When you’re buying a used car, we are looking for the lowest initial cost on the sticker, right? Wrong. We are actually looking for the lowest cost-of-ownership, and a cheap purchase price can be a costly headache if you have a car that always needs fixing. A tried-and-true cheap car can actually be a money-saving asset for years if you never have to spend money on it, and on short-term expenses, a cheap car looks for fuel economy and low repair costs.
Some vehicles are simply ones to buy used, not just to buy, because they reliably produce hassle-free motoring every day. The most desirable used car bargains are so plentiful you might find yourself with little trouble comparing different cars on sale, checking their service history and seeing that the best one wins. We’ve taken a detailed look at 10 of the most compelling used car deals available, from the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic to the Lexus ES and Buick Lacrosse.
1. Toyota Corolla
If you’re looking for a default or safe choice, it may simply be the Toyota Corolla. Historically the used-car reliability champion, the Corolla is an affordable solution for commuters and new car buyers. Cheap to insure, inexpensive to fix, and designed to regularly hit the 200,000-mile marker if driven with regular service, an older Corolla can be found for any budget and every new version adds in the latest safety technology while keeping the price low. That combination of affordability and longevity is why the Corolla is frequently the first recommendation for anyone seeking a car that “just works,” as a machine that you buy and don’t have to think about.
Corolla Reliability Facts:
- Benchmark for used-car reliability
- Cheap to insure, simple to repair
- Routinely passes 200,000 miles
- 2017 model on KBB under-$15,000 list
- High Consumer Reports, JD Power ratings
Kelley Blue Book includes the 2017 Corolla among its top choices for vehicles under $15,000, supported by consistently high reliability ratings from both Consumer Reports and JD Power. It may not offer high-energy driving thrills, but it delivers unmatched peace of mind by starting faithfully every single morning. For commuters and first-time buyers, that dependable character matters more than excitement. A Corolla with basic, routine maintenance can serve its owner for years, which is exactly what budget-minded shoppers are looking for when they want low ownership costs and little stress.
2. Honda Civic
The Civic has always been a popular choice for budget-minded shoppers because of good fuel economy, good quality, and high residual values. It may cost a little more than other vehicles in its class, but it will recoup that money at resale or trade-in time. It offers spaciousness and a truly fun-to-drive experience at a wide range of budget levels. All of this explains the Civic’s strong appeal for the value-minded shopper and the many people who continue to buy them even in a strong used market.
Civic Value Facts:
- Impressive fuel economy
- Solid build quality
- Strong resale value
- Roomy, engaging to drive
- 2017 Civic on KBB list
Consumer Reports top five list for long-term reliability for used-cars. Beyond that, Kelley Blue Book reviewed the 2017 Civic on its Under $15,000 list, complimenting the Civic for its efficiency, interior space, and how well it can serve as a daily driver. If you can find a Civic with a comprehensive service history, it will be a reliable, versatile car that won’t cost you much to operate, and may be a little more expensive but definitely worth it in the long run.
3. Honda Fit
Small on the outside but surprisingly spacious inside, the Honda Fit is one of the most practical cars you can buy. It has the company’s unique “Magic Seat” layout that offers significantly more cargo space than you would expect from a package that is so small. Its ability to make the most of the space under the seats makes it a great urban car for students, city workers, and those who are concerned about getting as much for their dollar as they possibly can. It’s easy to see why this is such an excellent used car selection.
Honda Fit Space Facts:
- Packaging marvel inside
- “Magic Seat” configuration
- Far more usable cargo capacity
- Tops cost-per-remaining-year charts
- Low price, efficient fuel use
Per cost-per-remaining-year, the Fit always ranks as a bargain in the used cheapo hatchback class. It provides a fantastic synergy of low starting price and positive fuel economy with an abundance of product life expectancy. If you’re a practical consumer who could use a chameleon of a vehicle but don’t want to (or can’t) switch into something bigger and pricier, the Fit is an incredible value leader. City dwellers and college kids in particular will love its wealth of features, ability to serve as a small family hauler, and frugal factors that benefit your pocketbook.
