It’s fair to say that some used cars are a little less reliable than others. They don’t hold their value well, don’t last very long, and are more expensive to fix, maintain, and run.
If you’re in the market for a used car and want something that is reliable, cost-effective, and safe, take a look at the following 10 used cars.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is one of the most popular vehicles in the United States and it is available as a sedan and a hatchback. It is affordable, reliable, and very fun to drive.
The latest model of the Honda Civic, released in 2021, begins at $22,000 brand new and if you go back a couple of years you can get a used Civic in good condition for around $5,000.
Toyota Corolla
When you think of low-cost and efficient Toyotas, the Corolla likely springs to mind. It has been around for a number of years at this point and is a swift little car with great handling and an affordable price tag.
The Toyota Corolla scores well on consumer reports and customer reviews and once you get behind the wheel for the first time you will understand why.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a comfortable car that delivers an enjoyable ride. The latest models are available with all-wheel drive and while the trunk space seems to have dipped a little, older models still have a lot to offer in this area.
The Toyota Camry is relatively fuel efficient, has lots of good reviews, and is available for less than $10,000.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius has proven itself to be a reliable car, as well as one that is incredibly fuel efficient. The interior is spacious and you can save a small fortune by opting for some much older models.
These cars are in plenty supply throughout the United States, so you shouldn’t have an issue finding a few that meet your needs and budget.
Ford Focus
The 2008 Ford Focus is one of the highest-rated used cars in the Kelley Blue Book, delivering 140-horsepower, great reliability, optimal handling, and a surprisingly large interior.
Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback that some reviewers have described as a “clown car” due to its surprisingly large cargo space. It’s a tiny vehicle and it has an equally tiny price when purchased used, but the fact that the interior can be adjusted to seat more people and deliver more space makes it a veritable Tardis.
Some of these vehicles come with continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which provides even more fuel economy.
Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala has been around for decades. It is a full-size car and is one of the best sellers in the United States.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is another top used car available for less than $10,000. It is a midsize sedan fitted with safety features and designed for comfort and affordability. It is a little sportier than many of the other vehicles on this list and should be included in your search.
Mazda Mazda3
A compact car with a respectable price. Whether you choose a hatchback or a sedan, this Mazda is an affordable option that should be included in your search.
The Mazda Mazda3 from around 2014 will offer you great reliability and a surprisingly low price.
Nissan Sentra
A full-size sedan that is worthy of being included on any list of the best used cars. The popularity of the Sentra is on the rise and there are some very positive consumer reports out there.
Summary: Best Used Cars
On any list of the best used cars, you’ll see a lot of Toyotas and Hondas, as these are some of the biggest selling vehicles in the United States. They are widely available, affordable, and reliable, and they’re usually the first port of call for used car buyers.
But if your budget is a little higher and you’re not interested in sedans, SUVs, compact cars, or hatchbacks, this list won’t mean anything to you.
There are no sports cars or luxury cars here, and everything we have included can be picked up for less than $20,000.
It highlights the fact that everyone is different and what works for someone else won’t necessarily work for you.
Make sure you consider your personal needs, as well as fuel economy, space, and maintenance, when buying a used car. Consider how much the car will be worth in a few years, how much cheaper it is than its initial sale price, and whether it has any features or parts that are becoming obsolete or even problematic.
Once you have been through this check list, and have carefully considered your options, you can find the perfect vehicle for you.