The last two years have been a turbulent time for the motor industry and the nation’s drivers and commuters. Firstly, the Covid pandemic kept everyone at home and a lot of people have taken advantage of the general shift to working at home. Then Russia invaded Ukraine throwing the world’s fuel supplies into crisis. Already under pressure from a strong economic recovery following the pandemic, oil prices skyrocketed to over $110 per barrel. The knock-on effect on gas prices only exacerbated what for many Western countries is being seen as a cost of living crisis.

Fuel economy has become a major consideration for people looking for a new car or a replacement for an old vehicle. Fuel-efficient cars are probably seeing a greater focus now than at any time in the past. A fuel-efficient car, especially considering gas mileage, is going to help you control your fuel bills.

Savings are applicable when you chose a brand new or a used car that is proven to be fuel-efficient. In this review to identify the most fuel-efficient cars, we will ignore plug-in hybrids because it is difficult to compare accurately with conventional vehicles, and also we will not be including SUVs and trucks.

The ranking system we have used is based on the combined EPA-estimated fuel economy for each car. For each car chosen, particularly those where there may be several fuel-efficient variants, we have picked the most fuel-efficient model.

Most fuel-efficient conventional gas-powered cars

Although not the most environmentally friendly option, gas-powered cars are generally cheaper to buy than hybrid cars.

Mitsubishi Mirage

Starting MSRP of $14,295

Fuel Economy

• Combined - 39 MPG
• Highway - 43 MPG
• City - 36 MPG

A new Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback with CVT (continuously variable transmission) is currently the non-hybrid vehicle with the best fuel economy on the market as well as being one of the cheapest. Sadly, there is a trade-off for what is, frankly, very impressive gas mileage. The Mirage has a 3-cylinder engine that only produces 78 horsepower so if you’re going to choose this subcompact car for its fuel economy don’t expect a powerful drive and be patient when driving inclines or entering a highway.

Hyundai Elantra

Starting MSRP of $19,650

Fuel Economy

• Combined - 37 MPG
• Highway - 37 MPG
• City - 33 MPG

The Elantra is the second smallest sedan in the Hyundai stable (the smallest is the Accent). If you don’t mind the compact size, the Elantra’s fuel economy will definitely save you money at the pumps even if it has an engine that only delivers 147 horsepower that’s not going to have you leave anyone on the line at the stop light.

Kia Rio

Starting MSRP of $16,150

Fuel Economy

• Combined - 36 MPG
• Highway - 41 MPG
• City - 33 MPG

This slot could easily have gone to the Hyundai Accent because it has the exact same EPA rating as the Kia Rio but including the Rio presents you with a wider range of options. The Kia Rio model to choose to get the best fuel economy is the four-cylinder engine with CVT that delivers 120 horsepower. A good choice if you’re a commuter with a stretch of highway driving.

Honda Civic

Starting MSRP of $21, 250

Fuel Economy

• Combined - 36 MPG
• Highway - 42 MPG
• City - 33 MPG

With its average starting price of over $21k, the all-new for 2022 Honda Civic is one of the most expensive compact cars. The 2022 model is also currently only available as a sedan with no hatchback option. The best option for fuel economy is the EX trim (mid-tier) powered by a turbo engine delivering 180 horsepower.

Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Starting MSRP of $20,825

Fuel Economy

• Combined - 35 MPG
• Highway - 41 MPG
• City - 32 MPG

The Corolla has never really won fans in the style stakes and has so often been unflatteringly called an appliance rather than an automobile but you can’t deny its standing in the fuel economy stakes. This applies to the automatic hatchback model with CVT. Avoid any Corolla model with six-speed manual transmission because this can negatively affect the combined MPG by more than 10 percent.

Most Efficient Gas-Electric Hybrid Cars

Combining an internal combustion engine with an electrical battery may involve higher upfront costs but there are greater rewards because you save money on gas. In general, as a class of automobiles, hybrid vehicles are much more efficient than conventional cars. Another bonus is that all-electric cars (including hybrids) have much lower emissions than conventional cars.

Hyundai Ioniq

Starting MSRP of $23,600

Fuel Economy

• Combined - 59 MPG
• Highway - 59 MPG
• City - 58 MPG

Performing as equally well on fuel economy in both the city and on the highway, the Ioniq is also attractive to the car-buying public because its base price is among the lowest for hybrid cars. If you drive a lot and want to limit the number of stops at gas stations, head to the dealership for a Hyundai Ioniq because it truly is the champion of fuel economy. The car is powered by a four-cylinder/104 horsepower engine and a 43 horsepower electric motor.

