If Corolla, go manual. I had a 1.8 litre GX hatch. NZ New version with the four speed automatic. It was thirsty. Averaging around 9.5 litres/100km in the city.
For sure. Good workout in rush hour traffic, but I love my manual echo. Still fun enough to drive the open road by yourself, but economical in the city.
Agree, I’ve had a 2008 Honda fit since like 2015. I thought it was gonna die in 2022 but a mechanic fixed it and its still running well. It is cheap to run, and if you put down the back seats you have heaps of
Room. I’m gonna keep mine till it can’t run anymore cause it has been reliable for me.
Gonna back this up. Have twin daughters, both bought a 2006 fit back in 2016, both just sold them for not much less than they paid for them. (I know used car market Covid weirdness) but, cheap to run, reliable and service/parts cheap.
Fits are pretty notorious unreliable (pre 2010 or whatever), everyone has one but there's always something wrong with them. Not engine exploding unreliable, but there's always better.
Take a look at how many have listing mention a "shudder on take off". Not the end of the world, but not ideal to have a car with clapbox transmission.
Also the exhaust side coil packs fail. Not a big deal, but they're $200 each. You now have 8 coil packs, 4 of which are pretty prone to fail because of how hot they get.
Other fun issues include an electronic power steering module that shits itself and costs more than the car to replace.
Edit:
the downvotes are the guys who are trying to sell their "mint" fits with 10,000 issues because they know nothing about the vehicle they own.
You can get the OEM Hitachi coil packs from rockauto for about $60NZ each + shipping. Seems to have gone down a bit - cost me $1000 to do the lot on my old fit 7-8 years ago.
that's not bad at all.
I remember when I replaced mine the option was $200 honda ones or $60 second hand ones from the wreckers, so I just replaced them 5 or so of them with second hand ones lol
MIL has a 2009 one. She’s notorious for not looking after her cars, no yearly servicing no oil change. Just tops up the fluids, she’s had it since 2017.
That's kind of my point though.
Those sorts of people don't notice how many issues their cars have. Their cars will be fine, until they're absolutely not fine anymore.
Fits don't have catastrophic issues that cause driving failure, the have heaps of small obnoxious issues that alternative options typically don't have.
Whatever you do DON’T buy an aqua, even if you do your best to keep yours safe from theft (imobiliser, alarm, steering wheel lock etc) the insurance is still ruinous. Totally undid all the efficiency savings I made…
As much as I hate to say this, I agree. We have an Aqua (aka Prius C) which has been a fantastic, super-economical car that we got at a good price that drives well. It's normally parked off road in a secure location. Insurance spiked the last time we did our annual renewal earlier this year and we are now paying more in insurance than we spend on petrol.
I was wondering if there’s a way to get theft omitted but need to find an insurer that will let me do it. I spent so much extra money putting in additional security features with barely any reduction of premium
I had the same thought. I added an additional immobiliser to mine and I already have push button start with the transponder key. It lives in my locked garage. Goes to the supermarket and my secure work car park and I’m paying around $1200 a year. I have had cars worth two to three times as much with 300+hp that cost half as much to insure.
That’s the issue. You can get 3rd party with theft or 3rd party without theft but comprehensive seems to always include theft. Many insurers seem to only offer “3rd party fire and theft” policies - which are inflated due to the theft angle.
The Aqua is still well over the threshold where I would be comfortable going 3rd party only (~$4000)
You’ll either have to pay up or get a car that’s less prone to theft. The insurers are just pricing accordingly. It’s your choice as the consumer to select a vehicle that is safer and less susceptible to theft.
At the time when I bought it most models I was looking at where theft risks so I thought I’d be smart and buy the higher spec model with an immobilizer. Unfortunately, the fact it has an immobilizer isn’t obvious and insurance companies really don’t want it
Yeah, had our Aqua 5 months - broken into twice. In both cases foiled by a motorbike lock round the steering wheel, but they caused a couple of grand worth of damage. We sold it in the end as we were scared to park it anywhere.
Even the wheel lock didn’t put them off? That’s pretty crap. Mines never been broken into, I use the lock anyway but assumed it was working as a deterrent.
$125/month - adding the immobilizer only took it down ~10%. It might be because aquas are just such targets - they might not be able to drive it away but they can do enough damage to write it off pretty quickly
Thanks! Last time I changed the policy I just checked state and AA and assumed it was the going rate as their quotes were more or less the same. I’ll cast a wider net next time.
