The 15 Best Used Cars You Can Buy

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Best Value Used Cars

When you buy a used car, you want to get the most from each dollar spent. Here are our top picks for best value in a used car:

Best value in a compact car: Toyota Corolla
Best value in a midsize car: Honda Accord
Best value in a full-size car: Toyota Avalon

Feature	Toyota Corolla	Honda Accord	Toyota Avalon
Price range*	$15k–$25k	$18k–$30k	$25k–$38k
Type of car	Compact	Midsize	Full-size
Seating capacity	5	5	5
Total cargo space (cu. ft.)	13.1	16.7	16.1
Fuel efficiency (MPG)	30 city / 38 highway	29 city / 35 highway	22 city / 32 highway
Safety features	Toyota Safety Sense	Honda Sensing	Toyota Safety Sense
Interior quality	Quality soft-touch materials	Upscale feel with durable materials	Premium materials with wood trim accents
Driving experience	Comfortable and efficient	Smooth and responsive	Luxurious and smooth
Ideal for	Commuters and small families	Families seeking comfort	Drivers desiring a premium, spacious ride

Toyota Corolla for Best Value in a Compact Car

You can pick up a nearly-new Toyota Corolla for under $25K and get a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle with seating for five and a reputation for lasting well over 200,000 miles. Most used Corollas come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, offering advanced safety features such as lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control.

The Corolla delivers impressive reliability, excellent fuel economy, and low ownership costs, making it a top value pick for commuters and small families who want a dependable car without overspending.

Honda Accord for Best Value Midsize Car

The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that offers a perfect blend of comfort, performance, and durability. Available for under $30k, a used Accord provides a spacious, high-quality interior, excellent fuel economy, and Honda Sensing safety features. It’s a top choice for those seeking a reliable, family-friendly vehicle that delivers long-term value.

Toyota Avalon for Top Pick for a Full-Size Sedan

For around $35K, you can buy a nearly new Toyota Avalon with a luxurious interior, ample legroom for five adults, and a silky-smooth ride. Avalons come with premium features such as leather seats, a large touchscreen, and advanced driver assistance systems.

The Avalon delivers a premium driving experience with the long-term reliability that Toyota is known for. Its high resale value, combined with its comfort and durability, makes it a top choice for those looking for a full-size sedan that offers luxury without the high price tag.

Best Family Vehicles

When it comes to family vehicles, space, safety, and comfort are key. Here are our top picks for the best cars for families:

Best minivan for families: Honda Odyssey
Best midsize SUV for families: Toyota Highlander
Best 3-row crossover for families: Subaru Ascent

Feature	Honda Odyssey	Toyota Highlander	Subaru Ascent
Type	Minivan	Midsize SUV	3-row crossover
Seating capacity	Up to 8	Up to 8	Up to 8
Total cargo space (cu. ft.)	158	84.3	86.5
Price range*	$25k–$35k	$28k–$40k	$26k–$38k
Fuel efficiency (MPG)	19 city / 28 highway	20 city / 27 highway	21 city / 27 highway
Safety features	Honda Sensing	Toyota Safety Sense	Subaru EyeSight
Interior quality	High	High	Moderate
Driving experience	Comfortable and smooth	Balanced and responsive	Comfortable and safe
Ideal for	Large families	Families needing space	Families needing space and AWD

Honda Odyssey for Large Families

The Honda Odyssey is the ultimate family hauler. With seating for up to eight and a cavernous 158 cubic feet of cargo space, it’s perfect for big families or those who regularly cart around sports equipment, musical instruments, or the entire Little League team.

Here is what sets the Odyssey apart:

Magic slide second-row seats for easy access to the third row
Built-in vacuum cleaner (yes, really!)
Rear-seat entertainment system to keep the kids happy on long trips
Top safety ratings and advanced driver assistance features

If you need maximum space and versatility, the Odyssey is hard to beat. Just be prepared for the inevitable “Are we there yet?” from the back rows.

Toyota Highlander for Balanced Versatility

The Toyota Highlander strikes an excellent balance between family-friendly features and everyday practicality. It’s spacious enough for a family, but won’t make you feel like you’re piloting a boat in tight parking lots.

Highlander highlights:

Roomy interior with plenty of legroom for growing teens
User-friendly infotainment system
Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features

The Highlander is perfect for families who want a reliable, efficient SUV that can handle school runs, commutes, and weekend getaways with equal ease.

