Buying a used car is one of the smartest purchases you can make. You avoid the initial depreciation new cars see while still getting modern features and technology. Used cars also give you access to premium brands and models that may be outside your new car budget. With this guide on the top used vehicles based on expert analysis of reliability, ownership satisfaction and value retention, you can shop smart.
Benefits of Buying a Used Car
Here are some of the top reasons to consider buying used for your next vehicle purchase:
- Save Money — The average used car costs about 40% less than a new one after 5 years of ownership. Even a 2–3 year old used car offers big savings.
- Get More for Your Money — Modern used cars still have great technology like touchscreens, backup cameras and active safety features. You give up little buying used today.
- Certified Pre-Owned Have Warranties — Many late model used cars are certified pre-owned with extended warranty coverage for added peace of mind.
- Wider Selection of Models/Brands — The used market gives you access to discontinued models and premium brands often outside a new car shopper’s budget.
- Retains Factory Warranty — Most 3 year/36,000 mile new car warranties transfer to subsequent owners, providing coverage on used purchases.
For all of these reasons, buying used is smart. Follow our guide on what to look for and you can make the most informed used car purchase possible.
How to Shop for a Used Car
Here are some expert tips on researching and shopping the used car market:
- Check expert reliability ratings so you don’t end up with a used lemon. Sites like Consumer Reports offer model reviews.
- Run a free VIN check to verify ownership records, accident history and service repairs on any car you’re serious about.
- Have a mechanic you trust conduct a pre-purchase inspection to uncover any issues not immediately apparent on a test drive.
- Test drive the car extensively, listening for odd engine noises, checking acceleration and braking. Bring it up to highway speeds.
- Price shop multiple examples of the same model/year/miles to determine fair market value. Sites like Kelley Blue Book have pricing tools.
- Negotiate the best price using proven tips for savings below KBB values. Have quotes from other dealers for leverage.
- If available on a model, choose a certified pre-owned example that comes with extended warranty coverage for added peace of mind.
- Carefully read any paperwork before signing and never feel pressured. It’s a major purchase.
Expert Tips for Buying a Used Car
Here are some more great tips for getting the best used car at the lowest pricing:
- Focus on lightly used cars that are 1–3 years old with lower miles. You avoid big depreciation while getting modern features.
- Consider buying from a private owner to avoid dealer markup. But you lose certified pre-owned warranties going this route.
- Shop end of model year sales for best pricing as dealers discount remaining old inventory.
- Use online price guides to gauge fair market value. Look at both retail and private party estimates.
- Always obtain a vehicle history report like Carfax to check for accidents, rentals, and title issues.
- Research expected maintenance costs for the make/model/year to avoid surprises.
- Assess the condition of wear items like tires, brakes and fluids that are upcoming replacement needs.
- Confirm any remaining factory warranty coverage that may transfer to you as a subsequent owner.
- Thoroughly test all technology features like driving aids, touchscreens and speakers during the test drive.
- Pay for a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic to uncover any issues.
Best Used Cars by Type
If you’ve determined used is the way to go, here are some top models to consider by vehicle type:
Best Used Trucks — Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado
Best Used SUVs — Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester
Best Used Sedans — Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 6
Best Used Sports Cars — Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Mazda Miata
Best Used Hybrids — Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq, Kia Niro
Best Used EVs — Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, Tesla Model S
This list gives you a great starting point for your used car shopping. Prioritize finding well-maintained examples with complete service histories.
10 Best Used Cars Under $15,000
Here are the top-rated used cars available for under $15,000 based on reliability, ownership costs, and value retention:
1. Honda Civic — A reliable and efficient compact car with engaging handling. Even base models come well-equipped with features like a rearview camera.
2. Toyota Corolla — Legendary for durability and value. Provides a comfortable ride and good safety scores for an affordable price.
3. Mazda3 — The Mazda3 has a more upscale interior and sportier driving dynamics than other compact cars. A satisfying used buy.
4. Honda Fit — Maximizes interior space thanks to the versatile Magic Seat system. A great used car for city dwellers.
5. Toyota Prius — Used Prius models offer spectacular fuel economy in excess of 50 mpg. Toyota’s hybrid powertrain has proven ultra-reliable.
6. Ford Focus — The Focus offers European-inspired handling, making it one of the most fun used compact cars to drive. Reliability declines in newer models however.
7. Kia Forte — A well-rounded compact car with contemporary styling and many standard features. Good value, backed by Kia’s 10-year powertrain warranty on 2010+ models.
8. Subaru Legacy — A midsize sedan with all-wheel drive versatility. Provides a comfortable ride with spacious rear seating. Reliability is strong outside of some head gasket issues on older models.
9. Nissan Altima — Offers impressive interior space and a comfortable ride. Reliability and build quality are just average for this segment however.
10. Hyundai Elantra — Recent Elantra models have eye-catching styling inside and out. Lots of features come standard on well-equipped models.
10 Best Used Cars Under $20,000
Increasing your used car budget to $20,000 opens up additional options. Here are some excellent used cars available:
1. Toyota RAV4 — The top-selling SUV with impressive reliability ratings. Cargo space is generous and offers clever options like the dual trunk.
2. Honda CR-V — A comfortable and practical compact SUV. Provides lots of interior flexibility and top-tier ownership satisfaction.
3. Mazda CX-5 — The best handling small SUV, with a more refined interior than competitors. More fun to drive than most crossovers.
4. Toyota Camry — A used Camry is tough to beat -America’s favorite sedan has proven long-term dependability. Provides a comfortable and quiet ride.
5. Honda Accord — Also a midsize sedan standout. More engaging to drive than the Camry, with excellent resale value retention.
