What is the best overall efficient economical vehicle?

[PadAdventure]

I’m looking for something to be fuel efficient, and long lasting. 

Looks aren’t everything, but a little bit of comfort is. 

Needs the capability of seating four just in case. 

I have bikes, and a motorcycle, but want something for general use, safer and dry.

Prefer four doors.

I’m thinking of the Prius, leaf, and fit as possibilities.

Anyone have experience with these cars, batteries, ills, etc? 

I’d really appreciate the personal input!

(I plan to document experiences uber-ing as a side hustle during FI on my site, padadventure.com at some point) 

[Jack]

Are you sure those are the right criteria? Considering the fact that CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) requirements continue to increase, fuel-efficient today and long-lasting (i.e., fuel-efficient tomorrow) might be at odds with each other. Maybe what you really want is lowest-possible total cost of ownership instead (which would change the recommendations I make below)?

Anyway, back to the original question: fuel efficient and long lasting.

You say it needs to seat four people, so that (very unfortunately) eliminates the Honda CRX, first-gen Insight, and the Geo Metro XFI (which would otherwise be the clear winners).

Priuses and Leafs are certainly fuel-efficient, but those batteries will fail eventually. I honestly don't know how big a problem that really is...

The other option, of course, is biodiesel. An old Mercedes 300TD is not fuel-efficient by modern small-car standards (although it's not bad for its size and weight), but there is no longer-lasting car. A somewhat-newer fourth generation VW Jetta or Golf TDI will get almost-Prius-like fuel economy, with an engine good for half a million miles, easy (but you can't necessarily say the same for other parts fo the car).

Finally, there are always the generic plain-old-gasoline-engine economy sedans. IMO, it doesn't really matter at this point which one you get; anything from Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Kia, etc. will have pretty good fuel economy and pretty good reliability. (I am not at all convinced that, after 2000 or so, Hondas and Toyotas are any more reliable than the other brands listed.)

[nereo]

No disagreement with anything Jack said, but thought I'd just post MMM's blog article on the subject:

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/03/19/top-10-cars-for-smart-people/

FWIW, the info is now ~3 years old but is basically still valid.

[PadAdventure]

To further classify, maybe long lasting was confusing.

Maybe general day to day reliability and fuel mileage.  I’ll definitely check the post and feel like a slug for not thinking of searching myself.

[ketchup]

You say it needs to seat four people, so that (very unfortunately) eliminates the Honda CRX, first-gen Insight, and the Geo Metro XFI (which would otherwise be the clear winners).

I have a 1999 Metro and it definitely "can" seat four in a "just in case" fashion, just for the record.  I would not recommend doing that regularly, but it can be (legally, with seatbelts, uncomfortably) done.  Acceleration does take a noticeable hit too.

If you can find a manual-transmission 1989-2001 Metro that isn't rusty or beat-to-hell (most out there are one or the other if not both), it'll cost you $1500 tops (especially now with low gas prices killing demand), last you as long as you want it to (200-300K miles), cost almost nothing to maintain, and get you 50MPG on a good day and 40MPG on a very bad day (55 and 45 if get a pre-95 model).  A fair amount of cargo space with the back seat down (or removed) and a bit of creativity.  I've fit

No features, but that's part of the charm.  Less to go wrong.

Mine is a bit rusty and a bit beat-to-hell, and it's cost me about $0.16/mile all-in (fuel, maintenance/repairs, depreciation, insurance, registration, etc. all accounted for in my dorky spreadsheet) over about 35,000 miles.  It'd be less (probably $0.14/mile) if rustiness hadn't dictated necessary exhaust work or if it hadn't had hilariously-bad tires when I bought it.  Luckily though it is small and light enough that $249-installed tires will last 85,000 miles.

As long as you're willing to drive one, I can't think of anything that could possibly match its overall economical efficiency.  Cheap, long-lasting, fuel-efficient, low-cost maintenance, and simple repairs with limited insane electrical voodoo that some cars have.

[Ricky]

Here's the thing: it's not so much about which vehicle you buy, it's about how often you drive/replace said vehicle. You're pretty much guaranteed to find something fairly low maintenance/decent quality in the $10-$20k used range. That would include most compact sedans from Chevrolet, Nissan, Honda, Toyota, etc.

So basically - buy what you like/can reasonably afford and just work on driving less and not replacing until absolutely necessary.

[PadAdventure]

appreciate all the responses, I definitely limit my personal use, but want to test the waters with Uber and blog my results, and just for the eco impact, etc.

I know with rideshare services, they require a newer vehicle.  I have a job that makes six figures, easy, but am bailing.  I have the passive income to live well, and want the EXPERIENCE. 

Appreciate all the views, keep em coming...

