Used Wagons with Great Gas Mileage Under $8,000 (2025 Guide)

If you love the practicality of a wagon but still want to keep fuel costs low, you’re not out of luck—even with a budget under $8,000. Wagons give you the best of both worlds: the ride and handling of a car with the cargo room of a small SUV. And while most wagons aren’t known for sipping fuel, there are a few standout models that break the mold.

Here are my top picks for used wagons that deliver great MPG without draining your wallet.

---

🚙 1. 2010–2012 Toyota Matrix (Base or S)
MPG: 26 city / 32 highway
Why It’s a Great Buy: Essentially a Corolla hatch with more cargo room, the Matrix is practical, reliable, and surprisingly efficient for a small wagon. Parts are cheap, and it’s one of the few wagons that’s still easy to find under $8K in decent condition.

2025 Price Range: $5,500–$7,500
Watch For: Rear shocks and struts wear out around 120k miles.

---

🚙 2. 2009–2014 Hyundai Elantra Touring
MPG: 23 city / 31 highway
Why It’s a Great Buy: The Elantra Touring flew under the radar, but it’s a real gem. You get hatchback utility, decent fuel economy, and a simple 2.0L engine. It’s not flashy, but it’s very usable, and the prices are usually on the lower end.

2025 Price Range: $4,000–$6,500
Watch For: Rust around rear wheel wells and worn bushings.

---

🚙 3. 2005–2008 Pontiac Vibe
MPG: 26 city / 33 highway
Why It’s a Great Buy: Mechanically identical to the Toyota Matrix, the Vibe offers the same dependable 1.8L Toyota engine with a slightly different look. They’re super underrated and usually cheaper than the Matrix.

2025 Price Range: $3,500–$6,500
Watch For: Worn clutches on manual versions and occasional O2 sensor failures.

---

🚙 4. 2012–2013 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen (Gas only)
MPG: 24 city / 34 highway
Why It’s a Great Buy: If you want a more refined driving experience, the Jetta SportWagen delivers. The gas version avoids diesel emissions issues and still gives you solid MPG, plus a high-quality interior.

2025 Price Range: $6,000–$8,000
Watch For: DSG transmission service history and carbon buildup on direct injection engines.

---

🚙 5. 2006–2009 Subaru Outback (2.5i)
MPG: 20 city / 26 highway
Why It’s a Great Buy: While not the most fuel-efficient on this list, the Outback is beloved for its all-wheel drive, rugged build, and wagon practicality. You’ll find older Outbacks under $8K everywhere, and if you don’t mind the lower MPG, it’s a solid pick.

2025 Price Range: $4,000–$7,500
Watch For: Head gasket issues on 2.5L engines and AWD maintenance.

---

📊 Comparison Table: Efficient Used Wagons Under $8K

Model	Years	MPG (City/Hwy)	2025 Price Range	Key Highlights
Toyota Matrix	2010–2012	26 / 32	$5.5k–$7.5k	Corolla DNA, reliable, practical
Hyundai Elantra Touring	2009–2014	23 / 31	$4k–$6.5k	Budget-friendly, roomy hatchback
Pontiac Vibe	2005–2008	26 / 33	$3.5k–$6.5k	Toyota mechanics, great MPG
VW Jetta SportWagen	2012–2013	24 / 34	$6k–$8k	Euro styling, great cargo room
Subaru Outback	2006–2009	20 / 26	$4k–$7.5k	AWD utility, rugged daily driver

---

🧰 Wagon Shopping Tips on a Budget

• Skip the base model when possible. Higher trims often come with better features and resale value.
• Don’t overlook Pontiac and Hyundai. These models share parts with better-known counterparts.
• Test drive and listen closely. Wagons sometimes see more cargo abuse—rattles and worn suspension parts are common.
• AWD is great—but expect lower MPG. If fuel savings are your top priority, FWD wagons are more efficient.

---

🔗 You Might Also Be Interested In:

• Best budget commuter cars in 2025 under $9,000
• Used hybrids under $8,000 worth buying in 2025
• Cars under $10,000 that are cheap to fill up
• Top MPG compact SUVs under $13k in 2025
• Most fuel-efficient AWD cars under $13k