Let me be honest with you – buying a used car can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there, scrolling through hundreds of listings, wondering if I’m about to make a huge mistake or score an amazing deal.
The good news? There are some used cars out there that are absolute home runs. Cars that’ll give you years of reliable service without breaking the bank. And I’m going to tell you exactly which ones those are.
Why Buy Used in 2025?
Before we jump into specific models, let’s talk about why buying used makes so much sense right now.
New cars are expensive. Like really expensive. The average new car costs over $47,000 these days. That’s more than many people make in a year. Meanwhile, you can get a solid used car for around $29,000 or even less if you shop smart.
But it’s not just about the sticker price. New cars lose value the second you drive them off the lot. We’re talking thousands of dollars gone in an instant. With a used car, someone else already took that depreciation hit. You’re buying after the biggest value drop has already happened.
Plus, cars are built better than ever. A well-maintained five-year-old car can easily give you another 100,000 miles or more. That’s a decade of driving for most people.
What Makes a Used Car a Good Buy?
Not all used cars are created equal. Here’s what separates the winners from the money pits:
Reliability – This is number one. You want a car that’s going to start every morning and not leave you stranded.
Low Maintenance Costs – Some cars are cheap to buy but expensive to own. You want something with affordable parts and reasonable repair costs.
Good Fuel Economy – With gas prices being what they are, this matters more than ever.
Strong Resale Value – Even if you’re buying used, you want a car that holds its value. This matters when you eventually sell or trade it in.
Safety Features – Modern safety tech can literally save your life. Even used cars from recent years have way better safety equipment than older models.
The Best Used Cars by Type
Let’s break this down by what kind of car you’re looking for. Everyone’s needs are different, so I’m covering all the bases.
Best Used Sedans
Toyota Camry (2018-2023)
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Fuel Economy: 28-32 city / 39-41 highway / 32-34 combined
This is the car everyone recommends, and there’s a good reason for that. The Camry is basically bulletproof. It just keeps going and going.
You can find a used Camry anywhere in the country. They sold millions of them, so parts are cheap and every mechanic knows how to work on them. The newer ones (2018 and up) look pretty sharp too. Gone are the days of boring Camrys. These actually look good.
What to expect to pay: $18,000 – $28,000 depending on year and mileage
Honda Accord (2018-2022)
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Fuel Economy: 29-30 city / 35-38 highway / 31-33 combined
The Accord is the Camry’s main rival, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. The Accord is a bit more fun to drive if that matters to you. It handles better and feels more connected to the road.
The tenth generation (2018-2022) is especially nice. Even the base engine has plenty of power, and the interior quality is impressive. Honda’s reliability is legendary, and the Accord lives up to that reputation.
What to expect to pay: $19,000 – $30,000
Hyundai Sonata (2015-2023)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Fuel Economy: 25-28 city / 33-38 highway / 28-32 combined
Here’s a value pick. Hyundais don’t have quite the same resale value as Toyotas or Hondas, which is bad for the original owner but great for you. You get a lot of car for the money.
The Sonata is spacious, comfortable, and comes loaded with features. Even older models have things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And that 10-year/100,000-mile warranty transfers to second owners in many cases.
What to expect to pay: $15,000 – $25,000
Best Used SUVs and Crossovers
Honda CR-V (2017-2023)
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Fuel Economy: 27-28 city / 32-34 highway / 29-30 combined
The CR-V is basically the SUV version of the Civic and Accord – ridiculously reliable, practical, and easy to live with. It’s not the most exciting vehicle on the road, but it’s one of the smartest buys.
You get tons of cargo space, good fuel economy for an SUV, and Honda’s reputation for reliability. The fifth generation (2017 and newer) is particularly good. These hold their value really well, but they’re worth it.
What to expect to pay: $20,000 – $35,000
Toyota RAV4 (2019-2023)
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Fuel Economy: 27-28 city / 33-35 highway / 30-31 combined (Gas) | 41 city / 38 highway / 40 combined (Hybrid)
The RAV4 is America’s best-selling SUV, and the used market is flooded with them. That’s actually a good thing because it means you have lots of choices.
