Most fuel efficient cheap cars: 10 used cars with best economy for less than £6,000 - and how to save fuel

Fuel prices across the country remain at near-record levels, leaving motorists feeling the pinch at the pumps.

Despite the painful cost of motoring, many of us rely on our cars every day, so it’s important to make the most of every litre of unleaded or diesel.

With that in mind, we spoke to AA Cars CEO James Fairclough to get his advice on maximising a car’s efficiency and some of the affordable used cars with the best economy.

James told us: “Driving your car more efficiently can save you a lot of money in fuel, and will also cause less wear and tear, reducing your overall maintenance costs over time.

“For manual cars, shifting up a gear earlier can reduce fuel usage as the engine won’t be running at higher revs. However, be sure not to labour the engine as that can cause long-term damage.

By anticipating what other road users will do and situations down the road, you will also be able to accelerate and brake more smoothly and safely, which can keep fuel usage down. Equally, by taking your foot off the accelerator and letting the friction of the tyres and engine help slow the car you can also cut fuel consumption and reduce wear on your brakes.

Make sure your car isn’t carrying any excess weight, as it will mean the engine will have to work harder, and if the engine works harder, it’ll use more fuel. Only have essentials for the journey in the car – don’t fill your boot with clutter.”

The most fuel efficient affordable used cars

While driving techniques can help maximise economy, how much you spend on fuel is largely dicated by your car’s economy, so it’s important to consider this when looking for a new vehicle.

Engine technology in new cars, especially the introduction of hybrid systems, has helped improve economy for many models but for drivers with more modest budgets there are still plenty of older cars out there with impressive efficiency.

Here are 10 of James’s most fuel efficient used cars for less than £6,000.

Volkswagen Up. Up to 55mpg

This VW is practical and fun to drive, while its engine size keeps it cheap to run. It is primarily a city car and ideal for nipping around narrow streets, but is equally pleasant to drive on motorways. It is often a popular choice for new drivers owing to its maximum five stars on the Euro NCAP safety rating. As an added bonus, it’s among the cheapest cars in the country to insure.

Toyota Aygo. Up to 58mpg

Toyota recently replaced its popular city car with the new Aygo X. The good news is there are plenty of Aygos available on the secondhand market to suit all budgets. The Aygo is a very affordable car to run, and its compact size makes it ideal for congested streets and tight parking spaces. There’s generous leg and headroom in the front seats of the Aygo, but the back seats are a little cramped for adults.

Citroen DS3. Up to 78mpg

The Citroen DS3 is a discontinued supermini, with its most efficient 1.6-litre diesel returning more than 78mpg. Its petrol counterpart is much less efficient, though. It’s a striking car to look at, with high quality interior but it has substance to go along with that style. It has strong grip and feels alert and agile around corners.

Volkswagen Golf. Up to 74mpg

The Volkswagen Golf has a well-earned reputation as a great all-round family hatchback and its larger size might suit some people better. It has a roomy cabin with a suitcase-friendly boot, and you’ll find it a quiet, comfortable drive. At our price point, you’re looking at sixth-generation models, where even “performance” diesel versions offer economy of 55mpg and the economy-focused Bluemotion models manage up to 74mpg in official tests.