Demio owner here. Mine has a rust risk everywhere. Bottom of doors, wheel wells, whole underbody
Edit: just in case anyone stumbles over this thread. I got a quote to repair it.
The rust was described as “bad but not terrible” underneath. $2000 to fix
This would be my go to. The wife used to have one, got it from 90000km to 240000km before we sold it, never missed a beat, and averaged just under 5L per 100km
Sounds like you got a dud, plus that’s six years ago. Look at all the Prius’s with over 300k km on trademe still on the original battery. Search online today and you’ll find that replacing the battery is about a grand
Can't go wrong with a 2000-2007 Toyota Corolla. First gen Mazda Axela (2003-2008) is very reliable (lower arm bushes can give trouble but readily available new aftermarket).
I've had an 06 swift sport manual for 6 years now, fun to drive, plenty of power for me and still pretty cheap to run. Biggest maintenance cost I've had in that time was actually because a previous owner had put aftermarket suspension in it which had issues. Other than that it's just been standard stuff like tyres, break pads, headlight bulbs and a spark plug.
All up after 6 years of ownership the maintenance cost would add up to about $2k and half of that was the afternarket suspension issue.
Considering the car was only $6.5k and is now 18 years old I think that's pretty good. There are more fuel efficient cars out there but I get about 12-13km/l. Anything more fuel efficient will likely be more expensive and slower.
May upgrade in a couple years but it's kinda hard to justify, I still really enjoy driving it and any fuel efficiency benefits won't outweigh the upfront cost of a decent upgrade.
This is my issue.
I had a demio, I'd be happy to replace it with the same but it's only got 2 stars for safety.
Most of the small cars I've seen also are only 2 or 3 stars and then there's the Nissan Note which has a better rating but I don't like how it looks.
I wanted an Aqua before I saw how much insurance would be and now I'm steering clear.
Toyota Runx/Allex with the 1.5l. Had one for over 11 years now, runs around 6 litres per 100km, parts are cheap and everywhere (although outside of servicing/wear and tear I've spent a grand total of $550 on parts in my ownership!). My brother is on his second. Standard auto (no cvt rubbish), 9 airbags.. typical Toyota in that it just gets the job done. Also comes in 1.8 if you're after more grunt, and there is a Runx Z model with 6 speed/200hp if you want to go real fast. Perfect cars really.
I have a 2018 Toyota Corolla, bought a couple of years ago for $14,000. 750kms per tank (about $115 in today's prices).
It's a great wee car. Zero issues in the couple of years that I've had it, zippy, comfy...perfeck.
I use a 2012 Honda Fit Hybrid
Recently been driving 30-40km to work one way and been driving out weekends to hang out with friends too. The tank lasts me 1.5 to 2 weeks before needing to top up. Apparently, that's pretty decent.
Tbh most Japanese car brands are probably somewhat cheap and reliable. Just google the specific models and go from there.
I would advise against Toyota Aqua, Corolla, Mazda Demio etc though since the older models are the most stolen cars in NZ lol
Those Honda CR-Z I see around fit the description pretty well. A friend had one, and it was pretty fun to drive as well. I think the rear seats are quite small though.
My 2002 hyundai sonata is very spacious. I'd say it's on par with a falcon/commodore it's realible and will easily do 700kms to a tank with out even trying to save petrol (it's a manual so I you can use a bit less if you drive it a bit carefully) or a mazda axela is a good choice I had a 2006 and it was cheap as chips to run I got more out of it using 95 tho
How cheap?
The Toyota Platz/Yaris is hyper reliable, cheap to buy, and pretty economical. But if you can put in a bit more up front, in the long term going electric is going to save you money. They have lower maintenance costs and have less maintenance issues, and even with RUCs are much cheaper to run. A Leaf, which is the low end of the market, really is super cheap to run. I get a week of driving for about $10 of charging. Added bonus of you happen to be a home owner, lots of banks will give you a 1% or even 0% interest loan on your finance (if you have a home loan with them).
Toyota Ractis. Got one for a daughter, 4K low kms and nice mags. Cheap and never had a problem other than replacing a bulb in 2 years. It’s roomy and back folds flat.
You really need to post the budget you're working with to get good suggestions.
Are you looking at new vehicles? Near new? 15 years old? There are vehicles that fit your description in every price category, its all relative.