4. Mazda3
The Mazda3 shows that a good, low-cost car doesn’t have to be a boring car. Whether you opt for the sedan or the sporty hatchback, it’s a lively, nimble car with available engines with good speed and horsepower, along with a cabin that looks and feels premium for the class. It also has low maintenance costs and a flexible driving platform, meaning it’s a fun and exciting alternative to many other affordable cars. Enthusiast buyers looking for something to drive and keep for a while will find the Mazda3 a great option that has tons of character without the cost of larger, sportier vehicles.
Mazda3 Driving Facts:
- Sedan or hatchback body styles
- Sharp handling, efficient engines
- Upscale-feeling interior
- Low operating costs
- Third in Consumer Reports reliability
Mazda performs well in all major assessments. According to the Consumer Reports used-car rankings, Mazda’s remain among the most reliable mass-market brands, ranking third in this category, while also ranking second from the top overall in the JD Power dependability study. Slightly older Mazda3 models offer a compelling choice as a slightly more premium alternative to the generally soulless cars used as commuter vehicles, with the added ability to be fun to drive along the way while offering pleasingly durable engine performance for the long term.
5. Toyota Camry
For drivers who require greater space in their sedan, the Toyota Camry offers the comfort of a midsize car, plus a proven mechanical record of quality. With a quiet cabin, highway-going comfort, and room for everyone and everything, the Camry is more than comfortable. Because the Camry is so ubiquitous, there are a ton of them for sale as used cars, so prices stay reasonable and parts inexpensive. An excellent choice for those who have outgrown a compact sedan, the Camry is just about the best way to go.
Toyota Camry Comfort Facts:
- Midsize comfort, legendary longevity
- Quiet ride, smooth highway manner
- Exceptional passenger, cargo space
- Fair prices, cheap spare parts
- 2016 Camry on KBB list
Kelley Blue Book considers the 2016 Camry a reliable, comfortable, solidly built car that’s also a bargain at less than $15,000. Consumer Reports considers Toyota one of the best options in the 5-to-10-year-old used car market. Even a high-mileage, well-maintained Camry with service records can give years of hassle-free transportation. For families and daily drivers seeking spacious, stress-free daily commute, the Camry delivers without breaking the bank, and with a reputation for reliability, you can feel good when you look around at all the options.
6. Honda Accord
As the longest-running competitor of the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord remains a top choice for those seeking a midsize sedan with a more spirited on-road persona. An Accord offers a spacious and premium interior and a solid cabin withstood the rigors of high-mileage use far better than you might expect. It has a touch more feel and responsiveness than many other sedans in this segment without sacrificing all of your comfort and has a certain added zest that sets it apart from the crowd of more sedate models.
Honda Accord Highlights:
- Camry’s longtime midsize rival
- Sportier driving personality
- Spacious, refined cabin
- Interior holds up to wear
- 2016 Accord on KBB list
Kelley Blue Book points to the 2016 Accord as a dependable vehicle that offers a broad range of trim levels, efficient driving and Honda’s well-known construction. A used Accord of this model year will bring you family-sedan comfort and tasteful refinement without forcing your budget into the next price range. Its upward popularity, too, makes it easy to find affordable replacement parts at your preferred shop and easy to find parts at a nearby shop. No other midsize sedan offers such an attractive mix of enjoyable driving, capacity and easy ownership costs.
7. Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra. The Elantra is the perfect value play for those tight on dollars but not tight on features. It always walks away from its Japanese rivals at the point of sale while providing an excellent array of convenience features, minimum driving expenses and a relaxed, comfortable ride. If you’re looking to buy a used car that’s packed with features and fits your budget, the Elantra is not to be missed, as it shows how a low price doesn’t have to mean a bare bones ride, and that all the comforts of the modern world can be had on a tight used-car dollar.