[neo von retorch]

If you were buying a newer car (2013+) I would recommend an entry level hatchback from Ford or Mazda. They get 40+ mpg. You can't really go wrong with a Honda Fit of any age, though you'll still lose on depreciation if you buy new. The Scion xA is still a valid option if you can find one to buy.

"best overall" is going to vary a little based on budget and specific needs, but any of these will carry what you need reliably and efficiently.

[APowers]

You say it needs to seat four people, so that (very unfortunately) eliminates the Honda CRX, first-gen Insight, and the Geo Metro XFI (which would otherwise be the clear winners).

I have a 1999 Metro and it definitely "can" seat four in a "just in case" fashion, just for the record.  I would not recommend doing that regularly, but it can be (legally, with seatbelts, uncomfortably) done.  Acceleration does take a noticeable hit too.

If you can find a manual-transmission 1989-2001 Metro that isn't rusty or beat-to-hell (most out there are one or the other if not both), it'll cost you $1500 tops (especially now with low gas prices killing demand), last you as long as you want it to (200-300K miles), cost almost nothing to maintain, and get you 50MPG on a good day and 40MPG on a very bad day (55 and 45 if get a pre-95 model).  A fair amount of cargo space with the back seat down (or removed) and a bit of creativity.  I've fit

No features, but that's part of the charm.  Less to go wrong.

Mine is a bit rusty and a bit beat-to-hell, and it's cost me about $0.16/mile all-in (fuel, maintenance/repairs, depreciation, insurance, registration, etc. all accounted for in my dorky spreadsheet) over about 35,000 miles.  It'd be less (probably $0.14/mile) if rustiness hadn't dictated necessary exhaust work or if it hadn't had hilariously-bad tires when I bought it.  Luckily though it is small and light enough that $249-installed tires will last 85,000 miles.

As long as you're willing to drive one, I can't think of anything that could possibly match its overall economical efficiency.  Cheap, long-lasting, fuel-efficient, low-cost maintenance, and simple repairs with limited insane electrical voodoo that some cars have.

Seconding this.

If you can't find a Metro, find a '92-'00 Civic with a 5-speed, and you'll do almost as well. I have a '95 sedan, and it seats four reasonably well, gets 35-38mpg (automatic), and you should be able to buy a decent one for about $2k.

[Northwestie]

Picked up a 2 yr old fit recently for a good deal.  Seems to be a good little car and easily fits four and a simple bike rack on the back does the trick.  One note-the clearance on this and especially the Prius is not very good. In WA we spend a lot of time in the snow and on not-so-great Forest Service roads.  Have the '98 Subie for that.

[jrhampt]

You say it needs to seat four people, so that (very unfortunately) eliminates the Honda CRX, first-gen Insight, and the Geo Metro XFI (which would otherwise be the clear winners).

I have a 1999 Metro and it definitely "can" seat four in a "just in case" fashion, just for the record.  I would not recommend doing that regularly, but it can be (legally, with seatbelts, uncomfortably) done.  Acceleration does take a noticeable hit too.

If you can find a manual-transmission 1989-2001 Metro that isn't rusty or beat-to-hell (most out there are one or the other if not both), it'll cost you $1500 tops (especially now with low gas prices killing demand), last you as long as you want it to (200-300K miles), cost almost nothing to maintain, and get you 50MPG on a good day and 40MPG on a very bad day (55 and 45 if get a pre-95 model).  A fair amount of cargo space with the back seat down (or removed) and a bit of creativity.  I've fit

No features, but that's part of the charm.  Less to go wrong.

Mine is a bit rusty and a bit beat-to-hell, and it's cost me about $0.16/mile all-in (fuel, maintenance/repairs, depreciation, insurance, registration, etc. all accounted for in my dorky spreadsheet) over about 35,000 miles.  It'd be less (probably $0.14/mile) if rustiness hadn't dictated necessary exhaust work or if it hadn't had hilariously-bad tires when I bought it.  Luckily though it is small and light enough that $249-installed tires will last 85,000 miles.

As long as you're willing to drive one, I can't think of anything that could possibly match its overall economical efficiency.  Cheap, long-lasting, fuel-efficient, low-cost maintenance, and simple repairs with limited insane electrical voodoo that some cars have.

Seconding this.

If you can't find a Metro, find a '92-'00 Civic with a 5-speed, and you'll do almost as well. I have a '95 sedan, and it seats four reasonably well, gets 35-38mpg (automatic), and you should be able to buy a decent one for about $2k.

I also recommend just getting a cheap compact car.  I have a 2001 Toyota Echo that's fuel efficient (although not quite as awesome as the Metro above!), has plenty of room to seat 4, still going strong and has needed only minimal repairs over the years.  I got it used in 2006 with about 35k miles on it for $5500 and it's up to 117k miles now; I expect it to last me several more years.

