Many automobile and truck consumers are more and more being priced out of the brand new automobile market as each month appears to set a brand new document for common transaction costs. What’s extra, rates of interest are at ranges which are increased than they had been for a few years, resulting in increased month-to-month funds. The excellent news, although, is that monetary aid might be discovered in the event you’re keen to take a look at a used however “new-to-you” automobile that’s nonetheless in good situation and that ought to present a number of years of trouble-free service.
We’re breaking down this checklist of the perfect used vehicles to purchase in 2024 by worth first, then by automobile section. We’ll supply a few stable options in every class, alongside, when acceptable, with an alternate or two for many who dare to be a bit completely different. Bear in mind that the used automobile market is an ever-changing one, and that your location inside the USA can have an effect on the worth you pay and the supply of sure fashions. If you happen to’re keen to spend a while and perform a little looking out (our classifieds are a terrific place to start out), you ought to have the ability to discover the proper automobile for your loved ones whereas becoming properly throughout the constraints of your funds.
Greatest used vehicles below $10,000
Greatest used automobile below $10,000 general decide: 2014-2020 Hyundai Elantra
Nowadays, the pickin’s are slim within the under-$10,000 used automobile bracket. Our high decide goes to the 2014-2020 Hyundai Elantra. It is a compact automobile, however there’s room sufficient for a small household if they do not thoughts being shut. The Hyundai’s reliability document is stable, and because it’s pretty new, it packs extra security expertise than an older automobile. The 2014 Hyundai Elantra obtained some fascinating updates, and a very new mannequin hit the U.S. market in 2017. At this worth level, you will probably discover older fashions with extra gear or newer fashions with out some high-tech choices chances are you’ll want to have. Have a look round and decide the one you want the perfect.
Greatest used automobile below $10,000 for extra cargo: 2017-2019 Kia Soul
If you happen to want one thing with a bit extra room for cargo, the Kia Soul is a stable selection. Its funky design helps it stand out from the group, and although not fairly as environment friendly because the Elantra, the Soul’s vary of four-cylinder engine choices should show pretty thrifty.
Most dependable used automobile below $10,000: Any Toyota Camry
If all else fails, it is laborious to go mistaken with the nicest Toyota Camry you will discover. There is a cause Toyota’s midsize sedan has bought so nicely for therefore a few years. Its document for reliability is mainly unmatched, it has been bought with each four- and six-cylinder engine choices so consumers can tailor their selection for his or her wants and needs, and it has room inside for households.
Greatest used EV below $10,000: 2011-2017 Nissan Leaf
Sure, you should purchase an electrical automobile for lower than $10,000. The Nissan Leaf was America’s first mass-market EV, first hitting the scene for the 2011 mannequin yr. They bought in ok numbers that they are not laborious to seek out on the market. The early Leaf hatchback did not include a very massive battery — in the event you journey greater than 70ish miles in a day, this most likely is not your best choice — but it surely’s 73-84-mile vary is sufficient for a very good chunk of the inhabitants.
Greatest used SUV below $10,000: 2011-2020 Dodge Journey
You will be laborious pressed to seek out an SUV you want on this worth vary. The Dodge Journey by no means received any desirability awards when it was new, and it hasn’t gotten any extra likable with age. But it surely presents three rows of seats, non-compulsory all-wheel drive and a comparably low worth, that are massive wins for lots of consumers. We would recommend casting a large internet and being keen to drive a bit additional than you would like with the intention to discover a Journey with a Pentastar V6 engine as an alternative of the grossly underpowered four-cylinder.
Most typical used SUV below $10,000: 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue
The most effective factor in regards to the Nissan Rogue is that it bought rather well for a really very long time. Which means there are a whole lot of them on the used market. The Rogue would not carry the resale worth of rivals just like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and meaning it is extra attainable for consumers with restricted funds to spend. The repeatedly variable transmission is not very rewarding, and restore payments might be excessive if one thing goes mistaken. On the optimistic facet, the CVT does enhance gas effectivity.
