Getting a reliable second-hand car is quite difficult. Since company warranty packages do not cover used cars, buyers need to be cautious when buying them. Not every car model in the market can be relied on as a second-hand. Therefore, if you are willing to settle for a used car, you should be able to identify the best cars to buy used. And as always, we are here to help you.
The Best Cars To Buy Used
We have organized a list of some of the best cars to buy used. Our list comprises reliable cars ranging from fuel-efficient to affordable and luxury options. Here we go…
Toyota Corolla
It should come as no surprise to find the Toyota Corolla featured among the best cars to buy used. Cars in this series offer top-tier reliability even after years of daily runabouts and long road trips. The 2020 Corolla launched a new handsome look, offering a level of luxurious interior that is uncommon for compact sedans in this category. This model is offered in many trims, and the most common engine is a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. It produces up to 139 horsepower and powers the front wheels using an automatic CVT.
You can opt for the SE and XSE trims running on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine if you want more power with a slightly heavier price tag. This engine delivers up to 169 horsepower and pairs with the same transmission and drivetrain layout as others. The EPA estimates that these trims deliver a gas mileage of 40 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, the lesser engine is estimated to deliver at 38 MPG.
Inside the Corolla, you get to enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride with a spacious and packed cabin. The dashboard features a touchscreen infotainment system offering standard Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa. The car also features some of the latest standard safety equipment, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Top listings for a used 2020 Corolla in pristine condition are priced between $10,500 and $26,999. The actual price depends on the model you chose. You should also have a technician check the car for any faults before making payment.
Subaru Forester
If you’re looking for a used, well-rounded SUV that delivers decent performance, the 2019 Subaru Forester is ideal for you. The Forester series is featured among cars similar to Honda’s CRV. These cars are known for their well-built and spacious interior, among other features. This car is super-responsive with well-tuned suspensions and a standard all-wheel drive layout. The 2019 model enjoyed more attention thanks to its new attractive build.
A 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 182 horsepower is the standard powertrain for this model. The AWD system gets power via an automatic CVT to deliver an almost rugged ride.
Some optional features you can only find in the more expensive trims are the panoramic sunroof, hill-descent control, a rear roof spoiler, body-color exterior mirror caps, reclining rear seatbacks, 17-inch wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker audio system, and Subaru’s Starlink telematics system. You can also enjoy spacious front and rear seats with plentiful cargo space. The 6.5-inch is standard and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The EPA estimated its gas mileage on the highway to be 33 MPG, which is superb for an SUV featuring an AWD layout. Drivers also benefit from new tech features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Prices for a used 2019 Subaru Forester listing range between $11,995 and $31,442. Also, the vehicle mileage should be between 8,000 and 10,000.
Porsche 911
Despite its high sticker price, any list of the best cars to buy used is incomplete without mentioning the Porsche 911. It is also one of the cars with impressive value-retention. Car lovers have expressed their love for the car via many car review platforms. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the thrill of a sports car for an affordable price, check out the 911.
The 2019 model is our favored choice, featuring two variants of twin-turbocharged flat-six engines. The power output ranges between 370 horsepower and 450 for both engines. You can opt for the Turbo and Turbo S models if you want more power. The seven-speed automatic comes standard, but a dual-clutch PDK automatic is available. Similarly, you can choose between the RWD and AWD layouts, with the RWD coming standard.
Like every Porsche, the 911 offers premium materials and comfortable, supportive front seats. The best part is that you can customize your interior to your taste, but that is if you are getting a new unit. Since the car favors a rear-sitting engine layout, cargo space is limited to a small storage area under the front hood.
Standard cool features include front and rear parking sensors. Lots of driver assistance features are optional. The price for a used 2019 Porsche 911 ranges between $85,588 and $419,999. Additionally, an original window sticker goes a long way to understanding the equipment when shopping for a used Porsche 911.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is one of the best-selling cars in many countries. And now with the new Hybrid option, it has even become more popular. Toyota has a long history with reliable cars and has recently found a spot on the Hybrid cars chart. For 2018, the Camry was completely rebuilt to feature a whole new outfit. This model is offered across three remarkable engine trims.
The base model runs on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, producing up to 203 horsepower. If you want a more sporty experience and can afford to spend more at the pump, you can opt for the 3.5-liter V6 engine. For this trim, you get a more powerful 302-horsepower performance. Lastly, the hybrid powertrain produces up to 208 horsepower and is available for buyers who prioritize gas mileage. All engine trims pair up with an eight-speed automatic to power the FWD system.
The hybrid powertrain is the most fuel-efficient, with a highway gas mileage of 53 MPG. Meanwhile, the I4 engine delivers 39 MPG, as estimated by the EPA. Furthermore, inside, the Camry, it is spacious, with new features like heated front seats coming standard. Depending on the trim level, you can choose between the 7.0-inch and 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systems. Both screens feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety tech for this car includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. You can get a used 2019 Toyota Camry in good condition for about $18,000.
