Despite all of the recent talk in the media of a shortage, great deals are available on reliable and affordable used cars. Here are some models we think are the best values for limited budgets.
A Great Value Beats New Car Smell
Buying a used car a few model years old gets you the upgraded features you want for a lot less money. And since you’re not stuck with the cost of depreciation, you can get a full-featured vehicle for less than the cost of a brand-new base model.
Let’s look at some of our favorite affordable, reliable used cars.
Budget-Friendly SUVs
Your old car is a tight squeeze for your family’s needs, and your budget is just as tight. And the only thing tighter is your budget. Here are some affordable, versatile, two and three-row SUVs that leave plenty of room for whatever combination of people and gear you need to haul.
Three-Row SUVs
Whether you’ve got a lot of people to get from Point A to Point B, or you plan to fold those third-row seats for extra cargo space, these 7-8 seaters are in the $15-25k range.
- Mitsubishi Outlander is the most affordable used three-row SUV available. Even if you move up to the high trim levels to get advanced safety technology, you should still find a later model for under $20k.
- Nissan Rogue is surprisingly upscale for the money. And in addition to a well-appointed cabin, you’ll get plenty of features to make your ride enjoyable.
- Mazda CX-9 is probably the most expensive of the three, but it also boasts the most European-like luxury paired with Mazda’s well-tuned performance.
Compact SUVs
Looking for a reliable everyday vehicle? These used compact SUVs are economical, agile, and versatile. A 2016 model still gets you modern tech and shouldn’t set you back more than $25k.
- Nissan Murano is the smaller sibling of the Rogue. Its high-quality, roomy cabin is a place you won’t mind spending time in. And with Nissan’s robust V6 engine, you get a good balance of fuel economy and power.
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross may not be as refined compared to competitive models, but dollar for dollar, you get a longer list of features and a zippy, turbocharged engine.
Sporty Sedans and Versatile Hatchbacks
An SUV isn’t right for everyone. Some drivers prefer the fuel economy and nimble handling of a sporty sedan or hatchback. Here are some used cars you can easily fit into any (legal) parking space.
- Mitsubishi Mirage and Lancer are great options when you need transportation, but your bank account says, “click that Deals Under $10k” link.” You can drive home a 2015 or 2017 Mirage around $7-8k, while the larger and more upscale Lancer runs around $13k.
- Nissan Maxima and Altima rival Mazda sedans in refinement but are a little pricier. The Maxima is sleeker than the Altima, but both offer peppy engines and fantastic fuel economy.
- Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 sedans are ridiculously sophisticated, come with a ton of features, and you can get one around five model years old for around $15k
Go Make a Deal!
Even if you’re on a very tight budget, you can still find good deals on used cars: especially if you’ve done your homework and are ready to negotiate your perfect deal.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