Greatest used truck for below $10,000: 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota is a stable pickup truck that is larger than rivals just like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado. The ultimate Dakota was constructed between 2005 and 2011, and later fashions are literally badged as Rams, not Dodges. Both manner, it is the identical truck. The usual 3.7-liter V6 will not win any drag races — the non-compulsory V8s supplied extra energy, naturally — however a good Dakota presents the power to haul and tow for nearly the bottom worth level in America.
Greatest used truck for towing below $10,000: 2008-2012 Nissan Titan
If you happen to want extra towing energy, your finest wager could also be an older Nissan Titan. It is probably that any full-size pickup truck you will discover for lower than $10,000 can have increased miles or dents (or each), so be ready for a truck that is not going to win any magnificence contests. However so long as it might probably nonetheless do trucky issues and runs nicely, that is what actually issues.
Greatest used vehicles below $15,000
Greatest used automobile below $15,000: 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt
So far as we’re involved, the Chevy Volt is certainly one of America’s high used-car bargains. The primary-gen mannequin has fallen into the $10,000-$15,000 bracket, and for that sum, you are not more likely to discover something extra environment friendly — so long as it was plugged within the evening earlier than, the primary 25 to 35 miles will probably be on electrical energy alone — fashionable and cozy for every day driving duties. Be aware that the Volt seats 4 passengers, not 5, however does have a hatchback for higher cargo versatility.
Greatest used automobile if you do not have entry to a plug: 2016-2017 Honda Civic
If you happen to do not wish to fear about plugging in and desire a good, stable, dependable every day driver, the Honda Civic is our high decide. It is extra enjoyable to drive than an analogous Toyota Corolla (which also needs to show a really dependable selection), and the Tenth-generation mannequin that debuted for the 2016 mannequin yr is a surprisingly snug and roomy possibility. If you will discover one, the hatchback that debuted in 2017 with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is our favourite.
Greatest used automobile below $15,000 that is additionally a sports activities automobile: Any Mazda Miata
You knew you had been going to discover a Mazda Miata on this checklist, proper? The quintessential little Japanese sports activities automobile is a good used purchase for many who do not want room for extra then themselves and one important different. It is a pleasure to drive, moderately environment friendly and would not value an arm and a leg to purchase. Purchase one and we’re certain you will adore it.
Greatest used automobile below $15,000 that is each enjoyable and largely sensible: 2014-2017 Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper was once one of many least-reliable autos in America. Most of these reliability foibles had been labored out over time, and the 2014-2017 version has confirmed fairly sturdy. The Cooper is not as fast round a monitor because the aforementioned Miata, but it surely’s awfully enjoyable to drive round city. And in contrast to the Mazda, the Mini has a (small) again seat and a hatchback.
Greatest used SUV below $15,000: Any Mazda CX-5
SUV used to imply body-on-frame building and a rugged four-wheel-drive system. Nowadays, the game utility section covers all the pieces from barely lifted hatchbacks to monsters that put on Hummer badges. If you happen to’re on the lookout for an environment friendly, dependable and fun-to-drive crossover, the Mazda CX-5 is our high decide. If you happen to discover a Honda CR-V in an analogous worth bracket, that is additionally a stable selection for the cash. The Toyota RAV4 also needs to be dependable, although most likely not as enjoyable to drive as the opposite choices.
Greatest used SUV below $15,000 with three rows: 2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
If you happen to want a (a lot) bigger utility automobile, think about an older Chevy Tahoe. It ought to have certainly one of GM’s stable small-block V8 engines below its hood, which ought to equate to comparably easy upkeep and a wide array of native mechanics who ought to be conversant in fixing them when one thing does break. Test the inside for squeaks and rattles, as a result of GM wasn’t identified for screwing collectively the perfect interiors on this timeframe.