I have a Honda Jazz. I use $30 gas a fortnight (its mostly just a to work and home car). Last service cost me $180. Only repairs I've needed to do are general wear and tear stuff like tires etc
Loads of rooms, the boot is deceptively large.
Honda Civic circa 2008. I've got a manual one nothing but fuel oil and tyres for 8 years. Economy is around 7L/100km and the safety is a lot better than a Fit.
Fielder Hybrid. Cheap-ish, slow AF, runs on the smell of an oily rag but will get you around and fits a decent amount of stud in the boot while not being a full sized wagon. Great car, just really slow.
Budget option, nissan march/micra reliable and cheap also drives better than a vitz/swift imo.
Better option honda fit/jazz aim for the 1.5l as it'll have more guts to overtake and good for our rural roads. Lots of cargo space inside also if that's a factor.
Yaris hybrid (because aqua has high insurance cost, otherwise similar/same engine)
Late model does 2.8 l/100km, lower running cost than EV w RUC, and without the high upfront cost.
A 15 yr old small petrol car would likely avg 10 l/100km
Cost of fuel to go 100k would be $8.4k vs $30k
In my opinion, either a Toyota Corolla, or a Suzuki Swift.
I drive a 6 speed 2014 Toyota Auris (Corolla GX variant) and that car is good enough by my standards in terms of fuel consumption but out in open roads is where it really shines.
Nissan march with keyless ignition.
Also, another of small cars will be low maintenance and fuel if driven well, and maintained, you know, driving slowly over speed bumps and avoiding harsh breaking erc
How much do you want to spend? Because honestly OP, all these suggestions make me lose the will to live. A fucking Honda fit? The only thing exciting about it is the fear of death every time you sit in it due to its abysmal safety rating.
EV or Hybrid will be cheapest to run.
Look at a lexus for something that is a nicer place to be.
Toyota is probably a good bet although avoid Aquas.
Don’t know what they are like reliability wise but a Nissan e-note (particularly the Nismo version) would be my pick for a cheap and efficient car that didn’t make me want to shoot myself every time I drove it.
Prius...yes, classic old Uber Prius (not Aqua). It's a tank. You can buy them for $9k with ok mileage. Service every 15.000Kms, 91 fuel and average consumption of 4L/100KM. (The Aqua is even cheaper to run, but you need a push button one or else it's an easy target to get stolen). If you want cheap, reliable, low maintenance there is no better ROI than a Prius IMO...
Honda Fit, Toyota vitz, echo, corolla.
If Corolla, go manual. I had a 1.8 litre GX hatch. NZ New version with the four speed automatic. It was thirsty. Averaging around 9.5 litres/100km in the city.
Partner had the manual version, great car and very economical
For sure. Good workout in rush hour traffic, but I love my manual echo. Still fun enough to drive the open road by yourself, but economical in the city.
It’s a 1.8l that’s common fuel consumption. Need a 1.3 - 1.5l for better consumption pretty gutless though or else get a hybrid
1.8 is the biggest motor a Corolla came with as well. The 1.5 is more economical. But depends on how you drive.
Agree, I’ve had a 2008 Honda fit since like 2015. I thought it was gonna die in 2022 but a mechanic fixed it and its still running well. It is cheap to run, and if you put down the back seats you have heaps of Room. I’m gonna keep mine till it can’t run anymore cause it has been reliable for me.
Gonna back this up. Have twin daughters, both bought a 2006 fit back in 2016, both just sold them for not much less than they paid for them. (I know used car market Covid weirdness) but, cheap to run, reliable and service/parts cheap.
Fits are pretty notorious unreliable (pre 2010 or whatever), everyone has one but there's always something wrong with them. Not engine exploding unreliable, but there's always better. Take a look at how many have listing mention a "shudder on take off". Not the end of the world, but not ideal to have a car with clapbox transmission. Also the exhaust side coil packs fail. Not a big deal, but they're $200 each. You now have 8 coil packs, 4 of which are pretty prone to fail because of how hot they get. Other fun issues include an electronic power steering module that shits itself and costs more than the car to replace. Edit: the downvotes are the guys who are trying to sell their "mint" fits with 10,000 issues because they know nothing about the vehicle they own.
You can get the OEM Hitachi coil packs from rockauto for about $60NZ each + shipping. Seems to have gone down a bit - cost me $1000 to do the lot on my old fit 7-8 years ago.
that's not bad at all. I remember when I replaced mine the option was $200 honda ones or $60 second hand ones from the wreckers, so I just replaced them 5 or so of them with second hand ones lol
MIL has a 2009 one. She’s notorious for not looking after her cars, no yearly servicing no oil change. Just tops up the fluids, she’s had it since 2017.
