If you’re hunting for a fuel-efficient used car under $10,000, Scion, Kia, and Hyundai all have strong contenders worth considering. These brands often get overlooked in favor of Toyota and Honda, but many of their smaller models deliver solid reliability and MPG without inflating your monthly gas bill. I’ve owned or driven models from all three and can confidently say they punch above their weight — especially if your goal is affordability, economy, and decent tech.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best fuel-efficient used options from Scion, Kia, and Hyundai that can still be found at a budget-friendly price.
🚗 Best Used Scion Models for MPG
Scion xD (2008–2014)
- MPG: 27 city / 33 highway
- Why It Stands Out: The xD shares its DNA with Toyota, which means it’s simple to maintain and dependable. It’s compact but tall enough inside to carry passengers comfortably, and it’s usually cheap to insure.
- What to Watch For: Interior quality is a bit basic, and it lacks some modern tech.
Scion iQ (2012–2015)
- MPG: 36 city / 37 highway
- Why It Stands Out: This microcar was Toyota’s answer to city parking nightmares. It’s ideal if you live in a dense urban area and want a car that sips fuel. The iQ has a ridiculously small turning radius and costs almost nothing to run.
- What to Watch For: Not great on the freeway — loud, light, and bouncy.
Scion xA (2004–2006)
- MPG: 32 city / 37 highway
- Why It Stands Out: It’s essentially a Toyota Echo in disguise, with better styling. MPG is strong, it’s cheap to fix, and it still feels sprightly.
- What to Watch For: Older models may show cosmetic wear.
🚙 Best Used Kia Models for MPG
Kia Rio (2012–2017)
- MPG: 28 city / 37 highway
- Why It Stands Out: Later generations of the Rio made a big leap in refinement and fuel efficiency. You can find nice used examples with Bluetooth and USB ports, and some even came with rear-view cameras.
- What to Watch For: Avoid high-mileage automatic versions — the 6-speed autos are better than the earlier 4-speeds.
Kia Forte (2010–2016)
- MPG: 26 city / 36 highway
- Why It Stands Out: The Forte offers a solid mix of interior room and fuel economy. Look for EX or LX trims with the 1.8L or 2.0L engine.
- What to Watch For: Suspension parts wear faster on rough roads. Stick to lower-mileage units for reliability.
Kia Soul (2010–2013)
- MPG: 25 city / 30 highway
- Why It Stands Out: Funky design and great headroom. It’s not the most fuel-efficient in this group, but if you want space without buying an SUV, the Soul is a great halfway point.
- What to Watch For: Lower MPG than competitors and some interior squeaks.
🚘 Best Used Hyundai Models for MPG
Hyundai Accent (2012–2017)
- MPG: 28 city / 37 highway
- Why It Stands Out: Great little commuter car. It’s cheap, easy to repair, and often comes with the same engine across multiple Hyundai models, which helps with part availability.
- What to Watch For: Road noise at highway speeds is common.
Hyundai Elantra (2011–2016)
- MPG: 28 city / 38 highway
- Why It Stands Out: Tons of these were sold, so finding one under $10k with relatively low mileage isn’t hard. The Elantra offers good fuel economy, space, and a smoother ride than most subcompacts.
- What to Watch For: Some models had engine knock issues — check service history.
Hyundai Veloster (2012–2015)
- MPG: 28 city / 37 highway
- Why It Stands Out: A sportier option with a unique 3-door design and quirky charm. It’s still great on gas but feels more playful.
- What to Watch For: Dual-clutch transmission models can be jerky at low speeds.
🔍 Comparison Chart: Best MPG Used Models by Brand
| Model | Year Range | MPG (City/Hwy) | Standout Feature | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scion iQ | 2012–2015 | 36 / 37 | Great city car, ultra-compact | Not great on highway |
| Scion xA | 2004–2006 | 32 / 37 | Toyota reliability, simple | Basic features, aging interiors |
| Kia Rio | 2012–2017 | 28 / 37 | Modern features, compact | Auto reliability after 100k miles |
| Kia Forte | 2010–2016 | 26 / 36 | Roomy, good tech options | Suspension wear |
| Hyundai Accent | 2012–2017 | 28 / 37 | Reliable, cheap parts | Road noise |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2011–2016 | 28 / 38 | Comfortable ride | Engine knock on early units |
Tips Before You Buy
- Always check for recalls. Some of these models had small recall issues, like airbags or ECU software.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection. It’s worth the $100 to avoid $1,000 surprises.
- Stick to base trims for MPG. Sportier trims with bigger wheels and heavier features often reduce efficiency.
- Look at insurance rates. While these are affordable to insure, some like the Veloster or Forte Koup may cost more because they’re considered sportier.
- Use tools like Autotrader, Facebook Marketplace, and CarGurus. Set filters for price, mileage, and MPG.