Greatest used truck below $15,000: Any Toyota Tacoma (however test for rust)
The Toyota Tacoma is understood for many issues: reliability and sturdiness being simply two of them. Excessive resale worth is one other, in addition to so-so consolation. In the long run, a used Tacoma is a stable selection for round $15,000, and more likely to supply extra years of trouble-free service than anything on this worth vary. Anticipate to see some higher-mileage examples available on the market, so be looking out for a Tacoma with common upkeep information.
Greatest used full-size truck below $15,000: 2013 or newer Ram 1500
If you happen to want an even bigger truck, listings for the Ram 1500 could be a very good place to start out on the $15,000 worth level. Ford and GM choices get pleasure from increased resale worth on the used market, however the Ram is simply as succesful and arguably extra fashionable and cozy. Our suggestion is to search for a 2013 or newer Ram, and to decide on the three.6-liter Pentastar V6 and eight-speed automated combo over the 4.7-liter V8 and six-speed auto. Whereas it is tempting to go for the V8, our personal testing and that of different retailers tells us the V6 is a refined powerplant with stable sturdiness, and the newer eight-speed transmission is a a lot better selection than the much less dependable six-speed.
Greatest used vehicles below $20,000
Greatest used automobile below $20,000: 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt
Transfer up one worth bracket and you may rating a second-generation Chevy Volt as an alternative of the first-gen. The bodywork acquired swoopier, the noise pointier, the engine downsized and the general bundle acquired extra environment friendly in 2016. Electrical vary improved from 38 in 2015 to 53 in 2016, which means extra of your miles will probably be on battery energy as an alternative of utilizing costlier gasoline.
Greatest used automobile below $20,000 if you don’t need a Chevy or do not wish to plug in: 2015-2018 Toyota Prius
We would argue that the Volt is extra fashionable and extra enjoyable to drive than the Toyota Prius, but it surely’s laborious to argue towards the hybrid’s general effectivity and anticipated reliability. The Prius was into its fourth era by the 2015 mannequin yr, and the general bundle was extra refined than ever. Do not look forward to finding a plug-in Prius Prime (which debuted in 2017) on this worth vary, although.
Greatest used automobile below $20,000 that is extra enjoyable to drive: 2018-2021 Mazda6
The Mazda6 could have ended manufacturing in 2021 because the compact crossover took over from the midsize sedan because the automobile design of selection for almost all of People, but it surely’s nonetheless a superb automobile price pursuing on the used-vehicle market. It had lengthy been the best-driving automobile in its section, its four-cylinder engine choices had been sturdy sufficient to have enjoyable however environment friendly sufficient to not break the financial institution.
Greatest used electrical automobile below $20,000: 2017-2018 BMW i3
The BMW i3 is nothing if not attention-grabbing. Its Lego-block styling is not to everybody’s liking, and even the upgraded 94ah battery the BMW EV acquired in 2017 will not supply the sort of capability that makes vary anxiousness disappear fully, but when your every day commute is 100 miles or much less, the i3 could also be an attention-grabbing possibility. The boxy hatchback is surprisingly roomy inside, and the inside is nearly Scandinavian in its design. A lot of the automobile’s construction is constructed from light-weight carbon fiber, which is fairly unique for an city runabout just like the i3. Potential consumers ought to be conscious that the German BMW will probably carry increased restore and upkeep payments than a comparable American or Japanese automobile.
Greatest used SUV below $20,000: 2017-2018 Honda CR-V
It is laborious to go mistaken with a Honda CR-V that is been nicely cared for by its earlier proprietor. The fifth era of Honda’s compact crossover debuted for the 2017 mannequin yr with extra room, extra consolation, extra effectivity and, importantly, extra security gear than ever earlier than. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is essentially the most environment friendly selection, whereas a 2.0-liter engine is much less widespread. The automated is a CVT, but it surely’s higher than most opponents and probably not a hindrance.
