There are car buyers who will only purchase brand new cars for "peace of mind." And there are car buyers who will purchase only used cars, or "new to them " cars. They may have a budget to adhere to. Or they may want to avoid the depreciation when a car drives off the dealership lot. Either choice is an exciting time to have a new set of wheels.
When purchasing a used car you may not know the previous owner, or what kind of maintenance was performed on the vehicle. Reliability in a used vehicle is a big concern. We know that proper, regular maintenance does decrease the chance of major mechanical issues down the road in the vehicle's lifetime.
It is also a bonus if a car buyer considers a vehicle that holds its value. Unfortunately, not all cars fulfill this.
Whether the used vehicle is only a few years old or has many kilometers on it, the buyer wants an affordable, safe, reliable car to get around in. All buyers want the most for their money. Getting a mechanic you trust to complete a full mechanical inspection before purchasing will give you some peace of mind. Here are 15 of the best used cars to buy in 2020...
15 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has been a very popular mid-size sedan for families. It offers a roomier interior, great fuel economy, and top safety ratings. Drivers will not be disappointed.
The ninth generation, 2013 and on, is rumored to be the best model years to consider for a used Accord. Previous years did have reported mechanical issues which may cause problems if not taken care of.
14 Toyota Prius
The Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid, being released to the Japanese market in 1997, and then worldwide in 2000. Its reliability and affordability make it a continually popular choice with car buyers.
Hybrid batteries are expensive to replace, and eventually do need to be replaced. But the Prius has proven that its battery can last up to 300,000km and more.
13 Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a spunky little subcompact that does not disappoint. It is incredibly roomy, comfortable and a pleasure to drive. Tight parking spaces are no problem for the Honda Fit.
The 1.5L peppy engine has a ton of get-up and go, and great fuel economy at 30MPG combined. The Fit consistently achieves high safety ratings in all crash tests it is put through.
12 Toyota Corolla
The Corolla has been in production since 1966 and has consistently been a top favorite in the Toyota lineup. It has proven to be a reliable choice when it comes to repairs. Many repairs are typically minor and not horribly expensive. The Corolla has always offered a comfortable, affordable car along with great fuel economy.
11 Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has been in production since 1973 when it started out as a subcompact. It is now one of the most popular compact cars on the market. Through all of its production years, the Civic is known for its reliability.
The more recent Civic model is known for its sporty look, reliability, and great fuel economy. It has been a popular choice for all aged drivers.
10 Toyota Camry
The mid-size sedan has been another popular family car. It offers comfort and roominess to its passengers. The model years in the early 2000s, offer more rear-seat space than the newer models. For improved safety, look for model years that have airbags on the headliner which increase the safety rating dramatically.
9 Nissan Altima
Nissan offered a comfortable, roomy, fuel-efficient sedan in the Altima. Model years 2002-2006 have the most space and legroom for the rear passengers. If choosing these model years, look for one that has higher safety ratings by the inclusion of ABS and curtain airbags. Model years 2007-2012 lost rear passenger space but received increased safety features.
8 Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is a compact choice that is practical and fun for its driver and passengers. It is stylish and sporty without breaking the bank.
The last generation, starting in 2014, has the high safety ratings which potential purchasers may want to take into consideration in selecting a model year of Mazda 3.
7 Kia Soul
If resale value is not a factor in purchasing a used vehicle but affordability and budget are, then the Kia Soul may be the answer. This trendy little cube offers unique styling, tons of passenger space, and cargo space to carry your belongings.
One issue that owners have noticed, is that rust seems to start prematurely on the Kia Soul. If considering purchasing one, check the body over carefully for early rust spots.
6 Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is a great compact sedan. It offers a spacious interior and very large trunk for those busy shopping trips of family vacations. Be aware of the scandal with the VW diesel engines and emissions that affected some of the Jetta lineup and is supposed to have been dealt with.
5 Subaru Legacy
When considering buying a used car, the Subaru Legacy may not be one of the first models that comes to mind. It does have a lot to offer though. The mid-size family sedan has tons of room, a smooth ride, responsive handling, and all-wheel-drive to handle tricky road conditions. And to top it off, it also has good fuel economy.
4 Toyota Matrix
Toyota introduced the compact Matrix in 2003. It was popular for its roominess, being able to fit five passengers even though classed as a compact. Even tall drivers have enough headroom to be comfortable driving. If hauling cargo is needed, the rear seat folds down opening up 50 cubic feet of space.
The Matrix was discontinued in 2014 due to declining sales and other competing models of cars. As a used car, it is still a choice to consider for its comfort, ease of handling, and fuel economy.
3 Mazda 6
If your needs are for a roomy family sedan, but your wish list is for something sporty, the Mazda 6 will fill those shoes... or tires. It is classed as a family sedan but the exterior styling is far from it. The Mazda 6 hugs the road and the steering is precise.
The trunk is huge, being able to handle the family's luggage for vacations. Fuel economy, reliability, and high safety ratings also make the Mazda 6 rank high in the used car selection.
2 Lexus ES 350
The Lexus ES 350 may be considered an expensive luxury car when brand new. Surprisingly the price drops dramatically after five years as a used option. It provides a roomy, comfortable interior for its passengers.
The steering is not as responsive as other cars on the market, which some drivers may not feel comfortable with. It comes with many safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring.
1 Ford Mustang
If you are a driver looking for a used sports car, the Ford Mustang is one to consider. Ford reached a milestone producing 10 million units since the iconic sports car's introduction in 1964, now offering a total of six generations of Mustangs to choose from.
Depending on a buyer's budget and style preference, they could choose a Classic from the first generations, the "Foxbody" of the mid generations, to a current modern look and options.
Sources: Motor1, Autofile, Samarins, Consumer Reports, CarFax