The cost of a new car these days is much higher than the MSRP due to several factors. If you’re in the market for a car, a used car currently makes more sense. Another benefit of using a used car instead of a new one is that they have a good reputation in the market and you know what you are buying.
But that doesn’t mean you should buy a used car – here are some suggestions for the best-used cars, trucks, and SUVs on the market.
GMC Terrain
If you’re looking for something different from the usual mid-size crossover formula, Terrain has something for you. The truck look of this SUV will help you stand out from the crowd of CR-Vs and RAV4s.
You can buy one of these crossovers for $20,000 to $30,000. The AWD version costs more, but choose this if your use case involves getting off the car.
Honda Civic
It is impossible to list a quality used car without including the Honda Civic. This goes without saying. It’s as reliable as a Honda, as fuel-efficient as a car, and quite affordable.
You can get this car for $20,000 to $30,000 and it will make a great daily driver. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is great, the seats are comfortable, the trunk is huge, and you can drive hundreds of thousands of miles on it without major overhauls.
Audi A4
Audi has a reputation for making cars that outperform the competition. If you’re looking for an entry-level luxury vehicle with a budget between $25,000 and $40,000, look no further than the 2017-2020 Audi A4.
It comes with two engines, a 190 hp or a 252 hp 4-cylinder. The interior has all the little details you’d expect from a luxury car, and unlike other luxury cars, it’s also low maintenance.
Toyota RAV4
Without a doubt, the crossover space is the most competitive segment of the U.S. auto market. The RAV4 maintains its position as America’s best-selling crossover, even at a reasonable profit.
Powered by a 203hp 2.5L I4, this Japanese crossover is available with FWD or AWD and is priced between $20,000 and $30,000. It’s one of the most practical and affordable everyday drivers on the market that you can use reliably every day.
Ford F150
The F-150 has long been the best-selling vehicle in America. Yes, Ford sells more of these full-size trucks than any other crossover, SUV, sedan, or hatchback on the market.
You can buy this truck with a diesel V6, petrol V6, or petrol V8. The F-150 is also very affordable. You can find a decent device for as low as $25,000, and a really good one will still set you back under $50,000.
Honda Civic TypeR
For those looking to have some fun in a hatchback, there’s no better option than the Civic TypeR, also known as the fastest front-wheel-drive car on the Nurburgring. The 306-horsepower car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
You’ll need to spend $40,000 to $50,000 on a well-maintained TypeR device to get this level of performance, but it’s definitely worth the money. Not only is the Civic fast and performance-oriented, but it also has usable rear seats, a large trunk, and Honda-level reliability.
BMW Z4
It’s sleek, agile, powerful, refined, premium, and faster than the Porsche Boxster S. If you’re looking for a car you can drive every day and hit the track on the weekends, the Z4 is an excellent choice.
This German car artwork will cost you between $20,000 and $60,000, depending on model year and mileage. The 2017-2020 models are the best in terms of reliability and maintenance costs.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
It is said that Miata is always the answer. It’s a rear-wheel-drive convertible with a free-revving engine without any complications. All that, and you can buy this gem of a car for as little as $20,000 to $25,000.
The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine has plenty of power to propel this little car with exciting acceleration, and this little sports car’s manual transmission is one of the best on the market. The only thing missing here is a limited-slip differential, but you can’t complain at this price point.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
With hybrids and solid midsize, the Camry offers the best of both worlds. It combines the fuel efficiency of a hybrid, the comfort and practicality of a midsize sedan, and the reliability of a Toyota.
You can buy one of these for $20,000 to $30,000. The combination of a 4-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors makes for a responsive powertrain while delivering up to 45mpg of fuel economy.
Honda Insight
We’ll forgive you for confusing this car with a Civic because it looks a lot like it. While many hybrids use bold exterior designs to show they’re trying to save the planet, this one disguises the hybrid as a traditional-style body.
The insight will set you back $10,000 to $25,000 for a decent used device. The responsive 151 hp powertrain provides this model with outstanding performance.
Dodge Challenger
If you’re looking for the power and fun of driving a car, the Challenger is for you. These cars are built for one thing – speed. The good thing about this car is that if you’re willing to spend more, you can get a more powerful car.
Prices for used Dodge Challengers range from $15,000 to $60,000 depending on model year and engine options.