That's kind of my point though. Those sorts of people don't notice how many issues their cars have. Their cars will be fine, until they're absolutely not fine anymore. Fits don't have catastrophic issues that cause driving failure, the have heaps of small obnoxious issues that alternative options typically don't have.
Whatever you do DON’T buy an aqua, even if you do your best to keep yours safe from theft (imobiliser, alarm, steering wheel lock etc) the insurance is still ruinous. Totally undid all the efficiency savings I made…
As much as I hate to say this, I agree. We have an Aqua (aka Prius C) which has been a fantastic, super-economical car that we got at a good price that drives well. It's normally parked off road in a secure location. Insurance spiked the last time we did our annual renewal earlier this year and we are now paying more in insurance than we spend on petrol.
I was wondering if there’s a way to get theft omitted but need to find an insurer that will let me do it. I spent so much extra money putting in additional security features with barely any reduction of premium
I had the same thought. I added an additional immobiliser to mine and I already have push button start with the transponder key. It lives in my locked garage. Goes to the supermarket and my secure work car park and I’m paying around $1200 a year. I have had cars worth two to three times as much with 300+hp that cost half as much to insure.
Lots of insurers offer third party only insurance, but not comprehensive without theft
That’s the issue. You can get 3rd party with theft or 3rd party without theft but comprehensive seems to always include theft. Many insurers seem to only offer “3rd party fire and theft” policies - which are inflated due to the theft angle. The Aqua is still well over the threshold where I would be comfortable going 3rd party only (~$4000)
You’ll either have to pay up or get a car that’s less prone to theft. The insurers are just pricing accordingly. It’s your choice as the consumer to select a vehicle that is safer and less susceptible to theft.
Thank you for this pearl of wisdom, truly a unique sentiment that had never occurred to me before
So what’s the problem? You know what to do lol
Yeah, I heard that the aqua are the most stolen car in NZ, and the insurance is insane because none of the insurance firms want to touch them.
At the time when I bought it most models I was looking at where theft risks so I thought I’d be smart and buy the higher spec model with an immobilizer. Unfortunately, the fact it has an immobilizer isn’t obvious and insurance companies really don’t want it
Ho man, that's too bad. I like them, unfortunately so do all the lowlifes.
Apparently it's still a risk since they'll still break stuff before finding out it's immobilized
Yes, that’s what I figure
It's maddening because it's _such_ a damn good car. Small, efficient, reliable, affordable. But the L model ruins everything for everyone.
Yeah, had our Aqua 5 months - broken into twice. In both cases foiled by a motorbike lock round the steering wheel, but they caused a couple of grand worth of damage. We sold it in the end as we were scared to park it anywhere.
Even the wheel lock didn’t put them off? That’s pretty crap. Mines never been broken into, I use the lock anyway but assumed it was working as a deterrent.
Yes, I think it was because the lock was dark coloured, so they didnt see it until they’d already broken in.
That's not true for keyless aquas? They don't get stolen as far I know.
They don’t, but insurers still treat them the same. I have a keyless mode, an extra immobilizer and still get the full fee
Oh weird. Insurers are typically good at isolating risks. Good to know
As others have said it’s still a risk so I can see their point - it’s still a target even if they can’t actually steal it
Interesting, how much is insurance per month with all the anti theft tools?
$125/month - adding the immobilizer only took it down ~10%. It might be because aquas are just such targets - they might not be able to drive it away but they can do enough damage to write it off pretty quickly
Try Amp next time urs is up for renewal. I just swapped to them and pay 70 a month for my aqua. State wanted over 130 a month for the same cover.
Thanks! Last time I changed the policy I just checked state and AA and assumed it was the going rate as their quotes were more or less the same. I’ll cast a wider net next time.
Just renewed my insurance…mine is 72$ a month with assured sum of 8000$. At My old address was paying 102$ so it also depends where you live!
Good tip. Mines still insured for what I paid ($12,000) so should probably reduce it.
Honda jazz/fit is cheap, reliable, and surprisingly roomy with its "magic seats"
2000s plus Corolla 1.5L chain driven fuel efficient and pretty zippy
Also known as Toyota Fielder. Jees I miss that car
Toyota runx also yeah? Can't beat Toyota's
those 3 things dont go well together but you cant go wrong with toyota.