[HipGnosis]

Are you sure those are the right criteria? Considering the fact that CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) requirements continue to increase, fuel-efficient today and long-lasting (i.e., fuel-efficient tomorrow) might be at odds with each other. Maybe what you really want is lowest-possible total cost of ownership instead?

Interesting observation.   And newer cars have more/better safety features....

So what is the lowest total cost of ownership sedan (4-6 yrs old)?

[Jack]

So what is the lowest total cost of ownership sedan (4-6 yrs old)?

My guess is the Hyundai Accent, or maybe the Elantra due to possibly-lower depreciation. The Nissan Versa might be a close second or third. Any of the other small Asian cars (except maybe ones from struggling brands like Suzuki or Mitsubishi, and excluding Subaru because AWD adds cost) wouldn't be far behind, though. Ford Fiesta or Focus would be fine too, but other American small cars are perceived as being of poor quality (Chevys are rebranded Daewoos) and European small cars are too expensive.

I'd suggest something more in the 8-10 year old range, though.

[Chris22]

A lot of you guys are missing this:

want to test the waters with Uber

8-10y/o car isn't going to cut it with Uber.

[RelaxedGal]

I always wonder why the Mitsubishi Mirage never makes the list.  It's cute, though ridiculously tiny.  I pass a dealership on my way home and they're selling new ones for under $10K.

[Jack]

I always wonder why the Mitsubishi Mirage never makes the list.  It's cute, though ridiculously tiny.  I pass a dealership on my way home and they're selling new ones for under $10K.

It's because Mitsubishi is doing so poorly overall that they have to reassure people that they aren't planning to pull out of the US market entirely. People don't like buying cars from brands where they have to worry about the warranty failing to be honored. Suzuki has the same problem (and apparently so does Mazda, to a lesser extent).

IMO, the trouble is that every model Mitsubishi (and Suzuki) sells is just sort of mediocre. In order to stand out in the market and attract buyers, you need to be exceptional in some way: Honda and Toyota do it by being best-in-class, Hyundai did it by being cheap and then by having a really great warranty, Nissan is doing it by having the most popular EV, Subaru has AWD, Mazda has the MX-5 and other fun-to-drive stuff... but what does Mitsubishi have? The Eclipse is gone (and the last generation sucked anyway), the Evo is gone, and the i-MiEV sucks. There's nothing left to excite anyone.

If only they'd learn from the success of the Scion FRS/Subaru BRZ and team up with Chrysler (who also needs help in the market) again to build a new DSM...

[WranglerBowman]

Not sure how old you want to go but a 92-97 Honda Accord Wagon could possibly compete as the most practical/economical vehicle ever.  2 generations in that age range, both are phenomenal in my opinion, the newer you get the better the options.  I have a 95 Wagon with 296k miles, never let me down yet, but I also religiously maintain and do my own work.  Most Hondas in that year range can take a lot of abuse and a 4 cylinder engine from that range will regularly exceed 250k+ miles with basic maintenance.  Parts are dirt cheap, everywhere, and they're pretty easy to work on.  I DON'T recommend the 6 cylinder engine option, if you even find one, as those engines had issues.  The 2.2 OHC, and 2.2 VTEC are both excellent engines.  City/highway mpg is 28/34 (w/auto trans), from what I've experienced.  I regularly have my 16' kayak strapped to the roof and can fit a full road bike in the wagon without taking a tire off.  Fits 4 comfortable and there is an optional 3rd row seat for the back, for kids.  I also sleep in mine when necessary and I'm 6'2", very tight for 2 people to sleep in but can be done.

[RelaxedGal]

I always wonder why the Mitsubishi Mirage never makes the list.  It's cute, though ridiculously tiny.  I pass a dealership on my way home and they're selling new ones for under $10K.

It's because Mitsubishi is doing so poorly overall that they have to reassure people that they aren't planning to pull out of the US market entirely. People don't like buying cars from brands where they have to worry about the warranty failing to be honored.

Makes perfect sense, thank you Jack!

And I checked the Uber car requirements.  The most pertinent here are

• 4-door sedan, must seat 4 or more passengers excluding the driver.
• Year 2001 or newer.

That nixes most of the suggestions so far.

[coffeelover]

Back in 2008 I bought a Toyota Yaris that had 5k miles on it for 14k.

I paid it off early and now my hubby uses this car for his commute because the gas mileage is so great.
We average around 35 mpg and I have gotten up to 45 mpg on a 2 lane country rd doing 60 for 120 miles.

I love this car. Its roomy on the inside, fits 4 comfortably, and it fits 2 in car-seats now in the back and 2 adults in the front no problem.
Back when I had 2 big dogs it fit both of them in the backseat just fine while my oldest and I rode up front.