Toyota Land Cruiser
It’s reliable, sturdy, powerful, and has seven seats. The Land Cruiser has always been one of the most complete SUVs in the world. This is the kind of car you can drive indefinitely with minimal maintenance.
While you can find older models for as little as $15,000, they lack the comfort and modern technology we’ve seen in cars. Expect to spend $40,000 to $60,000 on a good piece of equipment.
GMC Canyon
For those who want full-size truck capabilities in a mid-size package, look no further. The combination of solid body-on-frame construction, a powerful V6 engine, 31-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires makes for an impressive truck that looks elegant and mature.
You can find older Canyon models for as little as $5,000, but if you want a hassle-free ride for the next decade, you’ll need to pay $30,000 for well-maintained, low-mileage equipment.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is available in both sedan and hatchback options. This beautifully aged Mazda offers dependable everyday driving and a little fun. The base model has a 155 hp engine, but a 184 hp option is also available.
The Mazda3 is also quite affordable. You can easily find a good device for as low as $15,000, while newer devices can go up to $25,000.
Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator may be new to the already saturated world of pickup trucks, but it’s managed to carve a place and a name for itself in the market. This rugged and boxy truck comes with a gasoline or diesel V6 engine and is available with manual and automatic transmissions.
Since the Gladiator isn’t very old, you won’t find one very cheap on the used car market. These things cost between $40,000 and $50,000.
Ford Mustang Convertible
The Mustang has been one of America’s most popular sports cars since its release in 1964. If you’re looking for a fun car without burning money in the bank, the Mustang Convertible is a great choice.
You can buy one for anywhere from $15,000 to $35,000, depending on the model year and condition of the car. The Mustang has a V-8 with a maximum power of 480 hp.
Ford Escape
This compact crossover from Ford isn’t very roomy, economical, or cargo-friendly, but there’s one thing that makes it shine on the endless list of compact crossovers on the market. It’s fun to drive.
The Escape’s small profile makes it easy to handle on narrow streets, and the combination of its lightweight construction and powerful engine makes it more agile off-road. It was not expensive either. You can find an acceptable unit for as little as $10,000, and a well-maintained unit for less than $25,000.
Chevrolet Bolt
The Bolt EV is an affordable electric vehicle with a good range, acceptable acceleration, and a spacious interior, making it a great choice for anyone looking for an eco-friendly mode of transportation. It has plenty of power and nimble handling, and best of all, you don’t have to pay more for gas.
These things cost around $20,000 to $30,000, depending on the model year. At this price point, don’t expect a high-end cabin from this car.
Chevrolet Camaro
Not many cars have such a perfect balance of easy driving, reasonable performance, and practicality, and still, be a sports car. The Camaro has long been considered an affordable luxury sports car.
This American asphalt shredder is priced between $20,000 and $40,000 and features a 6.2-liter V8 that makes 455 horsepower without forced induction, so no more turbo lag. The rest of the car is also track-oriented, with due regard for practicality and comfort.
Subaru BRZ
The BRZ delivers sports car driving power and agility with everyday driver practicality at an affordable price. But if you’re looking for crazy performance figures or exclusivity, look elsewhere!
Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet
This German convertible looks a lot more expensive than the $30,000 to $45,000 price tag for a reasonable-use unit. It is one of the few convertibles on the market with 4 usable seats. That makes the car suitable for family commutes while still being a luxury convertible.
Performance is also not affected. The turbocharged 6-cylinder engine produces 362 horsepower, and this car can be had with either RWD or Mercedes’ state-of-the-art 4MATIC AWD.
Audi A5 Cabriolet
The Audi 5 Series offers two convertible options derived from the Audi A5 coupe. The cheaper A5 Cabriolet has a 190-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while the more expensive S5 has a 354-hp turbocharged V6. Both have sturdy chassis and space for 4 people, but not much luggage.
Speaking of price, you can get an A5 convertible for as little as $14,000, but a car in good condition will cost around $30,000. The S5 is much more expensive, at least $20,000 for older model years and up to $60,000 for newer models.
Toyota 86
That’s the definition of an affordable sports car. It has a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 228 hp, rear-wheel drive, and a limited-slip differential, all with four seats. However, no adult of a reasonable size can use the rear seats.
