15 Best Deals On Used EVs and Hybrids

1. Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Used 2012 model: $8,319-$9,136.
Original MSRP: $29,125-$31,125.

Mitsubishi’s oddly egg-shaped EV is basic transportation at best – it’s perhaps only a few steps removed from a battery-powered golf cart –but it gets the electric equivalent of 112 mpg and is cheap enough as a used 2012 model (there was no 2013 version) for use as an affordable way to get to and from a commuter rail station and/or for around-town use. It’s estimated to run for 62 miles on a charge.

2. Smart Fortwo Electric Drive

Used 2013 model: $10,060-$11,402.
Original MSRP: $25,000-$28,000.

Rated at the equivalent of 107 mpg and estimated to operate for 68 miles on a charge, the tiny two-seat fortwo electric drive is actually more pleasant to pilot than its gas-only version. It’s also the only current EV available as a convertible for “green” fun in the sun. The Smart EV was originally available only in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.

3. Nissan Leaf

Used 2013 model: $10,097-$13,572.
Original MSRP: $28,000-$34,840.

The best-selling electric car in the U.S., a plethora of leased models returning to dealers’ lots have caused a precipitous price drop in the usedmarket. The Leaf is an amenable, if not eccentric-looking, hatchback and is rated at the equivalent of 115 mpg with an average operating range of 75 miles.

4. Honda Insight

Used 2013 model: $12,795-$15,017.
Original MSRP: $18,600-$22,065.

At an estimated 42 mpg, Honda’s sleekly cast answer to theToyota Prius hatchback can’t match that model’s 50 mpg fuel economy rating, butperforms decently and is the least expensive hybrid-powered vehicle on our list.

5. Ford Focus Electric

Used 2013 model: $13,776.
Original MSRP: $39,200.

The battery-powered version of Ford’s curvaceous compact hatchback is rated at the equivalent of 105 mpg and can be expected to run for 76 miles on a charge.

6. Ford C-Max Hybrid

Used 2013 model: $14,267-$16,061.
Original MSRP: $25,200-$28,365.

This tall-roofed compact hybrid-powered wagon is nearly as practical as a small SUV, but is rated at an economical 40 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

7. Fiat 500e

Used 2013 model: $14,716.
Original MSRP: $31,800.

Originally sold only in California and Oregon, the all-electric rendition of this classic Italian subcompact coupe gets the equivalent of 116 mpg and is estimated to operate for a stalwart 87 miles on a charge. Best of all it’s arguably the cutest EV on the road and handles more like a sporty coupe than a economy car.

8. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Used 2013 model: $15,182-$17,614.
Original MSRP: $25,650-$30,550.

With an exterior that’s punctuated with complex creases and curves, the stylish Sonata Hybrid is EPA-rated at a combined 38 mpg; it’s themost affordable midsize hybrid among our top picks and provides generous interior room.

9. Toyota Prius

Used 2013 model: $15,507-$21,366.
Original MSRP: $24,200-$30,005.

The winner and still champion among gas/electric hybrids, the four-door hatchback version of the 2013 Prius is rated at a thrifty 50 mpg and still possesses a high-tech look and feel. A new Prius is coming later this year, but in the meantime this is a great deal.

10. Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Used 2013 model: $15,758-$18,508.
Original MSRP: $24,995-$31,180.

The compact Jetta treats its passengers to the most spacious rear seat in its class and entertaining all-around performance in the German tradition. It also gets an impressive 45-mpg in city/highway driving.

11. Kia Optima Hybrid

Used 2013 model: $16,085-$19,800.
Original MSRP: $25,900-$31,950.

This is a modesty more formal-looking version of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid; it’s mechanically identical – also rated at 38 mpg – but for whatever reasons commands more money in the resale market than its corporate cousin.

12. Ford C-Max Energi

Used 2013 model: $16,561.
Original MSRP: $32,950.
This is the plug-in version of the C-Max Hybrid wagon. It’s equally as practical, with generous cargo room, and gets the equivalent of 88 mpg while running solely on battery power (with an expected range of 20 miles), after which it runs like the conventional hybrid model as gets an equivalent estimated 38 mpg.

13. Ford Fusion Hybrid

Used 2013 model: $16,952-$19,796.
Original MSRP: $27,200-$32,100.

Svelte and stylish, the Fusion Hybrid looks and drives like a “normal” midsize sedan – albeit one that gets an estimated 42 mpg city/highway combined. It’s roomy and comfortable inside, with clever electronic gauges that can help motorists maximize their mileage.

14. Chevrolet Volt

Used 2013 model: $17,814.
Original MSRP: $39,145.

The four-door Volt “extended range” electric car initially runs on battery power for an estimated 38 miles, after which a small gasoline engine kicks in to run a generator that, in turn, powers the car’s electric motor. It gets the equivalent of 108 mpg in all-electric mode, and 37 mpg when it’s running on gas-generated electricity. A redesigned version is coming for 2016, but those who can spare a couple mpg and sacrifice a few miles of battery range on can get a used Volt for way less than half the price.

15. Ford Fusion Energi

Used 2013 model: $18,756-$21,759.
Original MSRP: $38,700-$40,100.

This is the plug-in hybrid version of the midsize Ford Fusion Hybrid with a larger battery that enables the sedan to run for around 20 miles solely on electricity, when it gets the equivalent of 88 mpg. After that the car operates as a normal hybrid and is rated at a combined city/highway 38 mpg.