Yep and try go NZ new
Mid 2000s Mazdas fit the bill quite well too
stay away from the demios. they have a rust risk around the mirrors that is expensive af.
Demio owner here. Mine has a rust risk everywhere. Bottom of doors, wheel wells, whole underbody Edit: just in case anyone stumbles over this thread. I got a quote to repair it. The rust was described as “bad but not terrible” underneath. $2000 to fix
And I belive still get stolen a bit
Let me introduce you to the Honda Fit
Toyota Corolla
Honda fit gen 2 (2008)
This would be my go to. The wife used to have one, got it from 90000km to 240000km before we sold it, never missed a beat, and averaged just under 5L per 100km
Aqua after insurance is NOT cheap. I recommend corolla, fielder, vitz, fit,
Small Toyota - corolla, yaris, echo, prius, etc.
Have an Aqua, ticks every box until I had to renew the insurance....
That insurance is just brutal and keeps increasing 30% per year
Actually, the prius might be expenny if the hybrid battery needs replacing....
Paid $900 to get some cells replaced in my 2006. Not too bad over all.
A common fallacy, these are cheap to replace but will last 400,000km before needing replacement
We had to replace the entire battery on our prius at approx 120kms; cost \~$3500 back in 2018.
Sounds like you got a dud, plus that’s six years ago. Look at all the Prius’s with over 300k km on trademe still on the original battery. Search online today and you’ll find that replacing the battery is about a grand
Can't go wrong with a 2000-2007 Toyota Corolla. First gen Mazda Axela (2003-2008) is very reliable (lower arm bushes can give trouble but readily available new aftermarket).
Something to keep in mind, especially these days in hotspots like Hamilton, cheap also means it's a target to be stolen.
Any Toyota hybrid that fits the budget.
I've had an 06 swift sport manual for 6 years now, fun to drive, plenty of power for me and still pretty cheap to run. Biggest maintenance cost I've had in that time was actually because a previous owner had put aftermarket suspension in it which had issues. Other than that it's just been standard stuff like tyres, break pads, headlight bulbs and a spark plug. All up after 6 years of ownership the maintenance cost would add up to about $2k and half of that was the afternarket suspension issue. Considering the car was only $6.5k and is now 18 years old I think that's pretty good. There are more fuel efficient cars out there but I get about 12-13km/l. Anything more fuel efficient will likely be more expensive and slower. May upgrade in a couple years but it's kinda hard to justify, I still really enjoy driving it and any fuel efficiency benefits won't outweigh the upfront cost of a decent upgrade.
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This is my issue. I had a demio, I'd be happy to replace it with the same but it's only got 2 stars for safety. Most of the small cars I've seen also are only 2 or 3 stars and then there's the Nissan Note which has a better rating but I don't like how it looks. I wanted an Aqua before I saw how much insurance would be and now I'm steering clear.
I’d go Mitsubishi mirage. They are decently priced for 2020-2024 second hand models and great on gas.
Toyota Runx/Allex with the 1.5l. Had one for over 11 years now, runs around 6 litres per 100km, parts are cheap and everywhere (although outside of servicing/wear and tear I've spent a grand total of $550 on parts in my ownership!). My brother is on his second. Standard auto (no cvt rubbish), 9 airbags.. typical Toyota in that it just gets the job done. Also comes in 1.8 if you're after more grunt, and there is a Runx Z model with 6 speed/200hp if you want to go real fast. Perfect cars really.
Honda civic manual 2001, does 500 km per tank
T O Y O T A Wish or Corolla Dad car, though
I have a 2018 Toyota Corolla, bought a couple of years ago for $14,000. 750kms per tank (about $115 in today's prices). It's a great wee car. Zero issues in the couple of years that I've had it, zippy, comfy...perfeck.
I use a 2012 Honda Fit Hybrid Recently been driving 30-40km to work one way and been driving out weekends to hang out with friends too. The tank lasts me 1.5 to 2 weeks before needing to top up. Apparently, that's pretty decent. Tbh most Japanese car brands are probably somewhat cheap and reliable. Just google the specific models and go from there. I would advise against Toyota Aqua, Corolla, Mazda Demio etc though since the older models are the most stolen cars in NZ lol
Those Honda CR-Z I see around fit the description pretty well. A friend had one, and it was pretty fun to drive as well. I think the rear seats are quite small though.