You can get one of these for less than $30,000. Many automotive journalists think the car you’re buying at this price has the most tuned chassis of any sports car on the market.
Chevrolet Colorado
Colorado is an attractive mid-size truck option if you’re looking to buy an American truck. This truck comes with a 200hp 4-cylinder or 308 V6. The latter gives it enough power to tow up to 7,700 pounds and is unstoppable off-road. The interior is also very homey and comfortable.
If you’re in the market for this awesome Chevrolet truck, be prepared to shell out $15,000 to $35,000 for one.
Toyota Tacoma
There’s no shortage of options in the mid-size truck category, but the Tacoma continues in Toyota’s heritage and builds on lessons learned from the Land Cruiser, Hilux, and Highlander.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
If you’re looking to buy a used car, the 2017-2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the best cars to buy. You can get a good one for $18,000 to $40,000.
It comes with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which isn’t strictly fun to drive but provides plenty of everyday power throughout the rev range. The Golf GTI is reliable, low maintenance, and overall a good car for everyday use.
Nissan 370Z
A great and inexpensive works bike for those who like a little bit of greasy to shape their speed machine. This highly customizable Japanese car dart has become a cultural icon in the automotive world.
Honda CR-V
The CR-V might be small but it offers a great combination of impressive fuel consumption, high-tech equipment, and spacious cargo hold. It comes with a small but powerful 1.5L inter-cooled turbo 4-cylinder with 190 hp. That, coupled with a CVT, makes this car highly fuel-efficient, a bit sluggish though.
Volvo S60
The Swedish automaker Volvo has earned itself a reputation as an affordable luxury car company. The S60 is a mid-size luxury car that offers attractive styling, engaging driving response, and high-tech features. If the base 250-hp family sedan doesn’t excite you, a 415-hp option is also on the table.
Toyota Yaris
If you are in the market for the most affordable car that can take you from point A to point B without any problem, look no further. The Yaris can be yours for anywhere between $15,000 and $20,000.
Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is a lot of things in one package. It can fill the roles of a budget family car, a disguised sports sedan, an entry-level executive salon, and an efficient hybrid daily driver. It is available with a 175-hp, 181-hp, or 325-hp powertrain.
Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster is a hot-hatch that provides a practical way of transportation to enthusiasts. Its base model comes with a 136-hp gas motor, while a 201-hp option is also available. Though it is an FWD car, it doesn’t let you feel that because of its excellently balanced chassis.
Genesis G70
Hyundai’s luxury division has made the G70 target two groups of very keen car buyers, luxury aficionados, and driving enthusiasts. Surprisingly, this sporty executive car delivers well on both fronts. An option of a 252 or a 365 hp engine and an upscale interior help the car shine.
KIA Forte
If you want the features and styling of the Stinger sedan from Kia, but are on a limited budget, the Forte with a price range of $12,000 to $25,000 is a nice option. However, that price won’t get you the performance the Stinger sedan is known for.
Toyota Prius
Who doesn’t like a Prius? Maybe drag racers. If you want a car that can take you anywhere with a paved road with the lowest expenditure, this hybrid from Toyota is the best option.
Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata comes with impressive styling, the latest tech features, and a choice of three different powertrains. You can go with a gas-only, a hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid. Its driving is not engaging, but the Sonata makes a good family car for a comfortable commute.
Kia Optima
The Optima is an affordable option that comes with a handsome exterior, a choice of four powertrains, the latest active safety features, and a comfortable ride. The base model Optima comes with a 171-hp engine but you do have the option to upgrade to a 185-hp or a 245-hp option.
Kia Stinger
Even though the Stinger costs between $24,000 to $40,000, it is a reasonable price given the sporty driving dynamics, roomy interior, large cargo hold, and high-tech features of this car. This entry-level luxury performance sedan rivals the likes of the BMW 3-series and Audi A5.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Giulia, with its well-tuned chassis, potent turbocharged engine, adaptive suspension, responsive steering, and excellent brakes is a joy to drive. That all comes with a lot of luxury features, because it’s an Alfa Romeo, after all.
Tesla Model 3
No one knows how to make electric cars better than Tesla. The Model 3 might not be the most powerful or the fastest Tesla out there but it is still a very good car. In the words of Elon Musk, “they don’t make slow cars at Tesla.”
