ | 51 | 11.9 gal | ~$47 (at $4/gal) | $8,500–$10,000 |
| Honda Fit | 2014–2016 | 40 | 33 | 10.6 gal | ~$42 | $7,000–$9,500 |
| Ford Fiesta SFE | 2013–2016 | 43 | 31 | 12.4 gal | ~$50 | $5,500–$8,000 |
| Hyundai Accent | 2012–2014 | 40 | 30 | 11.4 gal | ~$46 | $6,000–$8,500 |
| Mazda2 | 2012–2013 | 35 | 29 | 11.3 gal | ~$45 | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Honda Insight | 2010–2012 | 43 | 41 | 10.6 gal | ~$42 | $5,500–$9,000 |
You Might Also Be Interested In:
- Best MPG Cars for Delivery Drivers Under $8,000
- Used Cars with 35+ MPG Highway Under $9,000
- Top Compact Cars for Long Commutes with High Fuel Efficiency
- Fuel-Efficient Cars That Hold Value Under $12,000
- Best Used Hybrids Under $12,000 in 2025
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