Many UK drivers are looking for ways to save money on transport due to high fuel costs and environmental worries. Used fuel efficient cars can help you save money now and in the future. They cost less to buy, use less fuel, and are cheaper to maintain. This article will show you how these cars can help you save money and be kinder to the environment.
Key Takeaways
- Used fuel efficient cars cost less to buy and lose value more slowly
- Better fuel economy means you’ll spend less on petrol or diesel
- Lower CO₂ emissions lead to cheaper road tax and often lower insurance costs
- Efficient cars usually cost less to maintain and repair
- You can save even more by using eco-driving techniques
- Choosing the right model can give you better value and sell for more later
Lower Purchase Price than New Cars
Most cars lose a lot of value in their first 3 years. By buying a used fuel efficient car, you avoid this big drop in value. For example, a new car might lose 60-70% of its value in 5 years. This is especially true for expensive cars, so buying a used luxury car that’s good on fuel can be a smart choice if you want a nice car but don’t want to spend too much.
When you buy a used car, you might be able to get a better model or brand for the same price as a new basic car. Many used cars now have features that save fuel, like systems that turn the engine off when you stop and special brakes that save energy. These used to be only in expensive new cars, but now you can get them for less in a used car.
Fuel Efficiency Equals Long-Term Savings
Cars that use less fuel can save you a lot of money over time, especially if you drive a lot. The average car in the UK gets 38.6 miles per gallon (mpg), but many used fuel efficient cars can do 50 mpg or more. If you drive 12,000 miles a year, you could save over £500 by switching from a 38 mpg car to one that does 55 mpg.
Some cars known for using less fuel are the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Ford Fiesta EcoBoost, and Peugeot 208 BlueHDi. The Toyota Yaris Hybrid can do up to 68.9 mpg in normal driving, while the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost is good at both performance and saving fuel, with some models reaching over 60 mpg on the motorway.
Cheaper Road Tax and Insurance
In the UK, you pay car tax based on how much pollution your car makes. Cars that make less pollution often pay less tax. For example, cars registered after April 2017 that make less than 100g of CO₂ per km don’t pay any tax in the first year and pay less after that. This can save you hundreds of pounds over the time you own the car.
Efficient cars often cost less to insure, which is really helpful for new or young drivers. Insurance companies usually charge less for cars with smaller, more efficient engines. Some insurance companies even give special discounts for very efficient or hybrid cars, so you might save even more.
Affordable Servicing and Maintenance
Many used fuel efficient cars have simpler engines, which means they’re cheaper to fix. For example, hybrid cars often have fewer moving parts than normal cars, so they might cost less to maintain over time. These cars also often use special brakes that don’t wear out as quickly, so you don’t need to replace them as often.
If you buy a popular model, it’s usually easier and cheaper to get it fixed. Common city cars and efficient hatchbacks often have parts that are easy to find, which keeps repair costs down. There are also lots of places online where owners of these cars share tips, which might help you fix small problems without paying a mechanic.
Extra Savings Through Smarter Driving
Some cars, especially hybrids, have special modes that help you use even less fuel. These can really help save fuel when you’re driving in cities. These cars might also have systems that capture energy when you brake and use it to charge the battery. Some cars even show you how efficiently you’re driving, which can help you learn to drive in a way that uses less fuel.
Many efficient cars are designed to use as little energy as possible. They’re often made with light materials and shaped to cut through the air easily, which helps them use less fuel, especially when driving fast. Some cars even have special features like grilles that close at high speeds to make the car more streamlined.
Bonus Tip – Look for the “Best Value” Cars
When looking for a good value used car, think about things like how many miles it’s done, if it has a full service history, how much fuel it uses, and if it has passed its MOTs without problems. These things show that the car is reliable and won’t cost too much to run. Look for cars that have been well looked after by their previous owners.
Cars that are efficient and well-maintained often keep their value better over time. Think about buying cars from brands like Toyota, Honda, or Volkswagen, which are known for being reliable and popular in the used car market. As more people worry about the environment, fuel-efficient cars might be worth more when you come to sell them in the future.
Conclusion
Used fuel efficient cars can save you money in many ways. They cost less to buy, use less fuel, and are usually cheaper to tax, insure, and maintain. By choosing the right used car, you can save money and help the environment at the same time.
Remember to do your research and compare different cars based on how much they’ll really cost to own, not just how much fuel they use. Think about things like how reliable they are, how well they’ve been looked after, and how much they’ll cost to run overall. With the right choice, a used fuel efficient car can save you a lot of money while still being comfortable and reliable to drive.
By making a smart choice and picking a fuel-efficient used car, you can save a lot of money without having to compromise on quality or reliability. Take your time to look at different options and find a car that’s efficient, affordable, and practical for your needs. If you do this, you can find a car that’s not only good for now but will keep being valuable and make you happy for a long time.
