Automakers are constantly working to develop new technology to make their vehicles more efficient, and many are coming out with more hybrid and all-electric options as drivers become more climate-conscious. Because of this, you might think you have to buy a new car if you want an efficient model, but that's not the case. There are plenty of older models that get great mileage and are reliable enough to serve you well for years to come if you buy one pre-owned.
If you're looking for fuel-efficient used cars for sale in Sacramento, then you've come to the right place. Here at Future Chevrolet of Sacramento, we offer pre-owned vehicles of all makes and models, including plenty of options with great fuel economy. Whether you want to do your part to help the environment or just want to lower your fuel costs as much as possible, we can set you up with a vehicle that's perfect for your driving habits, budget, and lifestyle.
Why Buy Used?
It's well known that buying a used car can save you some money. Cars lose a lot of their value as soon as they roll off the lot for the first time, so even buying a model that's only a year or two old can get you a great value compared to a comparable model that's brand new. But buying used has another advantage too: it's environmentally friendly!
That may seem counterintuitive if cars are becoming more fuel-efficient over time, but you have to remember that it takes a lot of energy and resources to produce a car in the first place. That means the most sustainable thing to do is to get as much use out of each vehicle as possible before sending it to the junkyard. If you're looking to lower your carbon footprint, buying a car that's both fuel-efficient and pre-owned is a double dose of helpful.
Used Hybrid Options
One of the easiest ways to find a fuel-efficient car is to look for a hybrid, and our California Chevrolet dealership has plenty to choose from. There are two types of hybrid vehicles: traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Both types have a gasoline engine supplemented by an electric motor powered by a battery. In a traditional hybrid, the battery gets its power from regenerative braking, a process where the energy usually lost as heat during deceleration is diverted to the battery. With a plug-in hybrid, you can also power the battery by plugging it directly into a charging station, like you would with an all-electric vehicle. PHEVs tend to have more powerful batteries and can often be driven in "EV mode," operating entirely on electric power.
One of the most famous hybrids is the Toyota Prius, which has been in production since 1997. Because it's been around for so long, it's pretty easy to find on a used car lot, and you may even be able to pick between a few different model years, trim levels, and variants. The Prius is available as both a traditional hybrid and a PHEV called the Prius Prime. Even older models get impressive mileage: according to the EPA, the 2010 Prius is rated for 50 MPG combined.
If you're looking for a plug-in hybrid with a great all-electric range, then a used Chevy Volt might be a good fit. While many PHEVs can only travel about 20 miles on electric power before running out of charge, the 2019 Volt has an impressive range of 53 miles before you have to use any gasoline. Chevy discontinued the Volt after the 2019 model year in order to focus on all-electric vehicles, but an advantage of shopping used is that you can open your search up to options that are no longer available as new models.
Fuel-Efficient Used Sedans
Hybrids are great, but they can be a bit more expensive, and some drivers don't like the fact that they're more mechanically complicated than non-hybrid cars. The good news is that you don't need a car with an electric motor to get solid fuel economy. Consider getting a sedan if you're a commuter and don't need a cavernous cargo area. In addition to being smaller and more lightweight than trucks and SUVs, sedans also offer cargo security with their sealed trunks, and their low center of gravity makes for great handling and cornering.
The Honda Civic is a popular commuter vehicle thanks to its fuel-efficient powertrains and comfortable interior. It's been in production for decades and has seen several variants over the years, so you can find one that's perfect for you. It can be had with an automatic or manual transmission and with a variety of powertrains. The 2014 Civic is rated for up to 34 MPG combined and an incredible 40 MPG on the highway, making it a good choice if you like to take long road trips up and down I-5 or I-80.
While sedans may not be as popular as they once were, there are still plenty of quality options to keep an eye out for. Chevy's own Malibu is sleek and classy, with great tech features and efficient turbocharged engines. The Kia Forte is a sporty sedan that's both affordable and attractive, making it a good choice for drivers on a budget who don't want to sacrifice style. The Volkswagen Jetta has a comfortable cabin and handles well on the road while sipping gas.
Save Fuel With a Used Hatchback
If you prefer an open cargo area to a sealed trunk, a gas-guzzling SUV isn't your only option. The hatchback body style is similar to a sedan but has a large SUV-style cargo area, so you can fold the rear seats down to store bulky cargo or bring your large dogs along for the ride. The Chevy Spark, available at our Roseville Chevrolet dealership, is a subcompact hatchback with an affordable price tag and a comfortable interior. Honda offers the Civic as a hatchback, and it also used to have a dedicated small hatchback model. The Honda Fit was discontinued after the 2020 model year, but it still has plenty of fans thanks to its versatility and how fun it is to drive.
Enjoy a Used Electric Vehicle
Of course, if you want to use as little gasoline as possible, you can always go all-electric. While EV technology may still seem futuristic, it's been around long enough now that it's not uncommon to come across a few electric options while shopping for used cars. While Chevrolet's roomy Bolt EUV has only been around since the 2022 model year, the more compact Bolt EV debuted back in the 2017 model year, and you can find both at your local Chevy Bolt dealer. Even back then, it had a still-impressive range of 238 miles. Hyundai's Kona Electric, a subcompact SUV, debuted in 2019 with athletic styling and solid driving dynamics. You can also check out used options from automakers specializing in EVs, like Tesla and Rivian.
Find Your Fuel-Efficient Used Car
There are plenty of options to choose from when shopping for a fuel-efficient used vehicle. If you're feeling overwhelmed looking at all the choices in front of you, don't panic. Contact us here at Future Chevrolet of Sacramento on our website, over the phone, or in person at our Sacramento Chevrolet showroom. Whether you know exactly what you're looking for or still have a million questions, our friendly and knowledgeable sales team can help you get behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient used vehicle that's perfect for your driving habits, style, and budget.