Chrysler 300
Recent Chrysler 300 models have enjoyed some major upgrades. The Chrysler 300 is durable and proven to perform with moderate fuel consumption. You get to choose from its array of ferocious engine options. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 292-horsepower output. Also, you can go for a more powerful Hemi V8 engine that produces up to 363 horsepower. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The rear-wheel drive layout is standard, but you can opt for an all-wheel-drive only for the V6-equipped cars.
The 300 is favored for its roomy, near-luxury interior. The materials and features to expect depend on which trim level you choose. For infotainment, an 8.4-inch touchscreen display is standard for all trims. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use, offering access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get to enjoy tech features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist in higher trims. The smaller engine performs at 30 MPG on the highway.
The price range for a used 2020 Chrysler 300 currently ranges between $13,688 to $25,600.
Chevrolet Sonic
The Chevrolet Sonic is one of the best cars to buy used. It is famous for its impressive reliability and gas mileage. The 2020 model performs moderately with its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower. This engine power the FWD system via a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers get to choose between a four-door hatchback and sedan body style. Both trims deliver the same interior and mundane performance.
For the interior, the Chevy offers many standard features for a compact car within this price range. The dashboard is packed with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sonic has an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 34 MPG on the highway. Also, it is affordable to maintain and repair as its replacement parts are available at affordable prices.
Finally, in today’s market, you can get a used 2020 Chevrolet Sonic for between $9,588 and $18,998. The actual price depends on the car’s condition and odometer reading.
Kia Rio
The Rio is a popular, affordable model. Despite its humble price tag, it is featured among the best cars to buy used, thanks to its high reliability score. The 2019 version is most sought after as it offers a refined, smooth ride with remarkable gas mileage. This model is offered as a four-door hatchback or a sedan, featuring the same comfortable five-seater interior for both trims. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine powers this car. The transmission is a standard automatic, and the car runs on its fore wheels.
The engine produces up to 130 horsepower to deliver a comfortable ride facilitated by a nicely balanced suspension. A 5.0-inch infotainment display is standard, offering SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. However, you can opt for the 7.0-inch touchscreen offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional tech features like automatic emergency braking are offered in the high-end trims.
Additionally, the gas mileage for this car is estimated to be at 39 MPG on the highway. The average price for a used 2019 Kia Rio in perfect condition is about $13,500. Endeavor to check the vitals before paying to avoid buying a lemon.
Lexus IS300
The Lexus IS300 strikes a perfect balance between luxury and sportiness. It is a reliable compact sedan that is ideal for bachelors and small families. The 2020 model is a nice one to consider for second-hand use. This model is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can produce up to 241 horsepower. For a more exciting driving experience, you can consider the F Sport trim. This trim features sport-tuned suspension and performance-oriented enhancements.
All trims are RWD, making them ideal for drifting. This car has an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 31 MPG on the highway. Every trim comes with standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The five-seater interior is quite tight compared to some rivals. However, the cabin is well-designed, and the materials used are of premium quality. The dashboard features an 8.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment, which is standard in all trims. You can opt for the optional 10.3-inch touchscreen, and both offer Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. A used 2020 Lexus IS300 can cost anywhere between $15,000 to $26,000, depending on the vehicle’s condition and mileage.
Genesis G70
The Genesis G70 is a stylish car that first appeared in 2019 and has since gained a reputation for reliability.
The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine can produce up to 252 horsepower. It is mated to a standard automatic transmission. Alternatively, you can select the optional manual transmission, which comes with a 255-horsepower drivetrain. For those seeking more power, there’s the 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which can deliver a whopping 365 horsepower, but it’s only available with the automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but if you choose the automatic transmission, you can also get all-wheel drive.
The interior of the G70 is luxurious and features premium materials. You’ll enjoy the touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features are comprehensive and include blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology. You can find a used 2019 Genesis G70 on the market for anywhere between $16,100 and $36,997.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Very few sports cars are featured among the best cars to buy used, and the Maita is one. Furthermore, Mazda’s Miata is also one of the most affordable used sports cars. In 2019, the Miata got an upgraded 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a big power bump that increased to 181 horsepower, up to 155 the prior year. A six-speed manual transmission came standard, and an optional automatic transmission was also available.
The fuel economy is impressive, with up to 35 MPG highways for automatic-equipped models and 34 MPG with manual transmission. Some safety tech features are optional, including low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.
A standard soft top model will likely have fewer issues than the power hard top of the RF model. A touchscreen infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Being that the Miata is a two-seat roadster, space is tight. Seating is comfortable for all but the tallest drivers. The trunk is small, and the limited interior storage means you’ll need to pack light. A used 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata currently ranges between $15,995 and $29,975.
Conclusion
Most buyers who settle for used cars worry about reliability. This is why we considered durability and long-term performance when picking out the cars featured on our list of best cars to buy used. Body and engine condition should indeed determine whether or not you should buy a car. However, the cars in our list give you the best chance at a relatively trouble-free and reliable used car.
