If you want to cut your gas budget, there’s good news from the used-car market: First, years of hybrid sales have created an inventory big enough to give you lots of choices, selection and competitive sellers. Second, there are plenty of economical and fun basic cars that still get great gas mileage. Third, you can find thousands of such cars on KSL Cars.

Our criteria for this collection is that the cars must be newer than 2008, get good mileage and not cost more than $15,000. Gathering a list was easy; narrowing it down was tougher. We hope this helps you in your economical-car search!

Chevrolet Volt

This four-door was a plug-in hybrid before it was cool, and had the coolest interior and screen interface around when it came out. If your commute is less than 25 miles and your boss lets you charge at work, you commute free. If you take a weekend trip out of electric range (about 50 miles), the gasoline engine kicks in and you’re still getting 38 mpg. GM sells Volts worldwide under other names and brands so there should be plenty of parts support out there.

Prices for Volts on KSL Cars go from $11,750 for a 2013 model to $40K+ for a 2018.

Listings we like:

2013 Chevrolet Volt // 61,191 miles // $14,900

2014 Chevrolet Volt // 48,925 miles // $13,995

Browse more Chevrolet Volts under $15,000here.

Ford Fusion Hybrid

This sedan comes in standard hybrid and a plug-in called Energi. See “Volt” to see how commuting with a plug-in can pay off. There are several clean standard Fusion hybrids on KSL Cars at or below 15 grand, but owners don’t seem to be willing to give up their plug-in Energi models just yet. Energi models claim 88 electric/gas mpg (38 mpg on gas after the charge runs out) and regular hybrids 41 mpg combined.

Listings we like:

2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE // 48,663 miles // $15,000

2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE // 39,716 miles // $14,995

2016 Ford Fusion SE // 72,071 miles // $11,695

Browse more Ford Fusion Hybrids under $15,000here.

Ford C-Max Hybrid

Like the Fusion, this Ford comes in standard and plug-in variations, and gets the same mileage. The hardest part is describing its size: It’s either a tall wagon or a compact van, but it’s probably the perfect size for whatever stuff or people you want to haul around. EPA rates it at 41 mpg combined, though one owner’s KSL ad claims he gets 50.

Listings we like:

2014 Ford C-Max SEL // 49,850 miles // $10,974

2013 Ford C-Max SEL // 29,206 miles // $12,000

2013 Ford C-Max SE // 37,866 miles // $9,995

Browse more Ford Fusion C-Max Hybrids under $15,000here.

Toyota Prius

The best-known hybrid in America came out as a tame-looking sedan. When it got its distinctive look (admit it — what other hybrid can you recognize from 100 yards?) it really took off. There are now multiple variations:

Toyota Prius C

Willing to go small? If so, you can get 50 miles per gallon for a car that’s two years old for less than 13 grand. Its styling, though it fits with the Prius family, is harder to spot at 100 yards.

Listings we like:

2015 Toyota Prius C One // 77,990 miles // $11,177

2015 Toyota Prius C Three // 65,021 miles // $13,990

2016 Toyota Prius C Two // 18,737 miles // $12,900

Browse more Toyota Prius C’s under $15,000here.

Toyota Prius

The first, original and middle-sized Prius has been around as a five-door since 2003. Such a long and popular run is good news for used car shoppers since there are plenty to choose from and they start cheap. KSL Cars has a tricked-out, blacked-out 2010 Prius for $5,300 with replaced batteries. A 2004 Prius is listed under $2,500. They’re rated at 46 mpg combined, but do better in city driving. At the top of the price range, you can get a 2015 for just under $15K.

Listings we like:

2004 Toyota Prius // 176,711 miles // $2,499

2010 Toyota Prius // 200,000 miles // $5,300

2015 Toyota Prius // 85,698 miles // $14,500

Browse more Toyota Priuses under $15,000here.

Toyota Prius V

Need a bit more space than a regular Prius gives? Toyota came out with the Prius V (for “versatility”) in 2011. Apparently not many Prius buyers wanted the bigger model and Toyota discontinued it in 2017. There are almost 200,000 used models out there to choose from. On KSL Cars they run from less than $8,000 to more than $20,000. EPA gives it 41 mpg.

Listings we like:

2012 Toyota Prius V Five // 163,232 milles // $8,495

2013 Toyota Prius V Two // 79,866 miles // $8,999

Browse more Toyota Prius V’s under $15,000here.

Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda did a lousy job promoting their hybrid Civics and Accords and they’ve always lagged behind the Prius in sales. The Civics get mileage in the mid-40s, and their lack of recognition pays off for you now that you know they’re out there. The older ones (2004-2006) on KSL Cars acknowledge check engine lights due to aging batteries, but a 2012 at $6,000 looks promising….

Listings we like:

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid // 163,000 miles // $6,000

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid // 134,000 miles // $5,300

Browse more Honda Civic Hybrids under $15,000here.

Lexus CT200h

Haven’t heard of the little Lexus hybrid? Neither has anyone else. Lexus sold about 15,000 of these a year between its U.S. debut in 2011 and finale in 2017. For comparison, they sell more than 100,000 RX350s a year. The CT200h is a five-door hatch on the sportier side of the Lexus lineup. There are plenty on KSL Cars coming in under $15K.

Listings we like:

2011 Lexus CT 200h Premium // 86,109 miles // $8,950

2013 Lexus CT 200h Hybrid // 66,000 miles // $14,000

Browse more Lexus CT200h’s under $15,000here.

We could go on with hybrids, hitting Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Toyota Camry and several Lexus models. For those not wanting to invest in older batteries, we’ll move on to some top internal-combustion-only picks:

Pontiac G6

The Malibu-based G6 replaced the Grand Am in 2004. It started with a 200 horsepower V-6 but in 2009 GM brought out a 4-cylinder with an EPA ranking of 37 highway for the XFE model. Expect a decent level of comfort and fewer and fewer people who remember what a Pontiac is, as GM killed the brand in 2010. You can find a few on KSL Cars for less than $6,000.

Listings we like:

2009 Pontiac G6 // 81,623 miles // $5,977

2008 Pontiac G6 // 125,000 miles // $4,250

2007 Pontiac G6 // 102,650 miles // $3,495

Browse more Pontiac G6’s under $15,000here.

Smart ForTwo

The Smart Car is not for driving the kids around, but you’d be surprised at what it can do: Commute at 38 mpg highway, turn tighter than your bicycle and fit nose-first in spaces where other cars parallel park. On KSL Cars you can get a 2010 for less than three grand, or pay a few thousand more to pick one up several years newer.

Listings we like:

2013 Smart ForTwo // 54,100 miles // $4,500

2010 Smart ForTwo Passion // 115,710 // $2,987

2009 Smart ForTwo Passion // 59,000 miles // $3,995

Browse more Smart ForTwos under $15,000here.

Mazda Mazda5

This is a mini-minivan. It’s almost small enough to be called a wagon — except it has sliding doors. It’s top of the mpg list for minivans in our price group (Chrysler has a Pacifica hybrid, but it’s too new to be listed cheaper than $35K). KSL Cars has dozens of Mazda5s with lots of life left in ‘em.

Listings we like:

2012 Mazda Mazda5 Grand Touring // 63,064 miles // $11,999

2009 Mazda Mazda5 Grand Touring // 105,275 miles // $4,999

Browse more Mazda Mazda5’s under $15,000here.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Browse KSL Cars today for more options!

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