Toyota Prius

Starting MSRP of $24,525

Fuel Economy

• Combined - 56 MPG
• Highway - 58 MPG
• City - 53 MPG

The hybrid model that kicked off the hybrid revolution has managed to maintain such a decent fuel economy despite the increasing competition that it deserves its second place in the rankings of the most fuel-efficient cars. The Eco trim delivers the maximum mileage but if you want the all-wheel-drive option, you’ll have to sacrifice just a little of the MPGE.

Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Starting MSRP of $23,750

Fuel Economy

• Combined - 54 MPG
• Highway - 56 MPG
• City - 53 MPG

Cementing Hyundai’s place as providing some of the most fuel economical cars on the market regardless of how the vehicle is powered, the Elantra Hybrid is less conventional-looking than the Ioniq. The attractive-looking sedan benefits from a combined 139-horsepower powertrain and favors a smoother dual-clutch automatic transmission over a CVT. For the best mileage, choose the Blue trim.

Honda Insight

Starting MSRP of $25,210

Fuel Economy

• Combined - 52 MPG
• Highway - 55 MPG
• City - 49 MPG

Honda aficionados and industry experts will recognize that the company has put an Insight nameplate on a car that is essentially a Civic hybrid. You might say that the Insight is a tenth-generation Honda Civic in disguise. Whatever way you look at the aesthetics, the fuel economy speaks for itself. For the best MPGE, go for the base LX or the mid-tier EX trim.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Starting MSRP of $25,210

Fuel Economy

• Combined - 52 MPG
• Highway - 52 MPG
• City - 53 MPG

Yes - the car that many people love to hate appears again in this list, this time in its hybrid form. One of the few cars (and the only one on our list) to perform better in the city than on the highway, you still have to love the bulbous body style of the Corolla to take advantage of its excellent fuel economy. This sedan-only model uses the Prius powertrain.

You may have noticed the dearth of American-made cars on this list that is dominated by Japanese manufacturers. According to all statistics, Honda is the most fuel-efficient manufacturer across all types of cars. If home automakers are important criteria for your vehicle choice, for the most fuel-efficient cars made in the USA, you need to look at the various models of the Chevrolet Bolt and the Ford Escape Hybrid.

If you’re looking for a new car and fuel economy is top of your list of priorities, any of these cars fit the bill. If you’re also looking for a great deal that saves you money overall, these models and more are all available for purchase brand new and for lease from IMX Auto.

If you’re upgrading and have a car to offload before getting a new one, you can talk to IMX Auto. We offer the industry’s best buy-back prices on all makes and models, including those with less desirable fuel efficiency ratings.

Sell Your Leased, Purchase or Financed Vehicle to IMX Auto in Burbank 

Looking to sell your vehicle? We got you covered, contact IMX Auto today! Call us at 818-873-2070 or visit us at 811 N Victory Blvd in Burbank, California. Our helpful team is standing by to help you easily end your current lease and make sure your next vehicle is your best yet.

What Is a Disposition Fee? 

A disposition fee can be a nasty surprise. You show up to turn over your car at the end of your lease, then find yourself hit with a surprise $300 or $495 fee, even though you already finished all your lease payments. But what exactly is a disposition fee? Find out why your leasing company charges this fee– and how you can avoid paying it by selling your leased vehicle to IMX Auto.

A disposition fee is a fee that’s charged at the end of a car lease when you return a leased vehicle. Leasing companies charge disposition fees to offset the costs of putting a used car back on the market. Disposition fees are meant to cover things like cleaning, inspection, and administration costs. 

The tricky thing about disposition fees is that they’re easy to forget about. Other fees, like down payment fees and security deposits, are paid upfront. But disposition fees are paid only at the end of the lease, months or even years after you signed your lease agreement. By that time, it’s easy to forget the fine print you read when you first signed. 

Disposition fees also must be paid even if you took immaculate care of your leased vehicle and honored every part of your auto lease contract. You may have been mindful of excess mileage and made sure you always paid your monthly payments on time. You may have been extra careful to keep your car free of dings and excess wear. Regardless, you’ll probably still have to pay a disposition fee, since it’s a standard part of most new lease contracts. 

Disposition fees are also an unusual fee in general. Other types of fees, like early termination charges and late payment fees, are common enough for people to keep at the front of their mind. But because disposition fees are only typical in the auto leasing industry, it’s normal for a first-time lessee to be surprised by the fee when they go to turn in their vehicle. 

How Can You Avoid Paying a Lease Disposition Fee? 

There’s more than one way to avoid paying a lease disposition fee. One way is to take advantage of your dealership’s purchase option. Another way is to lease a new car from the same dealership since lenders will often waive the fee if you continue to lease from them. But what if you don’t want to buy your leased vehicle or get a new lease from the same dealership?

If you want to be done with your lease, you can still avoid paying a disposition fee by selling your leased vehicle to a lease buying center like IMX Auto. When you sell your leased car to IMX Auto, you avoid paying a disposition fee, since your original dealership no longer needs to restock your vehicle. Not all dealers can buy leased cars, but IMX Auto can. We’re able to pay top dollar for used and leased vehicles due to recent changes in the market and in-car value appreciation. 

Selling your leased vehicle can also help you get out of other fees, like early termination fees. IMX Auto can buy leased vehicles before the end of your lease term and help you buy or lease a new vehicle of your choosing. We sell and lease new vehicles of any make or model, so we’re here to help you get rid of the car you don’t like driving and get you into one you do. 

Sell Your Leased Vehicle to IMX Auto in Burbank 

If you’re ready to sell your leased vehicle and avoid paying a disposition fee, contact IMX Auto today. Call us at 818-873-2070 or visit us at 811 N Victory Blvd in Burbank, California. Our helpful team is standing by to help you easily end your current lease and make sure your next vehicle is your best yet. 

In 2021, one in four cars in the USA were leased (according to Statista). There are several reasons and excellent benefits to leasing rather than buying a car but any decision also needs to take into account what happens when you want or need to change the vehicle.

When you own the car, it is a simple matter of selling it, either online, privately, or in part exchange for a new vehicle with a dealership.

If you lease a car, the decision is more involved because you have to revisit the issue of whether it is better to take out a new lease or switch to buying a new car.

Also, when the lease term ends, there could be costs that are irrelevant in the selling process.

What are End of Car Lease Fees?

There are 5 main fees a leasing company may look to charge you at the end of a lease term.

These are

• Disposition Fee - also known as the turn-in fee, this is essentially a pimped-up admin charge to cover the costs of the leasing company cleaning up and repurposing your returned car.
• Excess Mileage Fee - charged if you drive more miles than as specified in your lease contract.
• Early Termination Charge - a penalty that is levied if you return your car before the lease term ends.
• Purchase Option Charge - not charged by all dealerships, but a potential charge if you decide to buy the car and the lease-end.
• Wear and Tear Charge - the amount to be paid will be based on the level of damage and the cost of the repairs as assessed at the wear and tear inspection.

When you enter a car lease agreement, you are not the car’s owner. Effectively you are only a caretaker. As a caretaker you are expected to look after the car - probably be more considerate than if it were your own vehicle.

Saving on Lease Returns Fees

How to make savings at the end of your lease will depend on the decision you make whether you return the car or buy the car. The following tips will not only help you save money at the end of the lease but will also inform your decision as to what you do for your next car.

#1. Sell Your Lease

If your pre-inspection has identified a whole raft of charges that have left you breathless, consider selling your car. You need to find a buyer that specializes in buying leased cars.

The first step is to get your car appraised.

Obviously, the appraised value may not be so great and if it is more effective and cheaper to pay the lease-end fees, then that is the most sensible way to go.

If the appraisal amount is more than or close to the lease buyout value, selling your car is the easiest way to get rid of your obligation to the lease and also circumvent the lease-end charges including the disposition fees and wear and tear charges.

Selling your car to IMX Auto Buying Center can not only save you money but can also make you money. IMX has an exceptional track record in buying leased cars that no other company is able to.

#2. Saving on the Disposition Fee

There are three ways to avoid the disposition fee:

• Check the contract before you sign - Ensure you know the conditions of the lease turn-in before you sign your lease contract. Know exactly what the disposition fee is. Some companies don’t charge a disposition fee or you may be able to negotiate a waiver with the leasing company but as it will form part of the terms and conditions of your lease agreement, it must be agreed upon before you sign anything.
• Sign another lease - If your intention is to lease another car rather than purchase your own vehicle, your current dealership may waive the disposition fee. If it isn’t automatic, you have a position from which to negotiate. Do your research before deciding to go to a different dealer. You may be able to find a car with a lower monthly payment but factor in the saving of the disposition fee. You may find it is cheaper to stay with the same dealer and leasing company than to change.