Greatest used SUV below $20,000 in the event you want three rows: 2016-2017 Mazda CX-9
Want one thing bigger? Contemplate the Mazda CX-9. Not solely does it supply three rows of moderately sized passenger area, it is also fairly enjoyable to drive. The truth is, we expect it is the best-driving seven-passenger crossover available on the market. It is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and whereas it is not fairly as highly effective as some autos it competes with, it is a lot ample.
Greatest used pickup truck below $20,000: 2016-2018 Chevrolet Silverado
Just about any of the American pickup vehicles of the late 20-teens will serve consumers nicely, however GM’s mainstream truck is barely extra reasonably priced than its competitor from Ford, which went to a light-weight aluminum physique for the 2015 mannequin yr. The Toyota Tundra would even be a stable selection, however fewer had been bought annually and so they are likely to commerce at increased costs in comparison with the ever present Detroit vehicles. That is why we’re pointing our digital finger on the Chevy Silverado. Because the second-best-selling truck, they’re very simple to seek out, so potential consumers should have a couple of choices to select from. Their V8 engine choices are all very stable and have well-earned reputations for sturdiness.
Greatest used pickup truck below $20,000 if you need one thing smaller: 2009-2019 Nissan Frontier
Do not want a full-size truck? The Nissan Frontier that seemingly bought for eons is a stable pickup. It boasts a strong V6 engine, rugged beauty and a rugged chassis besides. We did not should look laborious to seek out late-model Frontier vehicles with cheap mileage within the $20,000 vary. Going again a couple of years ought to nonetheless lead to a bevy of decisions in varied cabin sizes and with or with out four-wheel drive. The 2020 version acquired a brand new engine, however consumers on this worth bracket could wish to think about sticking with the tried-and-true 4.0-liter V6 of earlier years. A six-speed guide was even obtainable, a boon for consumers preferring to shift for themselves.
Greatest used vehicles below $25,000
Greatest used automobile below $25,000: 2019-2022 Mazda3
The Mazda3 is a good automobile. It is supplied in both sedan or our most popular hatchback kind, and it has an ideal mix of driving enjoyment and practicality. There is a cheap quantity of room inside for folks and cargo, however consumers who want extra space could wish to search for one thing larger (just like the Subaru we’ll point out shortly). Since it is a late-model possibility, the 2019-2022 Mazda3 presents just about all the most recent security tech a purchaser might want for (however no self-driving performance, after all), and will show dependable for years to return.
Greatest used hybrid automobile below $25,000: 2020-2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
If saving cash on the fuel pump is of prime concern, we would recommend taking a very good laborious take a look at the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Toyota has been the undisputed king of hybrids for many years now, and all their finest Prius-based tech might be had in a extra normal-looking and feeling bundle within the type of the compact Corolla. Anticipate gas mileage within the mid-to-high 40s for many Corolla Hybrid fashions.
Greatest used automobile below $25,000 with all-wheel drive: 2020-2022 Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy can also be a stable selection for consumers on the lookout for a pleasant automobile for lower than $25,000. You could know that the hot-selling Subaru Outback is predicated on the Legacy, however chances are you’ll not know the way way more an Outback prices on the used market till you check out the web classifieds. In actuality, although, the Legacy is fitted with commonplace all-wheel drive and presents simply as a lot all-weather dependability and spaciousness because the pricier Outback, and since it is decrease to the bottom, it is extra gas environment friendly.
Greatest used scorching hatchback below $25,000: 2015-2019 Volkswagen Golf R
You may actually have some enjoyable within the $25,000 worth vary. The Volkswagen Golf R is a blast with 290 turbocharged horsepower and all-wheel drive catapulting a bit German hatchback at breakneck speeds. It is the most popular model of the quintessential scorching hatch, and it is a riot. It’s also possible to avoid wasting money and get a GTI, which can also be a enjoyable selection.