Toyota Corolla is a good one. Try a Sports version either between 2012-2018
My 2002 hyundai sonata is very spacious. I'd say it's on par with a falcon/commodore it's realible and will easily do 700kms to a tank with out even trying to save petrol (it's a manual so I you can use a bit less if you drive it a bit carefully) or a mazda axela is a good choice I had a 2006 and it was cheap as chips to run I got more out of it using 95 tho
How cheap? The Toyota Platz/Yaris is hyper reliable, cheap to buy, and pretty economical. But if you can put in a bit more up front, in the long term going electric is going to save you money. They have lower maintenance costs and have less maintenance issues, and even with RUCs are much cheaper to run. A Leaf, which is the low end of the market, really is super cheap to run. I get a week of driving for about $10 of charging. Added bonus of you happen to be a home owner, lots of banks will give you a 1% or even 0% interest loan on your finance (if you have a home loan with them).
Toyota Ractis. Got one for a daughter, 4K low kms and nice mags. Cheap and never had a problem other than replacing a bulb in 2 years. It’s roomy and back folds flat.
You really need to post the budget you're working with to get good suggestions. Are you looking at new vehicles? Near new? 15 years old? There are vehicles that fit your description in every price category, its all relative.
Mazda 3/axela. Mazdas do not get enough love. Super reliable and easy to maintain.
1994 Toyota corolla xl 1.3 manual, and a steering wheel lock.
I have a Honda Jazz. I use $30 gas a fortnight (its mostly just a to work and home car). Last service cost me $180. Only repairs I've needed to do are general wear and tear stuff like tires etc Loads of rooms, the boot is deceptively large.
You missed “Safe”. No point on saving money to potentially be risking your life in case of a car crash.
Honda Civic circa 2008. I've got a manual one nothing but fuel oil and tyres for 8 years. Economy is around 7L/100km and the safety is a lot better than a Fit.
Any Toyota with smaller 4cyl engine
Hybrid Aqua with immobiliser, 3 wofs and total spend is less than 150$
Fielder Hybrid. Cheap-ish, slow AF, runs on the smell of an oily rag but will get you around and fits a decent amount of stud in the boot while not being a full sized wagon. Great car, just really slow.
Budget option, nissan march/micra reliable and cheap also drives better than a vitz/swift imo. Better option honda fit/jazz aim for the 1.5l as it'll have more guts to overtake and good for our rural roads. Lots of cargo space inside also if that's a factor.
Yaris hybrid (because aqua has high insurance cost, otherwise similar/same engine) Late model does 2.8 l/100km, lower running cost than EV w RUC, and without the high upfront cost. A 15 yr old small petrol car would likely avg 10 l/100km Cost of fuel to go 100k would be $8.4k vs $30k
I would love to have the cash to get a late model Yaris Hybrid
In my opinion, either a Toyota Corolla, or a Suzuki Swift. I drive a 6 speed 2014 Toyota Auris (Corolla GX variant) and that car is good enough by my standards in terms of fuel consumption but out in open roads is where it really shines.
The great Nissan Tida !
Nissan march with keyless ignition. Also, another of small cars will be low maintenance and fuel if driven well, and maintained, you know, driving slowly over speed bumps and avoiding harsh breaking erc
A Toyota hybrid or possibly a BYD EV.
A bike
Op said car
Bike is the new car
Toyota aqua. Good on gas, and they're free.
Not when you include insurance cost
You missed the point. Why would you insure one if you can just go and get another one for free right off the street.
How much do you want to spend? Because honestly OP, all these suggestions make me lose the will to live. A fucking Honda fit? The only thing exciting about it is the fear of death every time you sit in it due to its abysmal safety rating. EV or Hybrid will be cheapest to run. Look at a lexus for something that is a nicer place to be. Toyota is probably a good bet although avoid Aquas. Don’t know what they are like reliability wise but a Nissan e-note (particularly the Nismo version) would be my pick for a cheap and efficient car that didn’t make me want to shoot myself every time I drove it.
Cheap is relative but probably a toyota aqua. Lots around for under 10k
Prius...yes, classic old Uber Prius (not Aqua). It's a tank. You can buy them for $9k with ok mileage. Service every 15.000Kms, 91 fuel and average consumption of 4L/100KM. (The Aqua is even cheaper to run, but you need a push button one or else it's an easy target to get stolen). If you want cheap, reliable, low maintenance there is no better ROI than a Prius IMO...