Top Fuel Savers With Under 100K Miles and Under $14,000 (2025 Guide)

If you’re hunting for a fuel-efficient car with less than 100,000 miles and a budget cap of $14,000, there are some real gems out there that can save you money at the pump and give you peace of mind on reliability.

When I helped a friend search for a commuter car earlier this year, our non-negotiables were simple: excellent gas mileage, under 100,000 miles on the odometer, and a total price below $14,000. After weeks of scanning listings, comparing trims, and test driving, I realized this price range is actually the sweet spot for used fuel savers with decent life left in them.

Whether you’re looking for a dependable city car, something for road trips, or a reliable Uber-ready ride, this list covers the best gas-sippers in that range — all with under 100k miles.

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1. 2021 Toyota Corolla LE

• MPG: 30 city / 40 highway
• Price Range: $12,500 – $13,900
• Why it’s great: Ultra-reliable, modern safety tech

This generation Corolla nailed the balance between MPG and comfort. Most used 2021 LE models come with Toyota Safety Sense, Apple CarPlay, and a smooth ride. Maintenance is cheap, and they regularly last 200k+ miles with just oil changes and tires.

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2. 2021 Hyundai Elantra SE

• MPG: 31 city / 41 highway
• Price Range: $11,000 – $13,500
• Why it’s great: Newer body, high MPG, strong value

The 2021 Elantra often flies under the radar. It’s surprisingly quiet on the highway, gets better MPG than people expect, and doesn’t have the resale premium that Toyota and Honda models carry. You can find several with fewer than 70k miles well under $13k.

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3. 2020 Honda HRV EX

• MPG: 33 city / 40 highway
• Price Range: $10,500 – $13,500
• Why it’s great: Versatile, hatchback utility, top-tier fuel savings

The HRV is probably the most underrated car on this list. It gets hybrid-level MPG but still has space to haul gear or luggage thanks to Honda’s “magic seat” setup. It’s one of the easiest cars to park and maintain, and 100,000 miles is nothing for a hrv.

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4. 2017 Kia Forte LX

• MPG: 29 city / 38 highway
• Price Range: $7,500 – $12,000
• Why it’s great: Quiet ride, low insurance, low miles

Kia made big strides in quality after 2016, and the Forte is proof. These are often listed well under 100k miles and still have factory drivetrain warranty coverage left in some cases. You’ll get modern features, a smooth drive, and great fuel economy without overpaying.

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5. 2019 Nissan Sentra SV

• MPG: 29 city / 37 highway
• Price Range: $6,000 – $12,800
• Why it’s great: Comfortable ride, generous features, often low mileage

The Sentra doesn’t get a lot of love, but 2019 was one of its better years. Most used ones come with backup cameras, Bluetooth, and cruise control. If you find one with documented CVT maintenance and under 80,000 miles, it’s a safe bet for budget-conscious drivers.

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6. 2017 Chevy Cruze LS (1.4L Turbo)

• MPG: 30 city / 40 highway
• Price Range: $8,500 – $11,500
• Why it’s great: Affordable, spacious, impressive highway MPG

Chevy nailed the Cruze’s ride quality and efficiency. The turbo engine has decent punch, and many 2017s come with under 80k miles in the $9k range. These are a top pick if you do a lot of highway commuting.

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7. 2017 Toyota Prius c

• MPG: 48 city / 43 highway
• Price Range: $8,000 – $13,900
• Why it’s great: Real-world hybrid mileage, Toyota reliability

If you’re focused on maximizing fuel economy and you don’t need tons of space, the Prius c is hard to beat. Most examples under $14k have fewer than 90k miles, and they’re extremely reliable for city driving. Maintenance costs are lower than you’d expect, too.

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8. 2018 Mazda3 Touring

• MPG: 28 city / 37 highway
• Price Range: $8,500 – $13,800
• Why it’s great: Fun to drive, upscale feel

Mazda3 models from 2018 have that “driver’s car” edge while still offering great MPG. The Touring trim adds a premium interior, blind spot monitoring, and keyless entry. They’re usually well cared for and often come from single-owner households.

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Comparison Chart: Best Fuel-Saving Cars Under $14k with Under 100k Miles

Model	MPG (City/Hwy)	Avg Price (2025)	Mileage Range	Notable Strength
Toyota Corolla LE	30 / 40	$12.5k–$13.9k	60k–95k	Reliability + resale
Hyundai Elantra SE	31 / 41	$11k–$13.5k	55k–85k	Great value, newer body style
Honda Fit EX	33 / 40	$10.5k–$13.5k	60k–90k	Hatchback utility + high MPG
Kia Forte LX	29 / 38	$9.5k–$12k	50k–95k	Quiet + low insurance
Nissan Sentra SV	29 / 37	$10k–$12.8k	45k–85k	Features + comfort
Chevy Cruze LS	30 / 40	$8.5k–$11.5k	50k–90k	Turbo engine + MPG
Toyota Prius c	48 / 43	$11k–$13.9k	70k–95k	Hybrid efficiency
Mazda3 Touring	28 / 37	$11.5k–$13.8k	60k–90k	Sporty drive + upscale feel

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Final Thoughts

If you’re shopping for a fuel-efficient car under $14,000 with fewer than 100,000 miles, you’re in a good position right now. There are plenty of reliable, efficient vehicles in this range that won’t kill your wallet upfront or in ongoing fuel costs. Just be sure to double-check service history and avoid anything with flood or accident damage.

If I had to recommend just one, I’d say go with the 2019 Corolla or 2020 Elantra if you want modern features. But if MPG is everything, the Prius c wins hands down.

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You might also be interested in:

• Used Cars With 35+ MPG Highway Under $9,000
• Best MPG Cars for Uber or Lyft Drivers Under $12,000
• Best Used Hybrids Under $12,000 in 2025
• Affordable MPG Cars With Room for 5 Under $8,500
• Fuel-Efficient Cars That Hold Value Under $12,000