Best Small Used Car for City Fuel Efficiency - Budget $10,000

tessel on 14/02/2024 - 09:34
Last edited 14/02/2024 - 09:51 by 1 other user

Ok, looking for a used car that has good fuel efficiency for city runs (package deliveries so constant start/stopping). Looking around I've found that basically a Prius or 3 cylinder like Alto or Celerio seem to offer best efficiency for price. Budget is around $10k.

Prius seems good due to bigger size and better efficiency, but the cars are usually much older (2006 to 2009) and then I'm worried about the battery being an extra cost to replace to maintain that fuel efficiency.

Alto and Celerio are newer models 2012 etc for about the same price as the Prius but obviously smaller cars, which I am fine with as I currently drive a Getz and just looking for another small used car.

I know Yaris is popular, but they cost considerably more and while they have more room than the Alto and Celerio I think the efficiency is worse than the Prius, and Alto and Celerio.

Any suggestions? Looking for the best bang for buck small car that is very efficient for city runs.

Automotive Car Suzuki Alto Suzuki Celerio Toyota

Comments

  • Baysew on 14/02/2024 - 09:43
    +1

    What is your budget?

    • tessel on 14/02/2024 - 09:50

      Argh sorry $10k around that.

  • GordonD on 14/02/2024 - 09:51
    +1

    So you want it for a business?

    Talk to your accountant about what you can write off on your tax.

    • tessel on 14/02/2024 - 09:52
      +9

      My accountant told me to ask here. Thanks.

      • JIMB0 on 14/02/2024 - 10:04
        +4

        Is he also going to reply here?

        • foxmulder on 14/02/2024 - 10:46
          +4

          After a week, he will print this discussion page and highlights great answers

        • tessel on 14/02/2024 - 10:47
          +1

          Nah, he said I don't pay him enough to pay on ozbargain :-/

      • geekcohen on 14/02/2024 - 10:39

        Does he work in the OzAccountants department?

      • HeWhoKnows on 15/02/2024 - 07:37

        So we are advising accountants now..Seriously?

        That is bloody halarious LOL LOL LOL

  • netjock on 14/02/2024 - 09:52

    Smart ForTwo? Cheap as chips to buy because nobody likes them

    • tessel on 14/02/2024 - 09:54

      Yup saw plenty of them. I noticed the efficiency didn't seem to be better than alto and celerio which would offer more space. The Alto and Celerio do cost more though obviously.

      • netjock on 14/02/2024 - 12:41

        2 seats so only a niche product.

        But I'd get one if I need to deliver small items (food delivery) because they are easy to park and only uses 4.5L/100kms.

    • brendanm on 14/02/2024 - 11:18
      +4

      They are cheap because they are so problematic.

      • netjock on 14/02/2024 - 12:40
        -1

        Really? I can point to a Smart car specialist that can validate they've seen the 0.7L engines do 300k/kms.

        I have one that's done 80k/kms and still on original 20 year old tires, original bushes, everything original.

        • brendanm on 14/02/2024 - 12:48
          +4

          Yes really. Parts are also very expensive, having to go through Benz.

          Why in lords name would you drive on something with 20 year old tyres.

          • netjock on 14/02/2024 - 14:32

            @brendanm:

            having to go through Benz

            LOL you go through Benz?

            I get my parts sent over from Europe. Wipers cost me like $2 each but you know if you want to pay through the nose.

            Engineering by Benz which means if you get a good used example and take care of it will last.

            • brendanm on 14/02/2024 - 14:42
              +1

              @netjock: I don't go through anyone. Many moons ago when I had to work on crap like this, there weren't many options for parts, and you a)don't want a customers car sitting around for a month waiting on parts b) customer doesn't want a car sitting around for a month waiting for parts. They are just a horrible thing to drive and work on.

              Engineering by Benz which means if you get a good used example and take care of it will last.

              Not at all, Benz of that era is garbage.

        • Boioioioi on 14/02/2024 - 13:50
          +1

          Mate you should change your tyres after 5 years, that is a safety hazard

          • netjock on 14/02/2024 - 14:34

            @Boioioioi: Just went in last week with the specialist mechanic and he said it was fine for another 10k/kms so I guess if I die it is my fault. But then obviously I don't drive like a fool. You know the saying about fools and money right?

        • Sinnerator on 15/02/2024 - 08:43

          did you check your tires for dry rot?

          • netjock on 15/02/2024 - 10:20

            @Sinnerator: Went up and all wheels inspected and suspension. Geez you think we're that stupid.

  • JimB on 14/02/2024 - 10:09
    +2

    You can buy a 2010-2012 Suzuki Swift with under 100,000km for under 10k.

    There's a 2011 Suzuki Swift Classic Auto with 96,068 km for under $8k.

    I'm not sure how efficient they are compared to what you're looking for but anything under 8L/100km is super efficient IMO.

    How many KMs you driving a week?

    • tessel on 14/02/2024 - 10:48

      Thanks, yes I was going to add the swift to my post. The swift would be an option but it seems to be a little more fuel hungry than the alto or Celerio. However, much bigger/better car. Will look at it's city fuel efficiency more.

      • JimB on 14/02/2024 - 12:02
        +1

        I think it's worth the extra fuel, it would be a much more comfortable car but still very economical in the overall scheme of things.

        How many KMs per week?

        • tessel on 15/02/2024 - 21:12

          Honestly not much maybe 500km or around that. The alto and Celerio I picked simply because real world feedback shows they have great fuel efficiency in the city, very close to hybrids. I know it depends on a lot of factors but I'm into hyper miling now and don't drive like an idiot. The Swifts are good. Much better car and prices are very reasonable.