If you can swing it, get the hybrid. The fuel economy is insane – we’re talking 40 mpg combined. That’ll save you thousands over the life of the vehicle. And contrary to what you might think, the hybrid is actually more reliable than the regular gas version.
What to expect to pay: $22,000 – $38,000 (hybrids cost more)
Subaru Outback (2018-2023)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) Fuel Economy: 22-26 city / 28-33 highway / 24-29 combined
If you live anywhere that gets snow, the Outback should be on your list. Standard all-wheel drive, tons of ground clearance, and Subaru’s reputation for going forever.
It’s basically a lifted wagon, which makes it super practical. Way more cargo space than a typical SUV. And despite being all-wheel drive, fuel economy is decent.
The boxer engine can have some quirks, but overall reliability is good if you keep up with maintenance.
What to expect to pay: $21,000 – $35,000
Mazda CX-5 (2017-2023)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) Fuel Economy: 24-25 city / 30-31 highway / 26-27 combined
Here’s a fun one. The CX-5 is the most car-like SUV you can buy. It actually handles well and feels sporty. If you’re downsizing from a sedan to an SUV, this is the easiest transition.
Reliability is solid, and the interior is way nicer than you’d expect for the price. Mazda puts a lot of effort into making their interiors feel upscale.
What to expect to pay: $18,000 – $32,000
Best Used Trucks
Ford F-150 (2015-2023)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Fuel Economy: 17-20 city / 23-26 highway / 19-22 combined (varies by engine)
It’s America’s best-selling vehicle for a reason. The F-150 can do just about anything – haul stuff, tow trailers, drive you to work, whatever.
Go for the 2.7L or 3.5L EcoBoost engines if you can. They’re powerful and surprisingly fuel-efficient for a full-size truck. The aluminum body on 2015 and newer models means less rust issues down the road.
These hold their value really well, so expect to pay up. But you’re getting a vehicle that’ll last 200,000+ miles with proper care.
What to expect to pay: $25,000 – $45,000 depending on age and trim
Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023)
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Fuel Economy: 18-19 city / 22-24 highway / 20-21 combined
The Tacoma is the truck that refuses to die. Seriously, these things last forever. That’s why used ones are so expensive – everyone knows what they’re worth.
Not the most comfortable ride, and fuel economy is just okay for a mid-size truck. But if you want a truck that’ll outlast the apocalypse, this is it.
What to expect to pay: $24,000 – $42,000
Best Used Compact Cars
Honda Civic (2016-2023)
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Fuel Economy: 30-33 city / 37-42 highway / 33-36 combined
The Civic is one of the best all-around cars you can buy, period. Great on gas, fun to drive, reliable, and holds its value.
The tenth generation (2016-2021) is fantastic. The current generation (2022+) is even better but costs more. You really can’t go wrong with any recent Civic.
What to expect to pay: $16,000 – $28,000
Toyota Corolla (2014-2023)
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Fuel Economy: 28-31 city / 36-40 highway / 31-35 combined
Smaller and cheaper than the Camry, but just as reliable. The Corolla is the car you buy when you just need transportation that works. Every. Single. Day.
Not exciting, but incredibly practical. And the gas mileage is excellent. Great first car or commuter vehicle.
What to expect to pay: $14,000 – $25,000
Mazda3 (2019-2023)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) Fuel Economy: 26-28 city / 35-36 highway / 29-31 combined
Want something with a bit more personality? The Mazda3 is gorgeous, fun to drive, and surprisingly upscale inside.
Reliability is good (not quite Honda/Toyota level, but close). The hatchback version is especially practical.
What to expect to pay: $17,000 – $27,000
Best Used Hybrids
Toyota Prius (2016-2023)
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Fuel Economy: 54-58 city / 50-53 highway / 52-56 combined
The Prius gets made fun of a lot, but you know what? It’s brilliant. Absolutely bulletproof reliability and fuel economy that makes everything else look wasteful.
If you drive a lot, the gas savings are real. We’re talking 50+ mpg combined. That adds up to thousands of dollars over several years.