Hyundai Elantra Value Facts:
- Maximizes feature content per dollar
- Undercuts Japanese rivals on price
- Low running costs
- Smooth, comfortable ride
- Affordable insurance rates
Since recent types have displayed a consistent rise in total quality as well as build reliability, a fresh Elantra with sales and service records is a wise secondhand purchase. People who pick an excellent having regular oil-change information can often save up on a large amount of money in the cost while using the same great practical knowledge of driving. With respect to its cheap purchase price, the Elantra has lower driving insurance costs combined with a reduced fuel mileage, which makes it ideal as a starter vehicle for college students, road warriors, or anyone else seeking current features without paying out a premium.
8. Toyota Prius
If cutting fuel costs is your main concern, the Toyota Prius is the best choice for an economic city/highway driving vehicle. With the world-renowned hybrid drive-train economy and the Prius’s great mechanical durability, able to cruise through hundreds of thousands of miles, it is truly a combination of low fuel costs and long life that makes this one of the best and most economic to own options you can choose. With high mileage on your daily drives, the savings at the pump will begin adding up.
Toyota Prius Efficiency Facts:
- Urban and highway efficiency icon
- World-famous hybrid economy
- Covers hundreds of thousands of miles
- 2015 Prius on KBB list
- Low brake wear from regeneration
Kelley Blue Book places the 2015 Prius among the best used vehicles under $15,000 thanks to its continued high scores for reliability in the largest industry studies. It is still the top choice for a commuting vehicle that will keep the daily operating costs for the vehicle at their absolute minimum. Prospective owners will need to check the health and history of the hybrid battery pack, but those parts continue to be extremely reliable, and due to the regenerative braking system, the Prius exhibits exceedingly low brake wear, keeping the costs of regular maintenance almost nonexistent.
9. Lexus ES
If you’re a buyer who wants to experience a splash of true luxury without the scary maintenance costs, the Lexus ES is your perfect oasis. Rooted in proven technology, it offers zero noise, highway cruising, a plush interior, and durable mechanicals. The Lexus delivers an extremely placid and comfortable drive that’s much more refined than the used price might imply, making it a wonderful option for those who desire to be pampered without having to worry about an extravagant repair bill.
Lexus ES Luxury Facts:
- Whisper-quiet highway ride
- Plush cabin appointments
- Lexus first in Consumer Reports reliability
- JD Power’s highest dependability brand
- Avoids excessive labor charges
Consumer Reports ranks the Lexus as No. 1 for used-car reliability that’s five to 10 years old, and JD Power considers the brand as a whole to have the most dependable vehicles. The ES, an aging Lexus, is one of the few sedans that deliver that special feeling of premium quality inside as well as decade-after-decade ownership that is both realistic and reasonable. Thanks to its widespread shared platform, the Lexus is not expensive to maintain compared to many European luxury sedans. It provides a refined and worry-free ownership experience for drivers who like being treated like royalty but without the royal price.
10. Buick LaCrosse
However, since most pre-owned buyers don’t pursue the usual American sedan models, the LaCrosse often flies under the radar as a great used car bargain. It offers a relaxed, quiet ride on the freeway, lots of room for passengers and smooth handling that compares very favorably with much more costly luxury vehicles. Used vehicles that few others buy tend to be better deals, so take it for a test drive and see if you’re impressed with the LaCrosse.
Buick LaCrosse Value Facts:
- Often overlooked, high-value bargain
- Relaxed, quiet highway ride
- Generous passenger room
- Highest mass-market JD Power 2025
- Soft suspension, spacious back seat
Credibility+ To reinforce its reliability, JD Power ranked Buick as the top mass-market brand in its 2025 dependability study. Even if locating a sharp LaCrosse, smart shoppers will appreciate the comfortable, large sedan that provides low-key, reliable transportation at an extremely reasonable starting price. With its generous rear seat and softer suspension tuning, it is a particularly good car for buyers who want to enjoy long-distance traveling comfort. Those who pass on the high-profile luxury brand names may be able to find a LaCrosse with extremely low mileage at a reasonable price compared to a much smaller economy sedan. Top used car value is about matching a sensible budget with a history of low cost ownership.
