Help me choose an economical second commuting car.

What city car has the best fuel consumption from 1990? I'm looking to buy a second commuting car so will be buying a cheap used model.

Saz Wolv (Dublin)

May 2013 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

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Expert answer

Hi Saz,

If you're buying something that old, a lot of the potential fuel consumption is going to be down to the condition of the car and how badly worn the engine is. On that basis, I'd suggest you hunt around for a late nineties, early 2000s Suzuki Alto 1.0. They're as close to indestructible as any car can get to and the dinky little 1.0-litre engine should return mid-forties MPG, even around town. Again though, if you're looking to maximise economy, make sure it's serviced, make sure it gets a good high-grade engine oil and some decent tyres. There's nothing like good maintenance for driving your fuel bills down.

Let us know how you get on

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe