Many automobile and truck patrons 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 can be greater than they have been for a few years, resulting in greater month-to-month funds. The excellent news, although, is that monetary reduction may be discovered should 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 very best used automobiles to purchase in 2024 by value first, then by automobile section. We’ll supply a few strong options in every class, alongside, when acceptable, with another or two for many who dare to be a bit of completely different. Remember that the used automobile market is an ever-changing one, and that your location inside america can have an effect on the worth you pay and the provision of sure fashions. When you’re keen to spend a while and perform a little looking out (our classifieds are an ideal place to begin), you ought to have the ability to discover the correct automobile for your loved ones whereas becoming properly throughout the constraints of your finances.
Finest used automobiles underneath $10,000
Finest used automobile underneath $10,000 general choose: 2014-2020 Hyundai Elantra
Today, the pickin’s are slim within the under-$10,000 used automobile bracket. Our high choose 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 strong, and because it’s pretty new, it packs extra security know-how than an older automobile. The 2014 Hyundai Elantra obtained some fascinating updates, and a totally new mannequin hit the U.S. market in 2017. At this value level, you may probably discover older fashions with extra tools or newer fashions with out some high-tech choices you could want to have. Have a look round and choose the one you want the very best.
Finest used automobile underneath $10,000 for extra cargo: 2017-2019 Kia Soul
When you want one thing with a bit extra room for cargo, the Kia Soul is a strong 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 must show pretty thrifty.
Most dependable used automobile underneath $10,000: Any Toyota Camry
If all else fails, it is arduous to go incorrect with the nicest Toyota Camry yow will discover. There is a motive Toyota’s midsize sedan has bought so nicely for therefore a few years. Its document for reliability is principally unmatched, it has been bought with each four- and six-cylinder engine choices so patrons can tailor their selection for his or her wants and desires, and it has room inside for households.
Finest used EV underneath $10,000: 2011-2017 Nissan Leaf
Sure, you should buy 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 12 months. They bought in ok numbers that they are not arduous to seek out on the market. The early Leaf hatchback did not include a very huge battery — should you journey greater than 70ish miles in a day, this most likely is not your best choice — however it’s 73-84-mile vary is sufficient for a very good chunk of the inhabitants.
Finest used SUV underneath $10,000: 2011-2020 Dodge Journey
You may be arduous pressed to seek out an SUV you want on this value vary. The Dodge Journey by no means gained any desirability awards when it was new, and it hasn’t gotten any extra likable with age. But it surely provides three rows of seats, non-obligatory all-wheel drive and a comparably low value, that are huge wins for lots of patrons. We might counsel casting a large web and being keen to drive a bit additional than you need with the intention to discover a Journey with a Pentastar V6 engine as a substitute of the grossly underpowered four-cylinder.
Most typical used SUV underneath $10,000: 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue
The very best factor concerning the Nissan Rogue is that it bought rather well for a really very long time. Meaning there are a variety 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 which means it is extra attainable for patrons with restricted funds to spend. The constantly variable transmission is not very rewarding, and restore payments may be excessive if one thing goes incorrect. On the optimistic aspect, the CVT does enhance gas effectivity.
Finest used truck for underneath $10,000: 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota is a strong 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 approach, it is the identical truck. The usual 3.7-liter V6 will not win any drag races — the non-obligatory V8s supplied extra energy, naturally — however a good Dakota provides the power to haul and tow for almost the bottom value level in America.
Finest used truck for towing underneath $10,000: 2008-2012 Nissan Titan
When you want extra towing energy, your greatest wager could also be an older Nissan Titan. It is probably that any full-size pickup truck you may discover for lower than $10,000 can have greater 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 may well nonetheless do trucky issues and runs nicely, that is what actually issues.
Finest used automobiles underneath $15,000
Finest used automobile underneath $15,000: 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt
So far as we’re involved, the Chevy Volt is one in all 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 likely be on electrical energy alone — fashionable and cozy for each day driving duties. Word that the Volt seats 4 passengers, not 5, however does have a hatchback for better cargo versatility.
Finest used automobile if you do not have entry to a plug: 2016-2017 Honda Civic
When you do not wish to fear about plugging in and need a good, strong, dependable each day driver, the Honda Civic is our high choose. It is extra enjoyable to drive than an analogous Toyota Corolla (which must also show a really dependable selection), and the Tenth-generation mannequin that debuted for the 2016 mannequin 12 months is a surprisingly comfy and roomy possibility. If yow will discover one, the hatchback that debuted in 2017 with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is our favourite.
Finest used automobile underneath $15,000 that is additionally a sports activities automobile: Any Mazda Miata
You knew you have been going to discover a Mazda Miata on this checklist, proper? The quintessential little Japanese sports activities automobile is a superb used purchase for many who do not want room for extra then themselves and one vital different. It is a pleasure to drive, fairly environment friendly and would not value an arm and a leg to purchase. Purchase one and we’re positive you may adore it.
Finest used automobile underneath $15,000 that is each enjoyable and largely sensible: 2014-2017 Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper was one of many least-reliable automobiles in America. Most of these reliability foibles have been labored out over time, and the 2014-2017 version has confirmed fairly sturdy. The Cooper is not as fast round a observe because the aforementioned Miata, however it’s awfully enjoyable to drive round city. And in contrast to the Mazda, the Mini has a (small) again seat and a hatchback.
