10 Used Economy Cars That Are Notoriously Reliable Yet Crazy Cheap (2024)

If you want to buy a new car in 2024, there are nearly endless options for what you can purchase. The modern auto market caters to every price range, desired combined MPG rating, needed technology features, working ability, space requirements, and style. If you are looking for 2024's most fuel-efficient sedan, something from Toyota's new lineup may satisfy your needs, and if you are looking for something that is flashy looking but can still handle itself, then something like the 2024 Audi A4 is available at a relatively decent price.

But, as many people strive to buy a new car with a good reliability rating, that can also make a statement on the road, the humble economy car is often overlooked. More overlooked are cheap used economy cars that, though slightly older and feature less modern equipment, have high-reliability ratings. Reliability ratings that are better, in some cases, than some very expensive new cars at a fraction of the cost.

If you are looking for a used economy car that you can depend on, or your budget does not extend to a new car in 2024, an economy car that can be bought for less than $13,000 may be a good option. We have scoured numerous sources to bring you information about these cars' reliability ratings, their fuel economy, what makes them good economy cars, and why they make for a good choice in a market that can out-price some budgets.

1 2013 Buick Verano

Reliability Rating: 91/100 - Average Used Price: $7,823

With model years from between 2012 and 2017, the 2013 Buick Verano is the most reliable used economy car at a budget cost. Loved for its capabilities, fuel economy, and safety features, the 2013 Verano is available at a cheap price and can be run on a tight budget.

According to Fuel Economy.gov, the '13 Buick Verano can achieve a combined MPG rating of 24 MPG. Whilst that may not sound so great compared to some of the most fuel-economical gas-powered cars for 2024, the average modern car achieves an average combined MPG rating of 28 MPG, so despite its age, the Verano still offers reasonably frugal driving in a time of high gas prices.

Performance Specifications

Not only has J.D. Power given the 2013 Buick Verano a very high-reliability rating, but Repair Pal has also said that the average maintenance cost for a Verano is as little as $470 a year. That is below the average maintenance cost for compact sedans, and the Verano is 11 years old.

Pros

• Choice of two engines
• A very high-reliability rating
• Both economy car standard and high performance from the turbocharged engine option

Cons

• Not really any luxury features
• Smaller inside than some other similar-sized cars of its age
• Base engine is 'mediocre'

2 2015 Toyota Prius

Reliability Ranking: 88/100 - Average Used Price: $12,090

Toyota is synonymous with reliability. Even their 'older models' are reliable, and with the 2015 Toyota Prius, you get a very high-reliability rating, a decent average asking price, and some very good fuel consumption statistics.

Performance Specifications

Boasting an ample interior storage capacity of 39.6 cubic feet, the ever-frugal Prius is also a convenient economy hatchback to own. Though a little more expensive than some of the other entries on our list, the '15 Prius combines a low average fuel cost of $1,100 a year and an estimated range of up to 571 miles, with low annual maintenance costs.

According to Repair Pal, the average yearly maintenance cost for the 2015 Toyota Prius is $421, which again is below the average for the car type. The entire Prius model lineup has also been rated as 10th out of 25 mid-sized cars by Repair Pal, reinforcing the bullet-proof reliability standing of used Toyota cars.

Pros

• Extremely high combined MPG rating of 48 MPG
• Renowned Toyota reliability
• Lots of options and trims available

Cons

• According to the NHTSA, there has been one recall concerning the hybrid system which could lead to an engine stall
• Not the most powerful engine in the segment
• Higher trims and options will rack the price up

3 2015 Kia Rio

Reliability Ranking: 87/100 - Average Used Price: $7,689

The 2015 Kia Rio boasts a stylish, sporty, and modern-looking design for its relative age. The front end is dominated by Kia’s signature “tiger-nose” grille, flanked by large headlights that give it a bold presence.

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Smooth, flowing lines run along the Kia Rio's body, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency and visual dynamism, whilst the interior boasts features such as air-con, four speakers, an optional rear-camera display, optional Bluetooth connectivity, and optional cruise control.