6. Toyota Prius — Prius used pricing allows hybrid technology at an attractive price. 50+ mpg paired with Toyota’s outstanding hybrid reliability.
7. Ford Fusion — Handsome sports sedan styling inside and out. Consider V6 and hybrid models. Reliability varies by powertrain.
8. Hyundai Tucson — A compact SUV offering lots of features for the money. Backed by Hyundai’s 10-year powertrain warranty on 2010+ models.
9. Nissan Rogue — A spacious crossover SUV with an efficient powertrain and affordable pricing. Average reliability and build quality however.
10. Subaru Forester — A used Forester provides SUV practicality with Subaru’s unbeatable all-wheel drive system. Family-friendly.
Used car sweet spot is $10k-$20k — avoid the steepest depreciation while getting features. Shop these models for great used transportation values.
Expert Tips for Buying Used Cars Online
The internet opens up your used car shopping possibilities, but comes with potential pitfalls. Here are some expert tips for buying used cars online:
- Use reputable used car marketplaces like Carvana, Autotrader, Cars.com and others with vehicle inspection processes. Avoid eBay and Craigslist.
- Carefully inspect all photos and video for evidence of damage — paint imperfections, misaligned panels, worn upholstery.
- Ask about any inspections done and look over provided condition reports. Carvana provides a 150-point inspection report.
- Request service records and vehicle history reports to confirm maintenance and ownership.
- Understand the warranty provided — Certified pre-owned models come with extended warranties. Others could be third-party or none at all.
- Be sure to test drive the vehicle upon delivery, listening for issues and assessing fit and finish.
- Take advantage of short return periods in case issues are found upon closer inspection.
- Have your preferred mechanic conduct an inspection after delivery for an expert second opinion.
- Thoroughly test all technology features and vehicle controls. Update any outdated navigation, apps or software if possible.
Online used car buying provides great selection but requires diligence upfront to avoid getting stuck with a lemon. Inspect carefully upon delivery.
Negotiation Tips for Used Car Buying
Here are some proven strategies to negotiate the lowest price on a used car purchase:
- Thoroughly research fair market value prices using Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds so you have justification for lower offers.
- Point out any flaws, damage or wear items that need replacement to ask for a discount off asking price.
- Reference similar vehicles listed for lower prices locally or online.
- Make your first offer well below the price you ultimately hope to pay so you have room to come up.
- Time your purchase at month, quarter or year end when dealers push for sales goals.
- Float the idea of walking out if you don’t get a fair deal.
- Get pre-approved financing so you can secure competitive loan rates.
- Have quotes in hand from other dealers to gain leverage negotiating your best price.
Questions to Ask When Buying Used
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions when purchasing a used vehicle:
- Why are you selling this particular vehicle? Listen for red flags.
- How many previous owners has this car had? The fewer the better.
- May I see maintenance and service records? This proves diligent upkeep.
- Has this vehicle ever been in an accident? Even minor ones can cause issues down the road.
- Why is this priced lower than similar used models? Uncover defects impacting value.
- What is your best out-the-door price on this car? Get a final figure before extras.
- Is there any remaining factory warranty coverage? This sweetens the deal if available.
- Will you provide a vehicle history report like Carfax? Review accident history.
- Can I have my mechanic inspect the car before purchase? An expert pre-purchase inspection is ideal.
Asking the right questions helps avoid buying someone else’s problem car. Bring any issues uncovered to negotiate the fairest price.
Hidden Costs of Buying Used
Alongside the purchase price, keep these hidden used car costs in mind:
- Sales tax on the purchase price depending on your state laws
- Registration, title and license fees which vary by state
- Dealer documentation fees, averaging around $400 nationwide
- Financing fees if you take out a loan through the dealership
- Potentially higher insurance premiums than a new model
- Initial maintenance items like oil changes, inspections
- Any uncovered repairs needed on wear items or undiscovered defects
- Eventually replacing tires, brake pads, batteries and other components
Factor these costs into your used budget. Having some savings earmarked for repairs reduces purchase risk.
Alternatives to Buying Used
If you decide buying used isn’t the right option now, consider these alternate transportation options:
- Leasing — Gets you in a new car with lower out-of-pocket costs, but restrictions apply. Do your homework.
- Certified Pre-Owned — Late model used cars with extended warranties for peace of mind. Higher cost but lower risk.
- Car Sharing — Join a service like Zipcar for occasional access to vehicles without ownership costs.
- Car Subscriptions — Swap vehicles periodically to drive a variety without long commitments.
- Ride Hailing — Ditch car ownership by using Uber and Lyft. Best for city dwellers.
- Public Transportation — From trains to buses, robust public transit makes owning a car optional in some areas.
- Working Remotely — Telecommuting reduces transportation needs for many office workers.
Weight the pros and cons of buying used versus exploring transportation alternatives that may better suit your needs.
FAQs
What are the best used car brands?
Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Subaru are brands with proven used car reliability and ownership satisfaction. Lexus luxury models also rate well.
How many miles is too many for a used car?
It depends on brand, but 150,000 miles or less is ideal. Well maintained domestic/Asian brands can go 200k-300k miles. European luxury cars become risky over 100k miles.
Is it better to buy from a dealer or privately?
Dealers offer certified pre-owned warranty coverage but charge more. Private sales have no coverage but you avoid dealer markup.
Should I buy used from a rental car company?
Rental cars receive heavy use, but are maintained diligently. Great short-term value but higher long-term risk.
What should you look for when test driving a used car?
Listen for odd engine noises, grinding brakes, examine tire wear. Ensure transmission, technology and features function properly.
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