12 Top Used Cars That Are Worth Your Money

With the cost of new cars steadily rising, used cars provide a welcome financial alternative. With a bit of due diligence, such as running vehicle history and maintenance reports , and having a shop check it out for mechanical issues, a used car can be a wise purchase for years to come.

“Purchasing a used vehicle simply makes good sense for many,” says Alex Black of EpicVIN . “You avoid the first-year depreciation hit, and you have a lot more car for your buck.”

But, what model of used car you buy can definitely enhance your experience. Year after year, some used car models offer a consistently better value than others. For example, the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic and Ford F-150 are all considered good for reliability, says Black.

Here is more about those and some of the other best used cars to buy, and why they’re a good choice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.