Fuel Efficient Cars for Sale in North Charleston | Payless Car Sales

Spend Less at the Pump on Your Lowcountry Commute

Whether you commute to Joint Base Charleston, the Boeing South Carolina campus, downtown Charleston or Mount Pleasant, the miles add up fast in the Lowcountry. Payless Car Sales, 8701 Rivers Avenue in North Charleston, carries fuel-efficient used vehicles for drivers who want to spend less at the pump. Look for compact and subcompact sedans like the Nissan Sentra and Versa, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra, and for efficient compact SUVs like the Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox and Jeep Compass. Many are recent model years.

Every vehicle goes through a 100-point inspection before it reaches our lot, and our team will walk you through its history and features so you know exactly what you're buying.

Which Used Cars Are Reliable and Good on Gas?

Compact sedans are usually the most efficient gas-powered choice, and they've earned a reputation as dependable commuters. The Toyota Corolla is known for low running costs and longevity. The Nissan Sentra and Versa use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that helps keep the engine in its most efficient range. Recent Volkswagen Jettas use a small turbocharged four-cylinder that's efficient on the highway, and the Hyundai Elantra packs a lot of features into an economical package. For a deeper comparison, read our guide to the best used cars for Charleston commuters.

If you need more space, today's compact SUVs come much closer to sedan fuel economy than older SUVs did. The Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape and Chevrolet Equinox all use efficient four-cylinder engines, and front-wheel-drive versions are typically more efficient than all-wheel-drive ones. For the highest mileage, browse our hybrid vehicles and models like the Toyota Prius when available.

To compare specific vehicles, use the official EPA ratings at fueleconomy.gov, which list city, highway and combined estimates by year, engine and drivetrain. Ratings vary within the same model, so check the exact configuration of any vehicle you're considering.

Getting Better Mileage in the Lowcountry

How you drive matters as much as what you drive. Charleston's heat means the air conditioning runs much of the year, and heavy A/C use lowers fuel economy, so parking in the shade and pre-cooling the cabin can help. Keep tires inflated to the pressure on the driver's door jamb, since underinflated tires cost mileage. Stop-and-go traffic on Rivers Avenue or I-526 at rush hour burns more fuel than steady highway driving, so even small changes to your commute timing can make a difference.

Maintenance counts too. Regular oil changes, clean air filters and a healthy cooling system keep an efficient engine efficient. Qualifying vehicles at Payless Car Sales come with our free 90-Day Certified Warranty, covering engine internals, the transmission, air conditioning, cooling and more, with roadside assistance reimbursement. To qualify, a vehicle needs to be under 10 years old with less than 100,000 miles and a gas or hybrid powertrain rather than diesel.

Ready to make it yours?

Save on the Purchase, Not Just the Fuel

A fuel-efficient car saves money every week, and the right loan saves money every month. Payless Car Sales works with a network of lenders and explains rates, terms, down payments and monthly payments in plain language, including options for drivers whose credit is still improving. Apply online in minutes, try our car loan calculator, and get a fair value for your trade. Shopping by budget? See our cars under $15,000 and under $20,000, or every used sedan.

We welcome commuters from Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island and Edisto Beach. Give us a call at (843) 225-5377, see what buyers say in our reviews or plan your route to Rivers Avenue.

Fuel-Efficient Used Car FAQs