• Purchase your leased car - if there is a purchase option written into your lease agreement, there may be an automatic waiver of the disposition fee because the company doesn’t have to expend any cost or effort to prepare the car for a new owner/lessee. If not, again, it is a case of negotiation.

#3. Do Not - Ever - Exceed Your Annual Mileage Limit

Most leasing companies offer a range of mileage allowances. Your mileage allowance is set and written into your lease contract. It is important to make a really good estimate of how many miles you think you will do annually - err on the cautious and overestimate.

If you exceed your annual mileage limit, the charge could be anything from 15 to 25 cents per mile and may rise to even more in the near future given the current climate around fossil fuels and market pressures.

If you think you may exceed your limit, talk to your leasing company, they may enable a change to a bigger allowance - at a cost of course.

#4. Get a Lease-End Pre-Inspection

The biggest surprise to most leased car drivers when the current lease comes to an end is the amount the dealership claims for the Wear and Tear Charge. The $300-$500 disposition fee can pale into insignificance if you haven’t looked after the car well.

What you might consider being reasonable wear and tear may not be in line with the dealership. Anything that affects the aesthetic of a vehicle - interior and exterior - can reduce a car’s appeal to the next lessee or buyer, ultimately affecting the market value or lease payments the dealer may be able to get.

Sure, those little dings and dents you got from the store car park bollards are pretty small, but they will be picked up on. As will that cigarette burn in the upholstery.

Check your contract before panicking about any damage. Every leasing company has to allow for reasonable wear and tear but each will have its own interpretation of what normal wear and excess wear is reasonable. Most commonly, damage falling within the “credit card test” is not charged for: i.e. any damage that can be covered up by a credit card.

A lease-end pre-inspection will provide you with an estimate of what you could be expected to be asked to pay when you turn in the lease.

Always use a third party to carry out the pre-inspection - a company not associated with the dealership or leasing company.

#5. Repair Major and Obvious Damage Before Returning the Vehicle

There are three obvious areas that are best tackled by yourself before the lease ends that will save on termination fees.

These are

• Tires
• Glass
• Bumpers

Tires should be rotated regularly to balance wear and tear. Remember, the minimum legal tire tread in most states is 1.6 mm (2/32 inch). You will probably not be charged if you return your leased vehicle with at least 1/8 inch of remaining tread. If your tread is less than this or is bald, it is best to replace them. You can probably find replacement tires cheaper online than your dealership will charge on lease termination.

Glass covers items like windscreen, headlights, and taillights. The dealership may overlook scuffed head and taillight covers but they won’t forgive a cracked windscreen. If you’ve been sensible with your auto insurance, you’ll have a $100 deductible for a replacement windscreen. Paying this deductible is going to be cheaper than being charged a replacement fee by your dealership.

Bumpers can be costly to repair, particularly if they have become dislodged. Again, you can save money on wear and tear charges by getting it fixed before the handover inspection.

Check your contract for other things that are likely to be charged for if they are damaged or not working. Typically, this includes things like radios, navigation systems, window regulators, and spare keys. Again, getting them repaired is probably the cheaper option.

#6. Don’t Lose Anything

It is one of the most common recharges for leased vehicles. Lessees remove items from the car and then lose them. This can be anything from spare wheel covers, removable headrests and luggage compartment covers to the third row of seats for SUVs. Put anything you remove from the car somewhere safe.

#7. Stick to Scheduled Maintenance Guidelines

Just because you aren’t technically the car’s owner doesn’t mean you can ignore scheduled general maintenance. If your lease is for a new car and a term of 36 months, the vehicle warranty should cover the cost of repairs.

The best way to approach this is to keep a written record of scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance. This will prove that you have looked after all the areas of concern. Records should detail oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid level checks. If the inspection reveals engine trouble or mechanical problems, your maintenance records will make it hard for the dealer to claim you were at fault.

#8. Get Wear and Tear Insurance

If you know that in all likelihood you will be stung for wear and tear costs at the end of your lease contract, consider wear and tear insurance. You might be an accident-prone driver or have a sloppy messy family! Some leasing companies have their own wear and tear coverage for damage or your dealership may offer a policy from an independent insurer. As with everything, know exactly what you are covered for and how much you will be paying.