Re: lean burn - makes sense now. Re-reading, I see I took that the wrong way.
That price range pretty much excludes the '00-06 Insight, unless you're very lucky (as I was, and a few other forum members). Generally even high-miles ones or ones with bad batteries go for prices above your limit.
We really need a dedicated thread for this, because it's a fairly common inquiry.
But I think you'll find most people suggesting:
- the VX / HX Honda Civics
- non EX/SI Civics
- Honda CRX (non SI)
- Geo Metro
- Toyota Corolla / Matrix / Echo
- Mazda Protege
- Chevy Cobalt XFe model
- some Saturns
- VW diesels (TDI Golf/Jetta/Beetle)
- others (I'm sure I missed some)
You can also browse our fuel economy "top 10" lists to see what people are getting from various cars. The really high scores are usually dedicated, hard core hypermilers, 1st generation Insights and other hybrids, or heavily modified cars (or all of the above).
Keep in mind the numbers are usually tied closely to average speed; the higher the number, the slower the average speed for the tank.
See:
EcoModder Fleet list - EcoModder.com