A lot goes into purchasing a used car. Between finding the right model, ensuring that the vehicle is in working order, and getting the most bang for your buck, the process can be understandably overwhelming. Although a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a used car is reliability. The last thing you want is to purchase a used car that is going to break down on you’re a few years after buying or leave you with mountains of debt due to maintenance. Some manufacturers are better than others at designing reliable vehicles. However, there is a list of brands that design their vehicles to be in it for the long haul. From sport sedans to powerhouse pickup trucks and SUVs, there are a wide variety of potential used cars for sale out there that can make for a great used car purchase, and we’ll show you which ones are our top picks.
The 2018 Honda CR-V
In terms of reliability, Honda is a leader in creating a lineup of vehicles that are simply in it for the long-haul. One of these vehicles, and potentially one of the most popular SUVs on the market, is the 2018 Honda CR-V. This particularly roomy SUV is a favorite amongst families and utility lovers everywhere. Available in LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, the Honda CR-V comes with a decent amount of customization. The initial value these SUVs offer is hard to ignore, as almost all models of the CR-V are designed with safety in mind. While base models offer the simple basics, the EX, EX-L, and Touring trims take things up a notch providing features like automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and a intuitive road departure mitigation system, specifically designed to keep the CR-V from drifting off the pavement.
While safety tech is an appealing characteristic of the Honda CR-V, it is important to point out the engine specs behind this popular SUV. The base model of the 2018 Honda CR-V has a consistent 2.4-liter inline-4-cylinder engine that turns out 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. While not a ton of power, this SUV isn’t meant for heavy hauling; it is meant to be a comfortable person transport. This shines true in the overall gas mileage, as the base model of the Honda CR-V comes in at 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market.
These additional safety features may offer a considerable amount of appeal for families and tech-appreciative drivers; however, what makes the 2018 Honda CR-V particularly worthwhile is its reliability rating. J.D Power gave the 2018 Honda CR-V a 3 out of 5 in terms of reliability, making it a solid pick for families who are looking to invest in a great affordable used SUV.
The 2018 Toyota Corolla
Few sedans offer the level of impressive reliability quite like the Toyota Corolla. This compact sedan has earned quite the reputation for providing drivers with longevity, making it a great pick for used car buyers. While small, the Toyota Corolla packs quite a lot of value, and offers up some solid appeal for those who are looking for a consistent commuter car. Speaking of commutes, the 2018 Toyota Corolla earns a remarkable 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The 140 horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is zippy and responsive making for a great drive even when stuck in bumper to bumper.
In typical Toyota fashion, the 2018 Toyota Corolla comes fully loaded with technology. For starters there are a range of seven trim options, the L, LE, LE Eco, SE, XLE, and XSE, all of which are designed with intuitive and seamless driving in mind. Some incredible infotainment features in the Corolla include a 7.0-inch infotainment system, keyless entry, heated front seats, and even a premium audio system. Safety tech is fully loaded in the Corolla as well as drivers can expect a full myriad of features such as automatic high beams, lane departure warnings, LED headlights, and automatic emergency braking.
While all of these characteristics are important to pay attention to, what really makes the Toyota Corolla great is its superb reliability. J.D. Power gave the Toyota Corolla a five out of five in terms of reliability, which is certainly remarkable. So, if you’re looking for a used sedan for sale, the Toyota Corolla ought to be your top pick.
The 2018 Mazda3
The 2018 Mazda3 is another highly reliable sedan, that offers a more premium styling. While the Toyota Corolla has plenty of curb appeal, the Mazda3 has an exterior and interior that seem to be more deserving of a luxury car. Not only is it a solid sedan, but drivers can also take advantage of a more robust driving experience in their Grand Touring trim which sports a 184 horsepower 2.5-liter Inline-4 engine that delivers in terms of performance. The Ground Touring is one of three different trim options including the Sport and Touring trims. Each version of the Mazda3 can also be purchased with a hatchback, expanding on cargo size, and adding a kind of crossover aura to the vehicle.
While far from being a sports car, the 2018 Mazda3 has plenty of kick beneath the hood, and drivers can expect more than just a typical sedan performance. That said, if you’re looking for something with a bit better gas mileage, the base Sport trim of the 2018 Mazda3 is equipped with a 155 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that clocks in at 31 mpg combined.
So, how does the 2018 Mazda3 fair in terms of reliability? Well, J.D Power gave the 2018 Mazda3 a 3 out of 5. While not as impressive as the Toyota Corolla’s perfect score it is still valuable in its own right.
The 2018 Toyota 4Runner
Toyota seems to have claimed the space in terms of reliability, and they solidify their place with the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. This rugged mid-sized SUV is on the opposite end of the spectrum when compared against the Honda CR-V. While yes, the 4Runner is designed for people transport, it is also a rugged trekker, tooled for off-roading, and far more demanding driving. Each model of the 2018 4Runner is equipped with a beefy 270 horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine, which puts out 278 lb-ft worth of torque, and is partnered by a 5-speed automatic engine. The Toyota 4Runner comes in four different trim options the SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited. The V6 packed beneath the hood of each 4Runner is up to the task, with a tow-rating of up to 5,000 lbs and a reasonable fuel economy of 18mpg combined, considering its size. And with the option of a four-wheel drive, drivers will find themselves unstoppable behind the wheel of this off-road champ.
Reliability is really where the 2018 Toyota 4Runner shines as J.D. Power gave the adventure-ready SUV a 4 out of 5. The Toyota 4Runner is a solid pick for any driver who wants an off-road trekker that can continue to take the trail for years to come.
These are just some of the reliable vehicles that caught our eye, and we couldn’t recommend them enough. That said, we urge all used car buyers to head down to their local dealership and check some of these cars out first hand to get a real clear idea of why we picked them for our reliability shortlist.
