7 Fuel-Sipping Classic Cars for Thrifty Driving Enthusiasts: Jalopnik Picks

Why fuel economy matters

Classic cars can be costly to maintain, so fuel use is another expense for buyers to consider. AAA reported a national average of $4.12 per gallon, compared with $3.04 a year earlier, and California’s regular gasoline averaged $5.87.

The article frames efficiency as compatible with driving enjoyment. A 1990 Honda CRX is described as returning about 40 mpg combined, while a Mini Cooper S is cited at 31 mpg on the highway and 6.9 seconds to reach 60 mph.

Honda CRX blends efficiency

The Honda CRX HF could achieve up to 47 mpg, according to the story. More powerful versions, including the 91-horsepower 1.5Si, still exceeded 30 mpg, and Car & Driver found the 1.5Si’s sport suspension suited to twisty roads.

The CRX weighs less than 2,000 pounds, with the 1.5Si listed at 1,840 pounds. From 1988, the model used four-wheel double-wishbone suspension; in 1990, Honda added four-wheel disc brakes to the Si. Its rear bench folds down to expand hatch space. Hagerty figures cited in the story put CRX values at least at $14,000, after a rise of more than 113% over three years.

Toyota MR2 offers choices

The first-generation W10 Toyota MR2 is described as a more affordable way to get mid-engine handling. Hagerty values it at $10,300 to $18,000, and the 112-horsepower, 1.6-liter model reached 60 mph in 8.2 seconds while achieving 27 mpg in the city.

A supercharged W10 raises output to 145 horsepower and cuts the 0-to-60 time to 6.5 seconds. Its reported economy is 23 mpg city and 28 highway, with Hagerty values ranging from $15,800 to $26,200.

The later W20 MR2, with a turbocharged 200-horsepower engine, is listed at $23,000 to nearly $39,000. The article says that price makes it a less budget-friendly fit, despite its greater power.