The 12 Best Used Cars to Buy

Rachel BroughamUpdated: Feb. 17, 2023

You're in the market for a new vehicle and you've decided to buy used. But where do you start? Here are 12 of the best used cars to buy, according to experts.

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Honda Accord

On average, the price of a new vehicle hovers around $35,000 but you can get a high-quality used vehicle for much less. According to Kelley Blue Book, you can snag a 2016 Honda Accord for less than $20,000 and the car will depreciate slower than the competition.

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Subaru Outback

CarMax ranks the Subaru Outback as one of the best deals when it comes to used vehicles. Not only does the Outback come in all-wheel-drive, but there’s plenty of space for hauling items.

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Honda Civic

Need a car seat-friendly vehicle? CarMax says the Honda Civic is your best bet. The Institute for Highway Safety also puts the Civic on the list for “acceptable” LATCH system (child seat attachment hardware) ratings.

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Toyota Camry

If you’re looking for a vehicle that is not only reliable and dependable but will retain value, the Toyota Camry is a good bet, according to Kelley Blue Book. The Camry is all new in 2018, but the last generation has a great reputation.

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Chevrolet Impala

With front-wheel drive, the Chevrolet Impala ranks as one of the best cars in Kelley Blue Book’s full-size car category. If you’re looking for one of the best used cars for technology, the 2016 model offers features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and even an LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

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Honda Ridgeline

Consumer Reports ranks the Honda Ridgeline as a top choice for a full-sized, used, pickup truck. Not only does it have a large cargo bed and a powerful V6 engine, it offers a car-like ride.

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Ford Fusion

Have a new driver in the house? CarMax recommends the 2014 Ford Fusion as a good option for young drivers. This model can be found for around $15,000 and will be a reliable mode of transportation.

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Honda Fit

When it comes to subcompact cars, the Honda Fit is a standout, according to Consumer Reports. The 2013 model is not only fuel-efficient, it has a flexible interior which makes it a solid, practical choice.

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Dodge Charger

If you’re looking for a good, all-around four-door sedan, the 2016 Dodge Charger SX is a top pick from Kelley Blue Book. You can find the model for less than $20,000 and the rear-drive model consistently gets top marks.

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Mini Cooper

Looking for a smaller vehicle with manual transmission? CarMax ranks the Mini Cooper as one of the best used cars in the category for stick-shift drivers. You can easily find a used model for less than $14,000.

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Volkswagen Passat

Kelley Blue Book notes the Volkswagen Passat is one of the most under-rated family sedans on the market. It has plenty of room and a used model can be found for around $17,000.

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Jeep Wrangler

In CarMax’s all-wheel-drive SUV category, the Jeep Wrangler is a top pick. Depending on the year and the specific model, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 to $37,000.

Originally Published: September 14, 2020

Rachel Brougham

Rachel Brougham lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, she’s won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. She’s written for several publications beyond newspapers including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and she currently writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her tending to her garden (both vegetables and native plants), playing with her dog, watching sports with her family or getting some exercise. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. An avid user of Instagram, you can follow her @RachBrougham.