Real estate professionals spend plenty of time on the road as part of their job. As a result, realtors need a vehicle that will be comfortable to drive while also being affordable and offering great gas mileage. Good thing we’ve got a great guide to the best economy cars for realtors that are available right now. Let’s get started!

What is an economy car?

The concept of an “economy car” is pretty straightforward, as any vehicle that is relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain is often considered an economy car. These types of cars are characterized by being smaller and more lightweight than most full-size cars and with innovative features that allow them to achieve above-average gas mileage. 

Economy cars are usually sturdy as well, capable of working well for years as long as they’re maintained properly. This makes an economy car a great option for anyone who spends lots of time on the road – like a realtor! Of course, there is a trade-off for all that affordability and longevity. Economy cars don’t usually come with the bells and whistles that larger, more expensive vehicles do, but that’s the price you pay for having a reliable and affordable means of transportation.

Why are economy cars good for realtors?

Cars are big business, as major automakers like Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota sell anywhere from 300,000 to 400,000 units every quarter! Many of these vehicles are economy cars perfect for real estate professionals, as much of the job of a realtor is strictly out-of-the-office. Whether it’s showings, open houses, or property closing, the average realtor is likely to be on the go most of the time. That means plenty of hours spent in the car, driving to and fro – and if you don’t have a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle, you’re going to run into plenty of ownership and maintenance costs that you otherwise wouldn’t face!

Therefore, economy cars are so good for realtors. Economy cars are designed to be built quickly and without much cost to the automaker, which keeps the sticker price of these cars down. Since they’re so popular, replacement parts are readily available, and in the event your economy car needs repairs you’ll be back up and running in no time. Finally, the fuel efficiency of economy cars means you’ll never have to much pain at the pump from driving from client to client!

The best economy cars for realtors

So why buy a new economy car? You might think that your current vehicle would be just fine for your needs as a realtor. That may be, but if your car is getting long in the tooth, it’s time for an upgrade. There are so many reasons to do this, but one is especially important: you don’t want to end up alienating a client from an affluent neighborhood where there are luxury cars in every driveway by showing up in an old clunker. Likewise, you can’t exactly show up in a luxury car yourself if you’re helping first-time home buyers with more meager means and you show up in a Lexus to show them a modest starter home!

Honda Civic

Like its slightly upscale model the Honda Accord, the Honda Civic is well known for its affordability and its durability. Starting at the base model of the Civic LX sedan, the 2022 Civic retails for around $23,000 and is also available in a hatchback for just a thousand more. However, if you’re looking for the sweet spot between price, performance, and aesthetic, we recommend the EX sedan or hatchback, which is around $26,000 and $28,000 depending on the form factor you choose.

Why go with the EX line? It’s simple: you get the best fuel efficiency, which helps keep your Civic very affordable over time. With a rating of 33 miles per gallon in the city, 42 mpg on the highway, and an overall 36 mpg combined, a single tank of gas will take you far. Plus, the comfort level of the EX is perfect for spending long hours behind the wheel thanks to its 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment center with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Toyota Corolla

Another well-known economy car is the Toyota Corolla. Like the Civic, it’s also from a Japanese carmaker, and it comes as no surprise that a highly populated country like Japan has become an expert at producing small-sized economy cars that last forever and cost you nearly nothing in maintenance. Also like the Civic, the Corolla is available in both a sedan and a hatchback, with the base Corolla L sedan starting at $21,000. 

If you’re looking for no-nonsense worry-free operation and great fuel efficiency, though, we recommend the Hybrid LE option, as it gets an astounding 53 mpg city and 52 mpg highway. The Hybrid LE is also jam-packed with a host of user-friendly infotainment features and some great safety features that come standard. Better yet, it retails starting at just over $25,000. Owning a thrifty hybrid has never been so easy!

Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra hails from Japan’s close neighbor, South Korea. Known for making cars with unique styling that stands out in the crowd, Hyundai is a fan-favorite, especially for compact and economy cars. The Elantra is no different, with its base model starting at just $21,000. Unlike the Civic and the Corolla, the Elantra does not come in a hatchback, but there is a hybrid option that offers fuel economy that easily matches the Corolla Hybrid LE for about the same price.

What really sets the Elantra apart from its competitors is how comfortable the interior is. There’s plenty of space up front and for passengers, and the rear trunk is one of the roomiest we’ve seen on an economy car. Infotainment and safety features are also quite generous for a car of its price, including voice-recognition software to operate the radio, turn the heated seats on, and so on.

Conclusion

There’s no “bad” choice when it comes to choosing a solid economy car for a realtor. While it may be true that some people tend to trust cars more that have Porsche or Subaru badges on the front, that’s simply not practical for a real estate professional. Any one of the three economy cars we profiled above would be an excellent choice!