Performance Specifications

It is not all about looks though, and the 2015 Kia Rio economy sub-compact also showcases a lot of standard safety features that include:

• Rear child safety locks
• ABS
• Hill-Start Control Assist
• Vehicle Stability Management
• Electronic Brake-Force Distribution
• Tire-Pressure Monitoring System

There is no information held by the NHTSA regarding a safety rating, but the IIHS has rated the 2015 Kia Rio as 'Good' for roof strength, head restraints, and front safety in a crash.

Pros

• Sedan and hatchback trims are available
• A manual or automatic transmission is available
• Stylish interior and exterior design

Cons

• Combined MPG rating of 30 MPG is average compared to others on the list
• EX and SX trims can bump the price up
• Noisy cabin at speed

4 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Reliability Ranking: 84/100 - Average Used Price: $6,089

Introduced in 2011, the Chevrolet Cruze was designed to rival Japanese sub-compacts and German models like the Volkswagen Jetta. The Cruze was a successful and more affordable model at the time and its continued reliability and pocket-savvy credentials have made it a very cheap economy car that you can count on.

Performance Specifications

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze model year is no exception to this rule and has been rated highly by both Repair Pal and Consumer Reports for its reliability in the compact car segment, with Repair Pal saying that the annual maintenance cost is $523. FuelEconomy.gov has also said that the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze has reasonable yearly annual fuel costs across each engine option of:

• 1.4-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four: $1,700
• 1.8-Liter Inline-Four: $1,850
• 2.0-Liter Diesel: $1,750

Pros

• Three engine options available, including a diesel option
• Large trunk space of 15 cubic feet
• Good combined MPG rating across all engines (1.8L: 29 MPG, 1.4L: 32 MPG, 2.0L: 33 MPG)

Cons

• Lethargic auto-transmission
• Recall regarding faulty airbags
• Owners have complained about a noisy engine

5 2013 Hyundai Sonata

Reliability Ranking: 84/100 - Average Used Price: $6,986

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Boasting a number of trims in its lineup, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata brings a low average used price, frugal powertrain options, and good standard features to the used economy car market.

Performance Specifications

There is only going to be one last model of the Hyundai Sonata, but it is clear to see how far it has come since its launch in 1985 and how it has impressed the auto world for such a long time. The design of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata is no exception and not only does it look quite plush for an economy car, but it also comes equipped with a number of impressive features such as:

• Phone hands-free
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Cruise control
• Satellite radio
• iPod connector
• Remote trunk release
• Heated mirrors
• Remote keyless entry

The most fuel-efficient of the powertrain options is the hybrid option which, according to Fuel Economy.gov, can achieve a very respectable combined MPG of 40 MPG, making it the second most fuel-economical on our list. Considering its age, that is still hugely impressive.

Pros

• Nicely designed interior
• Classy exterior design
• Hybrid powertrain is very economical

Cons

• Relatively low rear headroom of 37.8 inches
• Most frugal trim bumps the price up
• Cheapest to buy trim featuring 1.4-liter gas-powered inline-four can only achieve 26 combined MPG

6 2016 Chevrolet Sonic

Reliability Ranking: 84/100 - Average Used Price: $7,601

Available as either a sedan or hatchback, the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is still a good economy car to this day, with a low asking price. According to Repair Pal, the Sonic has an annual repair cost of $476. Fuel Economy.gov has also said that the Chevy Sonic can achieve a combined MPG rating of up to 32 MPG from the 1.4-liter powertrain and up to 29 MPG from the 1.8-liter powertrain.

Performance Specifications

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic's interior also boasts a modern, driver-centric layout with a curved cabin layout which places you in the middle of the action. As standard, the Sonic also boasts a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity. The spacious cabin offers ample front legroom of 41.8 inches, while the versatile cargo space and folding rear seats enhance practicality and offer up to 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all the seats in place.

