Top 5 Best Compact 2009 Used Cars for Fuel Efficiency
There are plenty of shrewd shoppers out there who opt to sidestep the price premium of new cars in favor of more affordable 2009 used cars. Doing so can potentially save you thousands of dollars without any real loss in quality or reliability. For those who truly want to get the most for their money, here are five of the most fuel-efficient compact used cars from 2009:
Used 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid (42 mpg combine)
With no new changes for 2010, opting for a 2009 Honda Civic is a smart choice that will earn you an estimated 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. As one of the most popular compact cars of all time, a used Honda Civic delivers a good balance of comfort, performance and attractiveness. While the price premium attached to the hybrid technology may turn off some buyers, the Civic Hybrid is one of the most well-equipped non-luxury vehicles for the year. Standard features include auto climate control, 6-speaker audio system, speed-sensitive volume control and sunroof. Expect a well-maintained used 2009 Civic Hybrid to go for around $19,000.
Used 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (34 mpg combined)
The 2010 Jetta comes with only minor cosmetic upgrades and a couple reshuffled features. As such, a used Volkswagen Jetta delivers nearly the same experience as the newer model. Find a used diesel engine model, and you'll be rewarded with a stellar 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The VW Jetta earns accolades for offering good vehicle performance, stellar interior comfort and superior safety scores. Standard features are also substantial, and include air conditioning, cruise control, 8-speaker stereo, heated front seats and leatherette vinyl upholstery. The average starting price for a used 2009 Jetta TDI is about $18,000.
Used 2009 Toyota Yaris (32 mpg combined)
The diminutive Toyota Yaris zips along with an estimated 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. A used Toyota Yaris coupe can be yours for around $11,000, making Toyota's smallest vehicle one of the best bargains for the year. While that low price comes at the expense of a Spartan interior and fairly ho-hum engine performance, the Yaris should meet the needs of most around-town drivers who don't need a lot of interior space. Those shopping for a used model may want to seek out a model with stability and traction control - safety features that are now standard on 2010 models.
Used 2009 MINI Cooper (32 mpg combined)
The stylish MINI Cooper received only minor standard feature upgrades for 2010. As such, the nearly identical used MINI Cooper serves as an economical alternative. Average price paid for a low-mileage base 2009 MINI is somewhere in the range of $17,000. For that price, you'll get a quirky, look-at-me British design and peppy engine performance. Standard features for all 2009 models include air conditioning, 6-speaker stereo, leatherette upholstery and full power accessories. If you need a little more room than the MINI Cooper offers, consider upgrading to the slightly larger 2009 MINI Clubman.
Used 2009 Honda Fit (31 mpg combined)
The 2009 Honda Fit is identical to the new 2010 model. With a used price that starts around $13,000, a used Honda Fit serves as a good compromise between the value-oriented Yaris and the rest of the vehicles on this list. Despite the low price, the Fit offers a solid combination of engine performance and interior comfort. Base features beat out much of the value-oriented competition. All models come with air conditioning, full power accessories and stereo with CD and MP3 player. The Fit's much-touted "Magic Seat" also provides good storage versatility. Fuel ratings for the used Honda Fit is estimated at 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.