10 Best Used Cars
This list of the 10 best used cars will help you in your search for a good pre-owned vehicle. Since new cars depreciate quickly, buying used is often the best value for your money. You will be able to purchase a vehicle with high safety ratings and fuel efficiency, and maybe even a few of those extra features that may not be affordable if buying new.
With so many options available on the market today, finding a good previously owned vehicle is not always an easy task. Of course, you want a car with proven reliability and high safety or crash test scores. But, depending on your needs, you may also be considering other features such as fuel economy, seating, cargo space, or environmental impact.
There are several high quality used cars to choose from, and the best options may vary depending on your requirements, but the following vehicles are among the highest rated in both professional and consumer reviews. And, remember to check on remaining warranty information or purchase extended coverage so you can drive your used car with confidence and peace of mind.
Best Used Small/Compact Cars:
- Toyota Corolla. The Corolla is one of the best selling cars on the market today, and also one of the safest. It is fuel efficient, comfortable, and not known to have a lot of mechanical issues. It is easy to maintain, and with its above average reliability, you can count on it to run dependably even with higher mileage. Available in a variety of body styles including sedan, coupe, hatchback, and wagon, you will be able to find a model that suits your needs. Keep in mind that Toyota's hold their value very well so you can expect to pay a little more for the Corolla than comparable models built by other manufacturers. This is an economy car, so don't expect a luxury ride, but with the proven quality and dependability, the Corolla is a great used car choice.
- Pontiac Vibe. This is a practical and reliable economy car that requires little maintenance beyond regular oil changes and services. It is a small wagon with a sporty feel yet still sits five adults comfortably and offers cargo space equivalent to larger SUVs or crossovers. With Toyota sourced parts, the Vibe has exceptional reliability and above average fuel economy. The comfortable interior, solid handling, and minimal mechanical problems makes the Vibe an ideal choice for those looking for a small and affordable used vehicle.
- Ford Focus. The Focus is one of Ford's most popular cars due to its reliability and reasonable pricing. It has consistently received high scores for performance, quality, and fuel mileage, and includes many additional features not typically found in an economy car. There have been some reports of ignition problems in the 2nd and 3rd generation models so you may want to check this out before buying. This car is available in multiple body styles, and with a proven history of dependability, the Focus is a wise used car purchase.
- Honda Accord. This car will likely cost you more money on the used market than similar American models, but its ranking as one of the most reliable vehicles available makes the extra cost worth the investment. Available in both coupe or sedan styles with either 4 cylinder (2.4 litre) or 6 cylinder (3.5 litre) engine, the Accord is roomy, comfortable, trustworthy, and well-equipped. It's dependability and high safety rating makes this a great family car.
- Toyota Camry. The Camry has been a consistent competitor for Top Selling Passenger Car Honors due to its high performance, reliability, and comfort. Upgraded features give this car a luxury feel and smooth ride while also offering fuel efficiency, even with the V6 engine option. With high crash test scores, exceptional quality, and proven dependability, the Camry is one of the best mid-sized used cars on the market today.
- Nissan Altima. The Altima combines family sedan with sporty handling and styling. Although this car is also available with a 4 cylinder option, it boasts one of the most powerful V6 engines in its class, contributing to its exceptional performance ability. It receives high marks for reliability; however, there have been reports of problems with the crankshaft positioning sensor, which is a fairly reasonable issue to fix. Spacious and comfortable with good handling and high fuel mileage for a mid-sized sedan, the Altima is a popular choice for those looking for a roomier vehicle that is still sporty and economical.
- Toyota Prius. Originally marketed as an environmentally friendly car, the Prius offers many other features that make it a great used car choice. Outstanding reliability, exceptional fuel economy, and plenty of cargo space are just a few of the reasons this car has received very high customer reviews. In fact, most Prius owners say that they would definitely buy another one. Whether you are purchasing one of the pre-2002 compact models or the mid-sized hatchback models manufactured since 2003, you will enjoy a quiet ride with the dependability the world has come to expect from Toyota.
- Infiniti G-35. Available in coupe or sedan and equipped with a powerful V6 260-306 HP engine (depending on year), the Infiniti is a great choice for those wanting a luxury vehicle. More affordable than a BMW or Audi, this car has consistently received high consumer reviews for its smooth, quiet ride, good performance, and long-term reliability. The roomy comfort, electronic traction and stability control, and luxury options are appealing features, but the G-35 also offers high safety ratings and good fuel economy for a car in its class. Overall, if you are looking for an upscale used vehicle, the Infiniti G-35 is one of the best choices available.
- Honda CR-V. Known for its quality, practicality, and good handling, the CR-V is one of the most popular crossovers on the market. With above average fuel economy for its class and the passenger and cargo room of much larger vehicles, the CR-V is a great choice for those looking for a larger vehicle without the bulkiness or fuel expenses of a full-sized SUV. Since it is only available with a 4 cylinder engine, some consumers complain that it lacks power, but an excellent reliability record and high safety scores rank it as one of the best choices among used SUVs or crossovers.
- Honda Odyssey. Viewed as one of the top rated mini vans, the award winning Odyssey combines comfort and safety with distinctive styling and great features. It boasts a smooth ride, secure handling, above average reliability, and great fuel economy for its class. There has been some power steering issues in many models and consumers have also reported instances of transmission failure in models manufactured prior to 2005. Check with the dealer or seller to see if these issues have been encountered or corrected and consider purchasing an extended warranty or mechanical breakdown insurance. Despite these issues, the Odyssey continues to be one of the most reliable and economical vehicles in its class.
Best Used Mid-Sized Cars:
Best Used Luxury Car:
Best Used Minivan/SUV:
Although not exhaustive, this list of 10 best used cars will help you find the best pre-owned vehicle for your needs.
Once you make your final decision, remember to protect your used vehicle purchase with an extended warranty. Use the autoPOM! self-service quoting tool (in the right column) to determine if the car you're considering is eligible for coverage and to get a quote before you buy.
I highly recommend that you check out our 'Buying A Used Car Checklist'.
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