What to expect to pay: $15,000 – $28,000
Honda Accord Hybrid (2017-2023)
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Fuel Economy: 47-51 city / 43-47 highway / 45-49 combined
Want hybrid fuel economy without driving something that screams “I’m a hybrid”? The Accord Hybrid looks like a regular Accord but gets nearly 50 mpg combined.
Plus you get all the space and comfort of a regular Accord. It’s a really smart pick if you do a lot of highway driving.
What to expect to pay: $20,000 – $32,000
Budget-Friendly Options Under $15,000
If you’re working with a tighter budget, you can still get something reliable. You’ll be looking at older or higher-mileage vehicles, but these models hold up well:
Hyundai Elantra (2014-2018) Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Fuel Economy: 28-29 city / 37-38 highway / 32-33 combined Solid basic transportation, surprisingly roomy for a compact. Around $10,000-$14,000.
Kia Soul (2014-2019) Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Fuel Economy: 24-25 city / 30-31 highway / 27-28 combined Funky-looking but practical, with decent cargo space. Around $8,000-$13,000.
Any Toyota Camry You Can Afford Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Fuel Economy: 25-28 city / 35-39 highway / 28-32 combined (varies by year) Seriously, a high-mileage old Camry is often a better buy than a newer car from a less reliable brand. Around $8,000-$14,000.
Honda Fit (2015-2019) Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Fuel Economy: 29-33 city / 36-40 highway / 33-36 combinedAmazing use of space, reliable, great on gas. Harder to find but worth it. Around $11,000-$14,000.
What to Watch Out For
Not every used car is a good deal. Here are the red flags:
Flood Damage – Run away. Flooded cars are nothing but problems.
Salvage or Rebuilt Titles – These have been in serious accidents. Sometimes they’re fine, but often they’re trouble.
No Service Records – If someone can’t show you they maintained the car, assume they didn’t.
Weird Smells – Mold, smoke, or strong air freshener trying to cover something up.
Rust – Check the undercarriage, wheel wells, and around the doors.
Mismatched Paint or Body Panels – Signs of accident damage.
How to Buy Smart
Here’s my step-by-step process:
1. Set Your Budget – And stick to it. Include insurance, taxes, and registration in your calculations.
2. Do Your Research – Read reviews, check reliability ratings, look at maintenance costs.
3. Check the Vehicle History – Always get a Carfax or AutoCheck report. Worth every penny.
4. Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection – Spend the $100-150 to have a mechanic look it over. This can save you thousands.
5. Test Drive Properly – Drive it on the highway, in the city, over bumps. Listen for weird noises.
6. Negotiate – Don’t pay the first price they give you. There’s always room to negotiate.
7. Review the Paperwork Carefully – Make sure the title is clean and everything’s in order.
Where to Buy
You’ve got options:
Dealerships – More expensive but offer warranties and financing. Better for people who want peace of mind.
Private Sellers – Cheaper usually, but you’re on your own if something goes wrong.
Certified Pre-Owned Programs – The sweet spot. More expensive than regular used, but you get a warranty and the car’s been inspected.
Online Platforms – Carvana, Vroom, CarMax. Convenient but test drives can be tricky.
The Cars to Avoid
Some cars depreciate for a reason. Generally, I’d avoid:
German Luxury Cars Over 5 Years Old – BMW, Mercedes, Audi. Maintenance costs get crazy once the warranty expires.
American Performance Cars – Chargers, Challengers, Camaros with lots of miles. They’ve usually been driven hard.
First-Year Models – Wait until a model has been out for a couple years and the bugs are worked out.
Anything With a Salvage Title – Unless you really know what you’re doing.
Final Thoughts
Look, there’s no perfect used car. Every vehicle is different, every seller is different, and every deal is different.
But if you stick with reliable brands like Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Subaru, do your homework, and get the car inspected, you’ll probably be fine.
The best used car is the one that fits your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. A Toyota Camry might be perfect for one person and completely wrong for another.
Take your time. Don’t get pressured into a sale. There are lots of used cars out there – you’ll find the right one.
And remember: buying used is smart. You’re letting someone else take the depreciation hit while you get a reliable vehicle for way less money. That’s just good financial sense.
Happy hunting!
Note: Prices mentioned are approximate averages and vary by location, condition, and mileage. Always research current market prices in your area.