The car has been great for maintenance costs. We do oil changes every 5k miles (Toyota recommended)
New tires, new brakes and belt and a couple of other minor things.
The car will hopefully last us a very long time.

Even though I got this car as a family of 2 with 2 large dogs and then my family expanded to a family of 7 we still kept this car because it is that great. I refuse to sell it. Kelly blue book on it stays pretty high too. I believe BB is around 6500 still and its going on 10 years old.

[Lski'stash]

appreciate all the responses, I definitely limit my personal use, but want to test the waters with Uber and blog my results, and just for the eco impact, etc.

I know with rideshare services, they require a newer vehicle.  I have a job that makes six figures, easy, but am bailing.  I have the passive income to live well, and want the EXPERIENCE. 

Appreciate all the views, keep em coming...

UBER requires a 2005 or newer vehicle. I would buy a used Honda Civic or Prius for under $10,000, and the. You should be set.

[ptgearguy]

Back in 2008 I bought a Toyota Yaris that had 5k miles on it for 14k.

I paid it off early and now my hubby uses this car for his commute because the gas mileage is so great.
We average around 35 mpg and I have gotten up to 45 mpg on a 2 lane country rd doing 60 for 120 miles.

I love this car. Its roomy on the inside, fits 4 comfortably, and it fits 2 in car-seats now in the back and 2 adults in the front no problem.
Back when I had 2 big dogs it fit both of them in the backseat just fine while my oldest and I rode up front.

The car has been great for maintenance costs. We do oil changes every 5k miles (Toyota recommended)
New tires, new brakes and belt and a couple of other minor things.
The car will hopefully last us a very long time.

Even though I got this car as a family of 2 with 2 large dogs and then my family expanded to a family of 7 we still kept this car because it is that great. I refuse to sell it. Kelly blue book on it stays pretty high too. I believe BB is around 6500 still and its going on 10 years old.

Second on the Yaris. Great cars. My brother has an echo (same car with a different name) that has 256k on it. He beats the crap out of it and the only thing ever replaced has been the tires and the oil (and he rarely does the oil).

[APowers]

Not sure how old you want to go but a 92-97 Honda Accord Wagon could possibly compete as the most practical/economical vehicle ever.  2 generations in that age range, both are phenomenal in my opinion, the newer you get the better the options.  I have a 95 Wagon with 296k miles, never let me down yet, but I also religiously maintain and do my own work.  Most Hondas in that year range can take a lot of abuse and a 4 cylinder engine from that range will regularly exceed 250k+ miles with basic maintenance.  Parts are dirt cheap, everywhere, and they're pretty easy to work on.  I DON'T recommend the 6 cylinder engine option, if you even find one, as those engines had issues.  The 2.2 OHC, and 2.2 VTEC are both excellent engines.  City/highway mpg is 28/34 (w/auto trans), from what I've experienced.  I regularly have my 16' kayak strapped to the roof and can fit a full road bike in the wagon without taking a tire off.  Fits 4 comfortable and there is an optional 3rd row seat for the back, for kids.  I also sleep in mine when necessary and I'm 6'2", very tight for 2 people to sleep in but can be done.

+1

[ltt]

Toyota Corolla--will easily get to 250,000 miles, low maintenance, pretty good resale value. 

[franklin w. dixon]

Low-tier domestic cars depreciate very quickly in the first 3 years so you can find a great late-model Ford Fiesta, Chevy Sonic, Dodge Dart etc. for well under 10k http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5493025648.html

[zephyr911]

Super happy with my 2012 Volt. I drive the shit out of it for about $40/mo, lifetime 110mpg, only use gas on my monthly road trip and otherwise do all my car clowning for well under a buck a day in "fuel".
DW has a 2010 Prius, which is (IMHO) okay. At price parity, Volt is a better buy.
I dig the LEAF and have been in several, and it's probably your cheapest option, but only viable if you don't take any long trips and you live where EVSE is plentiful.

[neo von retorch]

Low-tier domestic cars depreciate very quickly in the first 3 years so you can find a great late-model Ford Fiesta, Chevy Sonic, Dodge Dart etc. for well under 10k http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5493025648.html

If that was an ST 6-Speed I'd be buying it today! But that example happens to be "rebuilt" so may not be indicative of the general price for a Fiesta :)

[MMM98]

I would look at this a bit differently.  Once you identify a reliable model ID the drive train.  The Toyota 1.5 liter is exceptional. Think like a manufacturer  Once you have the engine, transmission and the chassis the rest is cosmetic.  To manage cost most manufactures' build one drive train and produce several models off of that.  The 1.5 Liter Toyota Yaris is the Scion Xa, the old Xb, the Echo, the first and second Prius engine.  Other models have similar cross references.  Once you get a good one the good genes continue.  The bad ones do also.  Your mechanic or auto parts guy can tell you all about those.