          Otherwise the Mitsubishi mirage along with Yaris are also good. Those cars just start to cost a little more. Just trying to find the best bang for buck in terms of what the car costs and fuel used. I'm aware of payback time in terms of how much the car costs vs fuel saved. However, this is something I do for fun and I enjoy it so I'm not too worried just trying to find a nice little girl efficient car for city runs.

  • Gdsamp on 14/02/2024 - 10:16
    +5

    Toyota Yaris. you'll recoup the extra ~2k in purchase cost by spending less in repairs/ ongoing maintenance and less time off the road.

  • boomramada on 14/02/2024 - 10:37
    +6

    Best Small Used Car for City Fuel Efficiency

    You are looking for a 15+ year small car, how much money are you going to save? Kind of an oxymoron question.
    Just get a good-condition Japanese auto car for your $10K. The condition of the car probably saves you more in $$ than the fuel efficiency you after.

    keep in mind, good-condition second hand small cars are very hard to find.

    • tessel on 14/02/2024 - 10:51

      Thanks, yes totally aware of how much spending up front vs the savings in fuel.

  • sumyungguy on 14/02/2024 - 11:07

    Just slightly over budget… 2014 Nissan Cube 15X Z12 Auto https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2014-nissan-cube-15…

    • tessel on 14/02/2024 - 11:13

      9 litres/100km in city :-) Hard pass.

      • sumyungguy on 14/02/2024 - 11:19
        +1

        The importer says: Z12 Cubes comes in a 5 seater only with 1.5L engine which outputs 80kW (110hp) through an XTronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which results in average fuel economy figures of 19.6km / L (5.1L / 100km)

  • kerfuffle on 14/02/2024 - 11:55

    If you're using it for package delivery, shouldn't you get something a bit more capacious?

    • Gdsamp on 14/02/2024 - 11:58
      +4

      honda jazz comes to mind as a suitable compromise

  • Kremleen on 14/02/2024 - 12:04

    Imported Honda Jazz hybrid. Space and efficiency.

    • HerpinDerp on 14/02/2024 - 13:38
      +1

      Not 10k

      Same as the Vitz Hybrid. Excellent choices if the budget increased.

      • Kremleen on 14/02/2024 - 15:38

        I've seen 1 or 2 Jazz hybrid around Melbourne for 11k that went really fast. What about the self importing route? Would that be feasible?

      • tessel on 15/02/2024 - 21:09

        I saw the vitz being sold by a dealer. Looked very interesting but price is starting to get out there.

  • altomic on 14/02/2024 - 12:07
    +1

    Daihatsu charade/sirion. they come in a 1 litre .

    I had a 1litre 5 door charade . super efficient. surprisingly roomy. and would easily sit on 130kmh on the highway.

  • altomic on 14/02/2024 - 12:12
    +3

    Prius batteries for the earlier 2004 - 2009 models are surprisingly simple and easy to repair/upgrade

    they are not a "solid" battery like a tesla, but a series of cells which are easy to test and replace. and are very cheap.

    • tessel on 14/02/2024 - 12:45

      Yes, looking into it and I know the batteries aren't expensive and can see there's a dr Prius app which explains how to check battery health using an obd2 or whatever. I like the idea of a prius just the battery health is my concern.

  • Boioioioi on 14/02/2024 - 13:51
    +1

    Mitsubishi mirage

    • tessel on 14/02/2024 - 14:29
      +1

      Yup, it's on my list. A little higher fuel consumption than alto or Celerio but good size and still efficient. Decent prices also. Thanks.

      • Boioioioi on 14/02/2024 - 14:52
        +1

        No problem. Keep in mind Automatic doesnt have great fuel economy. Not sure why but in practice it seems to always be in high revs. Manual on the other hand is great, mine would average 5.4L/100km with aircon off, and about 6.4 with aircon on. (Compared to about 7 for auto)

  • Euphemistic on 14/02/2024 - 14:37

    Why epuld you buy a car go do deliveries? Its gonna tale forever to get your money back.

    Whats wrong with what you have now?

    • tessel on 15/02/2024 - 09:25
      -1

      It's hot pink and smells of lepricorn. Has to go.

  • Sinnerator on 15/02/2024 - 08:44
    +1

    jazz or yaris
    both tiny, reliable and good on fuel

  • jackary on 15/02/2024 - 18:44
    +1

    If you can drive manual, I can highly recommend the VW Up!

    I averaged 4.6L/100km, nearly exclusively inner city Brisbane driving, over 150,000km of trouble free motoring. I did a trip to Sydney in it once and averaged 3.8L/100 for the trip. Wildly efficient.

    Quieter, more comfortable and refined than an Alto/Celerio/Picanto, and the rear seats fold completely flat (this is not a common feature in the segment) so you can moonlight as a minivan driver. It was insanely practical.

    I really, wholeheartedly couldn’t recommend it enough. I bought it new in 2012 and sold it a few months ago and still miss it. All it owed me was a few sets of tyres, 3 batteries and brakes all round. Ignore the “VW is unreliable” crowd on this one, the Up quite literally has no features at all on it to go wrong.

    • tessel on 15/02/2024 - 21:07

      Yes, I can drive manual just hate the things 😄 I've never opened one but good to hear you lived it. Sounds great on fuel and I know manuals condone less fuel than automatics. Daly I just CBF driving a manual. Pretty because that vw sounds great for fuel efficiency.

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