Budget-Friendly Commuter Vehicles for Atlanta

The daily commute is something that drivers everywhere have to deal with. For drivers in Atlanta, the mounting frustration with traffic congestion has been well documented; a study conducted in 2021 determined that Atlanta has the tenth worst traffic congestion in the US. Locating a used vehicle that’s affordable and offers conservative fuel consumption might seem like an arduous task, but with a team like ours, it won't be.

The most important thing is to find a used car dealership near Atlanta that can provide you with the best selection and service. What if we were to tell you that there’s not just one dealership with your best interests in mind but multiple? This is what’s provided by the Hendrick Automotive Group, as we have numerous locations across several states, each with a vast selection of used vehicles that can provide you with your sought fuel economy figures at an affordable price.

In that respect, we'd like to highlight some economical commuter models that will benefit you in the long run. Here are the ones we believe will benefit Atlanta drivers the most…

The 2008 Camry Hybrid

It’s easy to see why Toyota has been a favorite among the American driving public for the past few decades since they're one of the leading manufacturers of safe and sustainable vehicles. Toyota’s most popular sedans, the Camry and Corolla, have been praised by many, and getting behind the wheel of a pre-owned 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid can be one of the most cost-effective investments you decide to make today.

That year, the Camry was equipped with an electrical motor paired with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and a CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission). A CVT is very beneficial for drivers who continually deal with the stop-and-go traffic patterns of city driving, particularly in Atlanta. The fuel economy ratings determined by the EPA for that year's Camry Hybrid were quite favorable, as it achieved 33 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. These are figures that would be better than average today, but in 2008 they were exceptional.

The 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid

An institution of American ingenuity, the Ford Motor Company has been perfecting its craft for over a century. Recent years have seen the Blue Oval brand refocus its efforts entirely on pickup trucks and SUVs. However, there are plenty of older Ford sedans in the pre-owned market that can provide exquisite performance and fuel economy.

The 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid, for example, had a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that offered 188 hp, which was ideal for providing the get-up-and-go that commuters need. It got 43 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway for a combined total of 41 MPG, meaning it went farther and still had plenty of fuel to spare for the rest of the week.

The 2018 Nissan Rogue

Affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles aren’t just limited to sedans. With the continuing popularity of the SUV, many brands have strived to equip them with fuel-efficient powertrains that still allow them to perform at an exceptional level. The 2018 Nissan Rogue is one of the best examples of this practice. With plenty of cargo room and Nissan’s zero-gravity bucket seats, comfort is assured. The Rogue’s 7.0-inch infotainment screen also provides connectivity to features such as compatibility with Apple and Android products, allowing you to take your favorite apps on the road wherever you go.

In 2018, the hybrid version of the Rogue paired a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to offer 176 hp. EPA-estimated ratings are favorable, with 33 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway for a combined total average of 34 MPG. There were also estimates that a hybrid Rogue could save you upwards of $1,500 in fuel costs over a five-year period.

The 2017 Toyota Prius

It could only be possible to form a dependable list of fuel-efficient vehicles for drivers in the Atlanta area by mentioning the highly capable and exciting Toyota Prius. This is easily one of the most popular hybrids and one of the most widely praised in the market. The 2017 model exhibits a commanding style and stands out as one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles ever.

The powertrain of the Prius might only produce 121 hp, but we can assure you that the emphasis on fuel economy is worth taking race performance off of the priority list. The Prius has an EPA-estimated 54 MPG in the city and 50 MPG on the highway, making a combined 52 MPG.

The advantages don’t come close to stopping there, either. With a range of 588 miles on a full tank and estimated savings of $4,000 in fuel costs over a five-period, you’ll go farther and save more. For those who have a keen eye for safety, a five-star rating from the NHTSA is more than enough to provide anyone with peace of mind.

The 2019 Honda Fit

Living in any major metropolitan area means navigating the busy streets and squeezing into tight parking spaces when the situation warrants it. If you’re constantly on the go and want a stylish vehicle that’s small in size and big in capability, the 2019 Honda Fit is more than an ideal solution to your commuting worries. Smaller than a Civic Hatchback but just as stylish and practical, the Fit can go the distance.

Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.5L four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, making this vehicle more than ideal for driving within city limits. The Fit’s powertrain allows for 33 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway for a combined 36 MPG. As a testament to Honda’s dedication to safety, the Fit received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA in collision testing.

Some Helpful Tips for Shopping Used

Visiting any of our dealerships can be very advantageous, and our sales team will work extra hard to pair you with the perfect used vehicle to handle the Atlanta commute. We felt it worthwhile to offer some helpful tips to be mindful of when shopping...

FWD

When looking at any used vehicle, consider the vehicle’s drivetrain. Fortunately, Atlanta is warm all year round, so AWD isn't vital unless you’re looking to go off-roading. FWD is best for prioritizing fuel economy, so we recommend vehicles with FWD for Atlanta drivers.

CVT

We mentioned many vehicles that have a CVT, and there’s an excellent reason for this. A CVT adapts to rapid conditions, such as the hectic traffic patterns that come with living in Atlanta. By adjusting to conditions swiftly, fuel can be conserved, and power can be preserved when needed.

Lower Costs

The vehicles we’ve listed today can only be found pre-owned, so you'll save money on the initial cost and on fuel prices down the road. Another advantage that comes with purchasing a used vehicle is that your insurance premiums will be cheaper by a considerable amount. If you’re on a budget, this is certainly ideal.

Visit Any Hendrick Dealership for a Better Atlanta Commute

One of the advantages of having multiple dealerships across several states is that it allows us to offer our customers an expansive and inclusive inventory. No matter your budget or driving habits, there’s something suitable for you at a Hendrick dealership. Atlanta might have some hectic traffic, but with some of the pre-owned models we have on hand, your commute can get a whole lot easier.