Pros

• Bucket seats come as standard
• Hatchback and sedan trim available
• Lots of interior room

Cons

• More expensive sedan with option puts the price up
• Slow automatic transmission
• Larger cars like the 20216 Honda Accord can achieve the same combined MPG rating

7 2016 Nissan Versa

Reliability Ranking: 83/100 - Average Used Price: $6,653

The 2016 Nissan Versa is a sub-compact sedan that can still deliver today despite the auto market's reliance on SUVs, crossovers, and hybrid vehicles. Despite its relative age and the fact that it is an economy car, the 2016 Nissan Versa still showcases a suite of impressive features such as:

• Air-conditioning
• 5.8-inch color touchscreen
• Voice recognition for navigation and audio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Chrome accented grille
• 16-inch wheels
• Nissan's Advanced Airbag System

Performance Specifications

According to Car Edge, the average yearly insurance cost for a Nissan Versa is $1,868. The average maintenance cost over 5 years is $1,376, and you will spend an average of $1,600 a year on gas. Along with some modern features, the Versa does offer low driving and purchase costs compared to the likes of the 2016 Lexus CT Hybrid, which is still a lot more expensive to purchase.

Pros

• High combined MPG rating of up to 37 MPG from trim featuring CVT
• $1,500 in fuel savings over 5 years compared to the average modern car
• Very low price

Cons

• Not an impressive car, at all.
• Relatively low gas-tank range of 367 miles
• Very little driver engagement

8 2013 Volkswagen CC

Reliability Ranking: 80/100 - Average Used Price: $3,571

Boasting a luxurious exterior design and a spacious, well-designed, and comfortable interior, the 2013 Volkswagen CC is perhaps one of the more designer options for cheap used economy cars. Boasting a spacious interior which is equipped with plenty of luxury features that include:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Bluetooth connectivity
• iPod connectivity
• 8-speaker touchscreen sound system
• Leatherette upholstery

Performance Specifications

Typical high VW build quality features both inside and out but, unfortunately, the average yearly maintenance cost of $868 is higher than others on the list, despite its good reliability rating from J.D. Power. Some of the most common problems with the VW CC include:

• Carbon build-up on injectors
• Faulty Bluetooth system
• Odor from HVAC vents
• No start after refueling

Pros

• Very powerful engine options
• Though older, it is very cheap to buy
• Despite a heavy curb weight of 3,367 LBS, it is relatively fast to 60 MPH

Cons

• All configurations can achieve less than 30 combined MPG
• Upgrades will result in higher costs
• Cramped rear middle-seat

9 2016 Acura ILX

Reliability Ranking: 80/100 - Average Used Price: $12,883

The 2016 Acura ILX showcases a sleek and sophisticated exterior design. Its signature Jewel Eye LED headlights provide a distinctive and modern look whilst enhancing visibility. The front end features a bold, chrome-accented grille that adds a touch of luxury. Standard 17-inch alloy wheels and available 18-inch options also offer a sporty stance to a luxury-looking compact sedan.

Performance Specifications

The Acura ILX does not have the best fuel consumption statistics compared to others on the list, achieving a combined MPG rating of 29 MPG and costing you an average of $2,300 in gas a year. But, according to Repair Pal, it does have a low annual repair cost of $455. They have also said that the likelihood of a repair being severe is only six percent, lower than most other car segments, which have an average of a 12 percent chance of severity.

Pros

• Luxury for a cheap car
• Good amount of power from engine
• 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA

Cons

• Most expensive car on our list
• There have been 5 recalls
• A common problem for the ILX is an engine oil leak

10 2015 Honda Fit

Reliability Ranking: 74/100 - Average Used Price: $9,027

According to an owner who left a review of the 2015 Honda Fit on Car Survey.org, it is a 'great car overall' and has received an overall mark of 8 out of 10. This owner also said that 'the overall driving quality is great, considering the price'. And what else are economy cars made for?

Though it doesn't achieve the best combined MPG rating of economy cars on our list (32-36 combined MPG), the running costs for the Honda Fit are low, only costing you $1,500 a year in gas and $427 in maintenance costs.

Performance Specifications

As standard as well, the 2015 Honda Fit comes equipped with impressive features such as:

• 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio
• Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
• Sporty yet spacious interior layout

The Honda Fit hatchback epitomizes what an economy car should be. Rugged, cheap to run, cheap to repair, and useful. Thanks to its design and relatively modern features, the 2015 Fit brings a well-priced and reliable option to the used economy car market.

Pros

• Versatile thanks to interior design and centrally mounted fuel tank
• Good fuel consumption stats
• Cheap to buy used

Cons

• No sedan version
• More expensive than a lot of others on the list
• Higher trims (EX and EX-L) which boast better features, bump up the used price