Subaru Outback for Active Lifestyles

For families who spend their weekends hiking, camping, or hitting the ski slopes, the Subaru Outback is a match made in outdoor heaven. It combines the practicality of a wagon with the capability of an SUV.

Outback advantages:

Standard all-wheel drive for confident handling in all weather
8.7 inches of ground clearance for light off-road adventures
Spacious cargo area with fold-flat rear seats
Roof rails for easy attachment of bikes, kayaks, or cargo boxes

The Outback is great for families who need a vehicle that can handle the daily grind but really shines when the adventure begins. Just don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself planning more camping trips than ever before.

Most Fuel Efficient Used Cars

When prioritizing fuel efficiency, you want a car that delivers maximum miles per gallon without compromising on quality or comfort. Here are our top picks for the most fuel-efficient used cars:

Best hybrid: Toyota Prius
Best plug-in hybrid: Chevrolet Volt
Best electric car: Nissan Leaf

Feature	Toyota Prius	Chevrolet Volt	Nissan Leaf
Type	Hybrid	Plug-in hybrid	Electric
Fuel efficiency (MPG/MPGe)	54 city / 50 highway	42 MPG / 106 MPGe	124 MPGe (combined)
Price range*	$15k–$25k	$17k–$30k	$12k–$22k
Seating capacity	5	4	5
Safety features	Toyota Safety Sense	Standard safety features	Nissan Safety Shield
Driving experience	Comfortable and efficient	Smooth and efficient	Quiet and responsive
Ideal for	Eco-conscious drivers	Eco-conscious commuters	Urban drivers

Toyota Prius for Best Hybrid

The Toyota Prius isn’t just a hybrid—it’s the hybrid. This car practically invented the category, and it still sets the standard today. If you’re serious about saving fuel, the Prius delivers up to 54 MPG in the city.

But it’s not just about efficiency; the Prius also offers a surprisingly roomy interior, so you won’t feel cramped even on longer trips. And with Toyota Safety Sense, you’ve got the peace of mind that you’re driving one of the safest cars out there. If you’re looking for a smart, eco-friendly choice that’s been tried and tested, the Prius is a no-brainer.

Chevrolet Volt for Best Plug-in Hybrid

The Chevrolet Volt is the car for people who want to dip their toes into electric driving but aren’t quite ready to give up the convenience of gas. It’s a plug-in hybrid that lets you enjoy all-electric driving for your daily commute, then switch to gas for those longer weekend trips.

The best part? You don’t have to worry about range anxiety. With 106 MPGe on electric and 42 MPG on gas, the Volt offers efficiency without compromise. It’s perfect for anyone who wants the benefits of electric driving with the backup of a traditional engine. The Volt gives you freedom from gas stations and from worrying about your next charge.

Nissan Leaf for Best Affordable Electric Car

The Nissan Leaf is a pioneer in the electric car world, and it’s still one of the best choices out there for anyone ready to make the leap to fully electric driving. With a combined 124 MPGe, the Leaf isn’t just efficient—it’s also incredibly cost-effective, especially when you factor in the lower maintenance costs of an electric vehicle. This car is made for city life, with its quiet, smooth ride and nimble handling.

The Leaf is one of the more affordable EVs on the market, making it an accessible choice for those looking to go green without breaking the bank. If you’re ready to embrace the future of driving, the Leaf is a fantastic place to start.

Best Used Luxury Cars

Luxury doesn’t have to come with a high price tag, especially when buying used. Here are our top picks for the best used luxury car:

Best midsize luxury sedan: Lexus ES
Best compact luxury sedan: Audi A4
Best luxury SUV: Acura MDX

Feature	Lexus ES	Audi A4	Acura MDX
Type	Midsize luxury sedan	Compact luxury sedan	Luxury SUV
Price range*	$30k–$40k	$25k–$35k	$28k–$38k
Seating capacity	5	5	7
Total cargo space (cu. ft.)	16.7	12	90.9
Fuel efficiency (MPG)	22 city / 32 highway	24 city / 31 highway	20 city / 27 highway
Safety features	Lexus Safety System+	Audi Pre Sense	AcuraWatch
Interior quality	Premium leather upholstery, real wood trim	High-quality materials, minimalist design	Premium leather seats, brushed aluminum trim
Driving experience	Smooth and quiet	Engaging and refined	Comfortable and versatile
Ideal for	Luxury seekers	Sporty luxury seekers	Families seeking luxury and space

The Lexus ES for Midsize Luxury Sedan

The Lexus ES is the epitome of what a midsize luxury sedan should be—refined, dependable, and supremely comfortable. If you’re someone who appreciates a smooth, whisper-quiet ride, the ES is like gliding on a cloud. It’s spacious enough to comfortably seat five adults, with a trunk that swallows up luggage for those weekend getaways.

