What’s the Best Cheap Used Car with Great Gas Mileage?

We’ve all been there. You have basic transportation needs and a budget tighter than a screw cap on a cheap bottle of wine. An inexpensive used car can help you meet your needs without resorting to taking out a high-interest loan. Knowing which car to buy is key, but the answer is too often locked away. We’re here to cut through the bombardment of advertisements and get right to the facts. When you buy the right cheap used car it will set you free. Buy the wrong one and you’ll enter a new world of pain.

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2012 Nissan Juke SL Review

MPG-o-Matic 2012 Nissan Juke Review Summary: The Nissan Juke delivers solid performance but is saddled with an undeniably polarizing design. It’s one of those cars that must be driven to be understood. Nissan refers to the Juke as “The Bold Urban Sport Cross,” but it’s right at home on those country roads, spraying gravel. Folks will cross-shop the Juke against everything from the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota FJ to the Subaru WRX, Suzuki SX4, and MINI Countryman.

The 2012 Nissan Juke is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 16-valve Sequential Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) inline four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower (HP) and 177 foot pounds of torque. The Juke is available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD). A Continuously Variable automatic transmission (CVT) is fitted to both models, but a six-speed manual transmission is only available in FWD. The five-door hatchback is offered in three levels of trim: S, SV, and SL.

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2011 Nissan Juke: First Drive

2011 Nissan Juke front 3/4 view

CHICAGO—When you come across a vehicle like the all-new 2011 Nissan Juke, it doesn’t quite fit in a particular segmented slot.

It’s too small to be a crossover. Too big to be a sports car. Too quirky to be called sedan. It has 5 doors, but I wouldn’t call it a hatchback. It’s utilitarian but not large enough to be an SUV. The number of doors negates coupe status, and while it’s inexpensive, I wouldn’t call it entry-level.

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2010 Nissan Maxima Review

MPG-o-Matic 2010 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV Review Summary: The Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV is a thoroughly modern sedan that brings a high level of driving enjoyment, a lovely cabin, and sweet array of technology. While the Maxima is once again billed at “The 4-Door Sports Car,” a quick look at Nissan’s website tells a different story. Nissan lists the Maxima at the top of the range under the Cars tab, rather than the Sports Cars tab (which is reserved for the 370Z and GT-R). Whether you consider it a true sports car or simply a sporty sedan, the Maxima takes its own road.

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2010 Nissan Murano Review

MPG-o-Matic 2010 Nissan Murano Review Summary: Nissan bills the 2010 Nissan Murano as “the Premium Crafted Crossover” with the goal of nibbling away at the sales of more expensive luxury competitors. This roomy and comfortable five-passenger crossover is chock full of amenities and style. A curvaceous design, a smooth ride, and plenty of interior space have earned the Murano a space in many a driveway.

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