Are Used Cars More Fuel Efficient?

If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle, should you buy a brand-new car or a pre-owned one? At Serra Honda of Champaign, we offer plenty of used cars near Champaign, IL drivers can depend on, but are they the more efficient choice? The answer is a bit complex.

Cars Continue to Get More Fuel-Efficient

One thing to remember is that many newer models are more fuel-efficient than their previous iterations. If you’re looking at a used Honda Civic and a new one, they might offer different fuel economy ratings. It pays to do your research on all of the cars you’re looking at to see if a newer model has made big strides when it comes to fuel efficiency.

The Availability of Hybrid Models

Some of our top models, like the Honda Accord and Honda CR-V, are available as hybrids. That means that you’ll occasionally find used hybrid cars on our lot. These green vehicles are going to be more efficient than their traditional, gasoline-powered versions, even when you’re comparing a pre-owned model to a brand new 2022 vehicle.

If you don’t find the hybrid you want on our new car lot, but you find it on our used car lot, the used car is going to be the more fuel-efficient choice.

Engines and Drivetrains Can Vary

A used car could be more efficient than a similar new model due to changes in drivetrain or engines. For example, if an older model offers a smaller turbo engine and a newer model offers a larger, more potent engine that guzzles more gas, the used car is the better choice for the eco-conscious driver.

The drivetrain can also make a difference. All-wheel drive systems, for example, are heavier than front-wheel drive systems, so you’re trading better traction for a slight reduction in fuel economy numbers.

These are the things that you should keep in mind as you shop but remember that whatever you’re looking for in a car, our Honda dealers will help you find it. A fuel-efficient new or used model is waiting for you at our dealership!