Best cheap used hybrid cars

Although the Clio is a newcomer to hybrid power compared with the likes of the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris, you can already pick up used Clio E-Techs at huge savings compared with the new price. These cars are stylish, great to drive, and very cheap to fuel. Safety standards are very high, with a five-star rating from the experts at Euro NCAP.

Think hybrid, and you think economy. But there are plenty of cars that use hybrid power for performance as well as stretching each gallon as far as possible. The BMW 330e is a prime example. Although a little heavier and less agile than most 3 Series models, the plug-in hybrid 3 Series is very quick and rewarding to drive. There are cars with over 200,000 miles on the clock with price tags of around £6,000. A budget of £10k should buy a car with less than 100,000 miles covered.

If you like the look of the Honda Jazz sat at number two on our list, consider the Toyota Yaris Hybrid as well. It shares many of the same qualities, including reliability and good fuel economy. Used examples of the current model couldn’t really be described as cheap, but the generation sold from 2013-2020 is a much more affordable buy – you can pick up cars in very good condition for less than £10,000.

Unlike the quirky-looking Prius, the Toyota Corolla hybrid looks like a conventional hatchback. It drives like one, too, being comfortable over bumps and offering solid performance whether you choose the 1.8- or 2.0-litre model. There are cheaper hybrids on this list, which is why the Corolla doesn’t earn a higher spot. If you have the budget, though, this is a reliable and fuel-efficient family car.

Nobody grows up with a poster of the Toyota Prius on their bedroom wall – it’s not exciting to drive or to look at. But that’s hardly the point when looking for a budget used hybrid. The Prius is a byword for reliability, with some examples going well beyond 200,000 miles without serious fault. The third generation, sold from 2009-2015, is now very cheap to buy. Mega-mileage cars from private sellers start from around £3,000. Just £11,000 or so will buy a later, low-mileage, high-spec example.

The Honda Jazz is a very practical small hatchback, with much more interior space than most alternatives. The hybrid version is very cheap to run, especially if you mostly drive around town. While urban routes suit the Jazz best, it’s more than capable of longer drives too. The Jazz hybrid deserves its reputation for reliability, so don’t be put off by high-mileage so long as the car has been well looked after. The third generation, made from 2013-2020, is now very good value as a used buy.

These days, hybrid SUVs are common. For years, though, the Lexus RX was very unusual in using petrol-electric power. Very early models are just a few thousand pounds. If the budget will stretch, the generation sold from 2012-15 costs upwards from £11,000 or so. Don’t be afraid of high mileage examples – these cars can handle it. They’re quick, well-equipped and relatively affordable to run.

Mitsubishi pioneered the plug-in hybrid when the Outlander PHEV arrived in late 2013. With a much larger battery than your typical full hybrid, the Outlander PHEV could go just over 30 miles on electricity alone, according to the official figures. Okay, so an EV range of just over 20 miles is probably more realistic, but that still covers a lot of local driving. If you have somewhere to plug in overnight, the Outlander PHEV can be very cheap to run. A decade or so from going on sale, early models are now changing hands for as little as £6,000.

Kia hedged its bets with the Niro, offering buyers fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and full hybrid models. The full hybrid offers low fuel bills and is very cheap to buy, especially if you are happy to choose a high-mileage car. Your money buys a practical, well made, and reliable crossover. It may not be the most stylish car or exciting to drive, but you could do a lot worse if you are looking for a cheap, family-friendly hybrid.

Like the Clio that sits in fifth place on this list, the Renault Captur E-Tech offers low running costs. According to the official figures it can achieve 56.6mpg. It’s practical as well as cheap to fuel, with a large boot for a crossover of this size and plenty of space for people too. Shop carefully, and you can pick up an early car at a massive saving over the new price.