Finest used SUV underneath $15,000: Any Mazda CX-5
SUV used to imply body-on-frame development and a rugged four-wheel-drive system. Today, the game utility section covers all the things from barely lifted hatchbacks to monsters that put on Hummer badges. When you’re on the lookout for an environment friendly, dependable and fun-to-drive crossover, the Mazda CX-5 is our high choose. When you discover a Honda CR-V in an analogous value bracket, that is additionally a strong selection for the cash. The Toyota RAV4 must also be dependable, although most likely not as enjoyable to drive as the opposite choices.
Finest used SUV underneath $15,000 with three rows: 2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
When you want a (a lot) bigger utility automobile, take into account an older Chevy Tahoe. It ought to have one in all GM’s strong small-block V8 engines underneath its hood, which ought to equate to comparably easy upkeep and a wide array of native mechanics who ought to be aware of fixing them when one thing does break. Verify the inside for squeaks and rattles, as a result of GM wasn’t recognized for screwing collectively the very best interiors on this time-frame.
Finest used truck underneath $15,000: Any Toyota Tacoma (however examine for rust)
The Toyota Tacoma is thought for many issues: reliability and sturdiness being simply two of them. Excessive resale worth is one other, in addition to so-so consolation. Ultimately, a used Tacoma is a strong selection for round $15,000, and more likely to supply extra years of trouble-free service than anything on this value vary. Anticipate to see some higher-mileage examples in the marketplace, so be looking out for a Tacoma with common upkeep data.
Finest used full-size truck underneath $15,000: 2013 or newer Ram 1500
When you want a much bigger truck, listings for the Ram 1500 could be a very good place to begin on the $15,000 value level. Ford and GM choices get pleasure from greater 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 shops tells us the V6 is a refined powerplant with strong sturdiness, and the newer eight-speed transmission is a a lot better selection than the much less dependable six-speed.
Finest used automobiles underneath $20,000
Finest used automobile underneath $20,000: 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt
Transfer up one value bracket and you’ll rating a second-generation Chevy Volt as a substitute of the first-gen. The bodywork bought swoopier, the noise pointier, the engine downsized and the general bundle bought extra environment friendly in 2016. Electrical vary improved from 38 in 2015 to 53 in 2016, that means extra of your miles will likely be on battery energy as a substitute of utilizing dearer gasoline.
Finest used automobile underneath $20,000 if you don’t need a Chevy or do not wish to plug in: 2015-2018 Toyota Prius
We might argue that the Volt is extra fashionable and extra enjoyable to drive than the Toyota Prius, however it’s arduous to argue towards the hybrid’s general effectivity and anticipated reliability. The Prius was into its fourth technology by the 2015 mannequin 12 months, and the general bundle was extra refined than ever. Do not anticipate finding a plug-in Prius Prime (which debuted in 2017) on this value vary, although.
Finest used automobile underneath $20,000 that is extra enjoyable to drive: 2018-2021 Mazda6
The Mazda6 might 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 Individuals, however it’s nonetheless a wonderful automobile value pursuing on the used-vehicle market. It had lengthy been the best-driving automobile in its section, its four-cylinder engine choices have been robust sufficient to have enjoyable however environment friendly sufficient to not break the financial institution.
Finest used electrical automobile underneath $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 bought in 2017 will not supply the sort of capability that makes vary anxiousness disappear utterly, but when your each 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 comprised of light-weight carbon fiber, which is fairly unique for an city runabout just like the i3. Potential patrons ought to be conscious that the German BMW will probably carry greater restore and upkeep payments than a comparable American or Japanese automobile.
Finest used SUV underneath $20,000: 2017-2018 Honda CR-V
It is arduous to go incorrect with a Honda CR-V that is been nicely cared for by its earlier proprietor. The fifth technology of Honda’s compact crossover debuted for the 2017 mannequin 12 months with extra room, extra consolation, extra effectivity and, importantly, extra security tools 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, however it’s higher than most opponents and probably not a hindrance.
Finest used SUV underneath $20,000 should you want three rows: 2016-2017 Mazda CX-9
Want one thing bigger? Take into account the Mazda CX-9. Not solely does it supply three rows of fairly sized passenger area, it is also fairly enjoyable to drive. In reality, we expect it is the best-driving seven-passenger crossover in the marketplace. It is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and whereas it isn’t fairly as highly effective as some automobiles it competes with, it is a lot adequate.
Finest used pickup truck underneath $20,000: 2016-2018 Chevrolet Silverado
Just about any of the American pickup vans of the late 20-teens will serve patrons 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 12 months. The Toyota Tundra would even be a strong selection, however fewer have been bought every year and so they are likely to commerce at greater costs in comparison with the ever present Detroit vans. 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 patrons must have a couple of choices to select from. Their V8 engine choices are all very strong and have well-earned reputations for sturdiness.
