The 12 Best Used Cars to Buy
A red Honda sedan drives on a roadway lined with palm trees, near a shopping area with parked cars and pedestrians in the background.
Honda Accord
On average, the price of a new vehicle hovers around $35,000 but you can get a high-quality used vehicle for much less. According to Kelley Blue Book, you can snag a 2016 Honda Accord for less than $20,000 and the car will depreciate slower than the competition.
A silver SUV drives through a wet, muddy path, splashing water and mud as it navigates the environment, with grass visible along the side.
Subaru Outback
CarMax ranks the Subaru Outback as one of the best deals when it comes to used vehicles. Not only does the Outback come in all-wheel-drive, but there’s plenty of space for hauling items.
A white Honda sedan is driving on a road beside a building with large windows and greenery. Bright sunlight illuminates the scene.
Honda Civic
Need a car seat-friendly vehicle? CarMax says the Honda Civic is your best bet. The Institute for Highway Safety also puts the Civic on the list for “acceptable” LATCH system (child seat attachment hardware) ratings.
A silver sedan parked on a residential street, surrounded by green bushes and trees, with a traffic sign visible in the background.
Toyota Camry
If you’re looking for a vehicle that is not only reliable and dependable but will retain value, the Toyota Camry is a good bet, according to Kelley Blue Book. The Camry is all new in 2018, but the last generation has a great reputation.
A dark blue Chevrolet sedan is prominently displayed, showcasing its sleek design under bright exhibition lights against a backdrop featuring Chevrolet branding.
Chevrolet Impala
With front-wheel drive, the Chevrolet Impala ranks as one of the best cars in Kelley Blue Book’s full-size car category. If you’re looking for one of the best used cars for technology, the 2016 model offers features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and even an LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
A gray pickup truck is parked in a brightly lit indoor showroom, showcasing its rear design and brand emblem amidst various automotive displays.
Honda Ridgeline
Consumer Reports ranks the Honda Ridgeline as a top choice for a full-sized, used, pickup truck. Not only does it have a large cargo bed and a powerful V6 engine, it offers a car-like ride.
A sleek, gray sedan is parked at a car show, showcasing its polished exterior and modern design against a neutral-colored floor and backdrop.
Ford Fusion
Have a new driver in the house? CarMax recommends the 2014 Ford Fusion as a good option for young drivers. This model can be found for around $15,000 and will be a reliable mode of transportation.
A red Honda car is parked on a dirt path surrounded by green trees and foliage, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Honda Fit
When it comes to subcompact cars, the Honda Fit is a standout, according to Consumer Reports. The 2013 model is not only fuel-efficient, it has a flexible interior which makes it a solid, practical choice.
A white Dodge Charger is parked on a dirt road, surrounded by tall green trees in a forested area, under clear skies.
Dodge Charger
If you’re looking for a good, all-around four-door sedan, the 2016 Dodge Charger SX is a top pick from Kelley Blue Book. You can find the model for less than $20,000 and the rear-drive model consistently gets top marks.
A yellow toy car with a white roof is positioned on a dark surface, showcasing its design against a solid blue background.
Mini Cooper
Looking for a smaller vehicle with manual transmission? CarMax ranks the Mini Cooper as one of the best used cars in the category for stick-shift drivers. You can easily find a used model for less than $14,000.
A blue Volkswagen sedan is displayed, showcasing its sleek design against a light blue backdrop in a well-lit exhibition space.
Volkswagen Passat
Kelley Blue Book notes the Volkswagen Passat is one of the most under-rated family sedans on the market. It has plenty of room and a used model can be found for around $17,000.
A black off-road vehicle stands on sandy terrain, equipped with a spare tire and roof rack, against a clear blue sky.
Jeep Wrangler
In CarMax’s all-wheel-drive SUV category, the Jeep Wrangler is a top pick. Depending on the year and the specific model, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 to $37,000.
FAQ
What is the best down payment for a used car?
Black recommends 20%, if you’re able. “It reduces the amount you’re required to pay each month and indicates to lenders that you’re committed, which is something that can get you a good interest rate,” he says.
It also depends on what your financing company requires. If the car is priced over book value, chances are your down payment will also need to cover the difference between the book value and price, plus all expenses beyond that, such as taxes, titles and tags.
“If your down payment needs to be over $4,000, then something is wrong with this car deal, you may need to negotiate more or move on to another car,” says Chris “Moose” Pyle, a JustAnswer master certified mechanic.
What is a vehicle history report, and why is it important?
A vehicle history report informs you about where the car’s been, such as whether it was in a wreck, has a title problem or odometer rollback. Sometimes it can even reveal how regular its maintenance was. “It’s your best bet at catching problems before you give up the cash,” says Black.
About the Experts
- Alex Black is chief marketing officer at EpicVIN. He has been car expert for more than 15 years, working at car auctions, vehicle history providers and more.
- Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience, and an auto expert on JustAnswer, the expert on-demand platform.