Greatest used muscle automobile below $25,000: 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T
In case your tastes run a bit extra muscular, now could be a very good time to have a look over on the Dodge lineup. For $25,000, consumers can snag a stunning Challenger R/T — sure, it is acquired a Hemi — or in the event that they want an even bigger again seat and two extra doorways, a Charger. Now, we should always point out that these Dodge twins are using atop very outdated underpinnings and are something however gas environment friendly. However that is kinda the purpose. If you happen to’re extra attention-grabbing in laying rubber than slicing gas payments, the Challenger and Charger are there for you.
Greatest used SUV below $25,000: 2014-2019 Subaru Outback
We all know. You’d actually somewhat have an SUV than a sedan. It is a widespread chorus, and we get it. The added utility of a crossover and the promise of all-weather capabilities is interesting. We nonetheless suppose it is best to check out the newest Subaru Legacy, however in the event you’d somewhat have an Outback, that is OK. Simply know you will have to return a era to snag an Outback on this checklist’s funds worth class.
Greatest used SUV below $25,000 that basically is an SUV: 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner
After all, we have already defined that the Outback is mainly a Subaru Legacy beneath. If what you need is an actual conventional sport utility automobile, the Toyota 4Runner is among the finest on the market. It is tremendous rugged beneath and is powered by massive, burly 4.0-liter V6 engines. 5 occupants match comfortably, and a few fashions have a largely usable third row, too. Do remember that the 4Runner would not simply appear like a correct SUV, it is a correct SUV. Which means it rides like an SUV and guzzles gas like and SUV.
Greatest used crossover that will not kill you on gas payments: 2018-2020 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid
A extra conventional compact crossover expertise might be discovered within the Toyota RAV4, and the 2018-2020 version is a a lot nicer general bundle than the fashions that got here earlier than. The experience is sweet, the dealing with is stable, and the powertrains supply a stable compromise between efficiency and effectivity. There’s rather a lot to love in these RAV4s. If you wish to scale back your gas invoice, the RAV4 Hybrid additionally falls into the worth vary we’re contemplating.
Greatest used pickup truck below $25,000: 2015-2019 Ford F-150
For round $25,000, the perfect used pickup truck is the Ford F-150. We would particularly search for a 2015 or later mannequin to reap the benefits of the lighter weight and nice functionality supplied by the aluminum-intensive building Ford switched to beginning that yr. There are succesful V6 engine choices, up-level EcoBoost sixes in two sizes, and a sturdy 5.0-liter V8 engine to select from. Naturally, consumers can decide between a number of cab and mattress lengths, two- or four-wheel drive, and from all method of trim ranges that vary from work truck-spec to full-zoot cowboy. If you happen to’re on a funds, purpose for an XLT mannequin for a stable compromise between worth and gear ranges.
Greatest used pickup truck below $25,000 if you need one thing smaller: 2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling midsize truck in America, and meaning there are a lot to select from. A redesign for the 2016 mannequin yr caused welcome modifications inside, out and beneath that make it a greater truck than the fashions that got here earlier than. It is identified to be a dependable machine with respectable off-road capabilities when correctly geared up, but it surely’s not very snug. We would recommend taking the Tacoma for an prolonged drive earlier than signing on the dotted line, simply to ensure you match nicely in its low-slung cockpit and seats.
Greatest used pickup truck below $25,000 if you need a car-like expertise: 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline
If we needed to decide one smaller truck to drive each single day and did not have to tow greater than 5,000 kilos or so, we would go along with the Honda Ridgeline. In contrast to the equally sized and priced Toyota Tacoma, the Honda Ridgeline makes use of a unibody chassis design that shares a whole lot of parts with the Honda Pilot crossover. It is much more snug and fairly a bit extra environment friendly than most different vehicles, and it might probably do extra work than some would-be consumers give it credit score for. Nicely price a glance in the event you’re an off-the-cuff pickup consumer.