Finest used pickup truck underneath $20,000 if you’d like one thing smaller: 2009-2019 Nissan Frontier
Do not want a full-size truck? The Nissan Frontier that seemingly bought for eons is a strong pickup. It boasts a strong V6 engine, rugged attractiveness and a rugged chassis in addition. We did not need to look arduous to seek out late-model Frontier vans with affordable mileage within the $20,000 vary. Going again a couple of years ought to nonetheless end in a bevy of decisions in varied cabin sizes and with or with out four-wheel drive. The 2020 version bought a brand new engine, however patrons on this value bracket might wish to take into account sticking with the tried-and-true 4.0-liter V6 of earlier years. A six-speed handbook was even obtainable, a boon for patrons preferring to shift for themselves.
Finest used automobiles underneath $25,000
Finest used automobile underneath $25,000: 2019-2022 Mazda3
The Mazda3 is a superb automobile. It is supplied in both sedan or our most well-liked hatchback type, and it has an ideal mix of driving enjoyment and practicality. There is a affordable quantity of room inside for folks and cargo, however patrons who want extra space might 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 provides just about all the most recent security tech a purchaser might want for (however no self-driving performance, after all), and may show dependable for years to return.
Finest used hybrid automobile underneath $25,000: 2020-2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
If saving cash on the gasoline pump is of prime concern, we might counsel taking a very good arduous have a look at the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Toyota has been the undisputed king of hybrids for many years now, and all their greatest Prius-based tech may 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.
Finest used automobile underneath $25,000 with all-wheel drive: 2020-2022 Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy can also be a strong selection for patrons on the lookout for a pleasant automobile for lower than $25,000. Chances are you’ll know that the hot-selling Subaru Outback is predicated on the Legacy, however you could 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 customary all-wheel drive and provides 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.
Finest used scorching hatchback underneath $25,000: 2015-2019 Volkswagen Golf R
You possibly can actually have some enjoyable within the $25,000 value vary. The Volkswagen Golf R is a blast with 290 turbocharged horsepower and all-wheel drive catapulting a bit of German hatchback at breakneck speeds. It is the most well liked 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.
Finest used muscle automobile underneath $25,000: 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T
In case your tastes run a bit of extra muscular, now could be a very good time to have a look over on the Dodge lineup. For $25,000, patrons can snag a beautiful Challenger R/T — sure, it is bought a Hemi — or in the event that they want a much bigger again seat and two extra doorways, a Charger. Now, we must always point out that these Dodge twins are using atop very previous underpinnings and are something however gas environment friendly. However that is kinda the purpose. When you’re extra attention-grabbing in laying rubber than slicing gas payments, the Challenger and Charger are there for you.
Finest used SUV underneath $25,000: 2014-2019 Subaru Outback
We all know. You’d actually relatively 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’s best to check out the latest Subaru Legacy, however should you’d relatively have an Outback, that is OK. Simply know you may have to return a technology to snag an Outback on this checklist’s finances value class.
Finest used SUV underneath $25,000 that basically is an SUV: 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner
In fact, we have already defined that the Outback is principally a Subaru Legacy beneath. If what you need is an actual conventional sport utility automobile, the Toyota 4Runner is likely one of the greatest on the market. It is tremendous rugged beneath and is powered by huge, burly 4.0-liter V6 engines. 5 occupants match comfortably, and a few fashions have a largely usable third row, too. Do bear in mind that the 4Runner would not simply seem like a correct SUV, it is a correct SUV. Meaning it rides like an SUV and guzzles gas like and SUV.
Finest used crossover that will not kill you on gas payments: 2018-2020 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid
A extra conventional compact crossover expertise may 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 strong, and the powertrains supply a strong compromise between efficiency and effectivity. There’s quite a bit to love in these RAV4s. If you wish to cut back your gas invoice, the RAV4 Hybrid additionally falls into the worth vary we’re contemplating.
Finest used pickup truck underneath $25,000: 2015-2019 Ford F-150
For round $25,000, the very best used pickup truck is the Ford F-150. We might particularly search for a 2015 or later mannequin to benefit from the lighter weight and nice functionality supplied by the aluminum-intensive development Ford switched to beginning that 12 months. 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, patrons can choose 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. When you’re on a finances, goal for an XLT mannequin for a strong compromise between value and tools ranges.
Finest used pickup truck underneath $25,000 if you’d like one thing smaller: 2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling midsize truck in America, and which means there are a lot to select from. A redesign for the 2016 mannequin 12 months caused welcome modifications inside, out and beneath that make it a greater truck than the fashions that got here earlier than. It is recognized to be a dependable machine with reliable off-road capabilities when correctly outfitted, however it’s not very comfy. We might counsel taking the Tacoma for an prolonged drive earlier than signing on the dotted line, simply to be sure to match nicely in its low-slung cockpit and seats.
Finest used pickup truck underneath $25,000 if you’d like a car-like expertise: 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline
If we needed to choose one smaller truck to drive each single day and did not have to tow greater than 5,000 kilos or so, we might 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 variety of elements with the Honda Pilot crossover. It is much more comfy and fairly a bit extra environment friendly than most different vans, and it may well do extra work than some would-be patrons give it credit score for. Effectively value a glance should you’re an informal pickup consumer.