Inside, you’re treated to high-end materials and meticulous craftsmanship that Lexus is known for. And let’s talk safety—Lexus Safety System+ comes standard, so you’re well-protected with features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Simply put, the Lexus ES is a sanctuary on wheels, perfect for those who value comfort and peace of mind in their daily drive.

Audi A4 for Luxury with a Sporty Drive in a Compact Package

The Audi A4 is where luxury meets performance, making it the go-to choice for drivers who want more than just a comfortable ride—they want excitement. The A4’s turbocharged engine and sharp handling deliver a driving experience that’s both engaging and refined. And while it’s fun to drive, it doesn’t skimp on luxury.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by an interior that’s all about modern elegance—sleek design, high-quality materials, and cutting-edge tech. It’s compact enough for city driving but doesn’t sacrifice comfort, seating five with ease. Plus, with Audi Pre Sense, you’re not just driving—you’re driving smart, with advanced safety features watching your back. The Audi A4 is for those who demand a car that’s as dynamic as they are.

Acura MDX for a Blend of Luxury and Family Functionality

The Acura MDX is the ultimate luxury SUV for families who refuse to compromise on style, space, or safety. This SUV is designed to do it all—whether you’re shuttling kids to soccer practice, embarking on a road trip, or just running errands, the MDX handles it with ease. With seating for seven and 90.9 cubic feet of cargo space, it’s as practical as it is luxurious.

Inside, you’ll find an interior that’s upscale but not pretentious—think high-quality materials and a layout that’s focused on comfort and convenience. And with AcuraWatch, you get a suite of advanced safety features that make every drive a safe one. The MDX is for families who want an SUV that’s as versatile and reliable as they are, with a touch of luxury to make the ride that much sweeter.

Best Used Sports Cars

For driving enthusiasts, a used sports car offers exhilarating performance at a fraction of the new car cost. Here are our top picks for the best used sports car:

Best compact sports car: Mazda MX-5 Miata
Best muscle car: Ford Mustang
Best sports coupe: Subaru BRZ

Feature	Mazda MX-5 Miata	Ford Mustang	Subaru BRZ
0–60 mph	5.7 seconds	4.2–5.0 seconds	5.9 seconds
Price range*	$20k–$30k	$25k–$40k	$18k–$28k
Horsepower	181 hp	310–450 hp	228 hp
Type of car	Compact sports car	Muscle car	Sports coupe
Seating capacity	2	4	4
Fuel efficiency (MPG)	26 city / 35 highway	15 city / 24 highway	24 city / 33 highway
Safety features	Advanced Airbags	Ford Co-Pilot360	Subaru EyeSight
Driving experience	Sporty and engaging	Powerful and thrilling	Balanced and agile
Ideal for	Pure driving enthusiasts	Muscle car lovers	Enthusiasts seeking balance and fun

The Mazda MX-5 Miata for Bang-For-Buck Roadster

The MX-5 Miata is a true drivers’ car, offering incredible handling and feel for the money. A low-mileage used Miata can be found for under $30k, giving you a lightweight rear-wheel drive chassis, peppy 4-cylinder engine, and slick-shifting manual transmission. It’s a simple sports car formula executed to perfection.

The Miata’s agility and direct steering make winding roads a joy, while the drop-top allows you to soak in the elements. It won’t win drag races, but for driving enjoyment on a budget, nothing beats the brilliant MX-5.

The Ford Mustang for King Of Affordable American Muscle

The iconic Ford Mustang delivers serious bang for your buck in the muscle car segment. $30k gets you into a lightly used Mustang GT with a potent 5.0L V8 pumping out 460 horsepower. That’s more than enough thrust to tear up the tarmac. Even the 4-cylinder EcoBoost models offer strong acceleration and handling.

