Four of NZ’s most affordable, fuel efficient used cars

Cars with big, grunty engines may be good fun – but you know what isn’t? Spending hundreds on gas every week and stopping by the petrol station every few days. 

More fuel efficient models can still be a blast to drive, just with less harmful emissions, and less time and money spent at the pump. To help you save, we’ve whipped up a quick guide covering four of New Zealand’s most fuel efficient used cars.

Suzuki Swift

Last year, like almost every year, the Suzuki Swift ranked as one of New Zealand’s best selling cars. There are a few very obvious reasons for that – brand new they retail from just $20,750 + ORC and you can easily pick a used model up for under $10,000. 

They’re also extremely fun to drive thanks to a zippy 88 horsepower engine and responsive handling. Inside, Swifts are packed with cool technology like sat nav, touch infotainment screen, Apple Carplay & Android Auto and even safety stuff like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitor (on RS models). 

But what really gets us going is their fuel economy – new manual models use on average just 4.6 litres of fuel per 100km. That’s enough to drive from Rotorua to Wellington and back!

Mazda 2

The Mazda 2 costs just a little more than the Suzuki Swift starting at around $28,095, but we’d argue it’s money well spent. This little city car boasts an attractive minimalist design, an impressive array of safety features and the same fuel efficiency as the Swift – 4.6 litres per 100 km (on Extra Urban models). 

You also get a little extra power with almost 110 horsepower under the hood, and a premium interior with minimalist design. Plus if you’re looking for a used model, they’re easy to find, even under $10,000.

Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto is great value motoring at under $19,990 + ORC brand new, so imagine how affordable it could be if you bought used? 

Despite its ridiculously low price, the Picanto packs a lot of car into a little package. On selected models, that includes a responsive 82 horsepower engine, six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, keyless start button, cruise control and an 8-inch colour touchscreen. There’s even a rear view camera!

LX, MT and AT models also have impressive fuel economy of 5 litres per 100 km – which isn’t quite as impressive as the Swift and Mazda, but at this price who can complain?

Nissan Leaf

You can’t get more fuel efficient than a car that doesn’t use any fuel at all! The Nissan Leaf is the world’s most popular fully electric car and first generation models can be picked up for under $15,000. 

These have a range of up to 172 km, an onboard charger, and a 107-horsepower powertrain that offers super responsive acceleration. What’s more, since the car emits no tailpipe emissions whatsoever, you’re not harming the environment at all when you drive it. 

Are you keen to spend less time and money at the pump? Drop in to your nearest Nicholson Auto dealership, have a chat to an expert and take a look at our range of fuel efficient used cars.