Pair that brawny powertrain with head-turning retro styling, a slick manual gearbox option, and the Mustang’s signature pony car proportions and you have an appealing package. The Camaro and Challenger are worthy alternatives, but the ‘Stang remains the king of affordable American muscle.

The Subaru BRZ for Focused Drivers

The Subaru BRZ, with its twin the Toyota GR86, is a back-to-basics sports coupe that prioritizes handling poise over outright power. The BRZ’s 2.4L boxer-4 engine, good for 228 horsepower, won’t pin you to your seat. But the BRZ comes alive in the corners with its ultra-low center of gravity, responsive steering and balanced chassis.

A sub-$30k used model delivers a pure, unfiltered driving experience increasingly rare in modern cars. The BRZ won’t carry more than two people and minimal cargo. But for a crisp, tossable coupe you can drift on track, it’s in a class of its own at this price point.

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*Prices given are indicative of vehicles in reasonably good condition, with a fair amount of serviceable life ahead of them.

Pre-Owned Vehicles FAQ

What car is the best to buy second hand?

The Toyota Camry and Honda Civic are excellent used car choices known for reliability, affordable maintenance, and strong resale value. Consumer Reports consistently ranks them among the best used cars.

What is the best used car brand to buy?

Toyota and Honda are widely considered the most reliable used car brands. J.D. Power dependability studies show their vehicles have fewer reported problems compared to other makes.

What is the most reliable car of the last 10 years?

The Lexus LS has been the most dependable car of the past decade per J.D. Power’s vehicle dependability studies, which survey owners about problems experienced in the last 12 months

What is the 2nd most reliable car?

Porsche and Toyota models dominate the rest of J.D. Power’s most recent top 10 list for vehicle dependability, which ranks 3-year-old vehicles by problems per 100 cars.

What used car has the least problems?

The Lexus ES, Toyota Avalon, and Buick LaCrosse have had some of the fewest reported problems in J.D. Power’s dependability studies in recent years, making them smart used buys.

Which used car lasts the longest?

Toyota Camry and Toyota Prius are known for routinely reaching high mileage with minimal major repairs when properly maintained. It’s not uncommon to see them exceed 200k miles.

What year is the best used car?

While there’s no universally “best” year, a 3–5 year old used car often hits a sweet spot of depreciation and remaining lifespan. For example, Edmunds recommends a 2018 or 2019 Honda Accord or Toyota Camry as a smart buy in 2023.

What is the most popular used car?

The Ford F-150 is consistently the best-selling used vehicle in the U.S. due to its mix of utility, dependability and wide availability on the used market across many years and configurations.

Which small used car is the most reliable?

The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are compact cars with impressive reliability records, frequently appearing on recommended used car lists from the likes of Kelley Blue Book and U.S. News and World Report.

What is the best age to buy a second hand car?

A 3–5 year old used car is often considered ideal. It has already experienced its steepest first few years of depreciation, but should have many years of remaining lifespan if it’s a reliable model that has been well-maintained and has low miles.

What is the best make of second hand cars?

Toyota and Honda are highly regarded for building long-lasting, dependable used vehicles, with Lexus, Mazda, Buick, Kia and Hyundai also receiving consistently high marks from automotive research firms such as JD Power and Consumer Reports.

What's the best second hand family car to buy?

Minivans such as the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are spacious, safe and reliable options for families buying used. Many families also choose midsize SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot for their balance of practicality and durability as a second hand purchase.

Browse Other Popular Vehicles

These are some of our most popular used vehicles for sale by owner.

Used Jeep Grand Cherokee

Used Kia Telluride

Used Nissan GTR

Used Toyota Tundra

Essential Resources for Used Vehicle Transactions

Useful guides for getting your next private-party car purchase done.

Used Car Inspection Cap

How to Buy a Car from a Private Seller

Car Transport Guide

Car License Plate Guide

Private-Party Paperwork in Used Car Transactions

What is a Bill of Sale?

What is a Salvage Title?

Get Used Car Insurance

Car Title Guide

Used Vehicle Warranty Guide

How to Transfer a Car Title

How to Buy a Used Vehicle in Every State

Avoid pesky dealer fees and markup when you buy directly from a private seller. The following guides will help you navigate the process correctly in your state. Click on the appropriate link for state-specific instructions.