Buying a used car can be difficult, challenging, and overall a little bit annoying. With all these used car dealerships near me, there are way too many options. Not only are there hundreds of used car dealerships, but hundreds of different types of used cars. How are we supposed to know exactly what’s reliable and what’s not? If you’ve been used car shopping before, you know that some cars are much better than others. There’s nothing worse than buying a used car only for it to break down a few weeks after purchase. So, I’ve come up with a list of ten of the most reliable used cars you can find at used car dealerships.
The Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion has been around since 2006, and with time, it has only gotten better. The second-generation was released in 2013, provides plenty of great options for anyone looking for a reliable, stylish, and eco-friendly vehicle.
In addition, the Ford Fusion makes a great family car, with its spacious interior and comfortable seats. While the first generation of the vehicle offered 100.3 cubic feet of space for passengers, the second-generation upgraded to 118.8 cubic feet.
The fuel economy also improves with every passing year. 2013 models offer up to 25 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. However, there’s also a hybrid version of the 2013 model with even better fuel economy, at 43 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway.
The second generation of the Ford Fusion also offers safety features like driver-assistive technology and adaptive cruise control. With great mileage, safety features, and style, the Ford Fusion is a great, reliable used car option.
The GMC Yukon
If you’re looking for something bigger and bulkier, the GMC Yukon may be the SUV for you. With a life expectancy of 200,000 miles, this car is definitely reliable. Large SUVs are often seen as reliable vehicles to invest in, although their gas mileage might not be as good. For over a decade now, the GMC Yukon has featured a 5.3-liter V8 engine among a few others, including a 3.0L diesel engine. All of its engine options are powerful and will get you where you need to go.
The GMC Yukon can carry up to nine passengers, making it the ultimate family car. The GMC Yukon proves you don’t have to get a small sedan to get a reliable and family-friendly vehicle.
The Toyota Tacoma
Trucks are famously reliable, but which ones make the longest-lasting vehicles, and which are worth purchasing used? The Toyota Tacoma is an affordable, reliable option for many. Like many other Toyota models, the Tacoma is known for being a dependable and durable vehicle. Ready to handle anything life throws at it.
If you’re looking into purchasing a Tacoma, there are many options available as this model has been around in the U.S. since 2005. However, people suggest avoiding 2007 and 2017 models, but 2014 and 2015 were great years for this truck.
The Audi A6
The Audi A6 is a more expensive car than the rest of the models on this list, but it has its perks along with the price. A used Audi A6 could cost around 15 to 20k depending on the year. Repair Pal gives it a 3.5 of 5 for reliability, but this stylish luxury car still ranks pretty high when compared to its competitors. While it has higher than average annual repair costs, at $913, most of its necessary repairs aren’t severe, and you won’t have to take it into the shop all the time. If you are looking for something that has plenty of modern features but comes in at the price of a cheaper, new car, this is the vehicle for you.
The Toyota Prius
Toyota’s have a good rep for being reliable cars (taking up four spots on our top ten), but the Toyota Prius is in a league of its own. Buying your first hybrid car can be kind of intimidating. You’re not sure if it’ll be any different than owning a regular car, or if it’ll carry higher repair costs alongside it. Thankfully, the car has an annual repair cost of $408 dollars, not much more than some of the other cars on the list. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient and reliable used car, the Prius is your best bet.
The Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is one of the more popular sedans on the road today. You seem to see them pretty much everywhere you go, but do they actually make for a reliable car? Repair Pal ranks the Honda Civic with a 4.5 out 5 on its reliability scale. The Honda Civic also has a low annual repair cost, at only $368. This means you won’t have to spend a ton of money on the car each year, replacing and repairing minor or major problems.
Honda Civics are also on the cheaper end of the spectrum when it comes to used cars, so you won’t have any trouble finding one within your budget.
The Mazda3
The Mazda3 was U.S. News’ #1 hatchback and #2 compact car in 2016. That must mean they’re doing something right with the Mazda3 models recently. If you’re looking to buy a stylish and compact car, the Mazda3 may be the best option for you.
According to U.S. News, “the Mazda3 is one of the best options in the compact car class.” The 2016 Mazda3 had great gas mileage at a combined 33 MPG.
A Mazda3 will range from 10k to 20k depending on model year and mileage, so you won’t have any problems finding the perfect Mazda3 for your budget. If you’re looking for style, safety features, and cool technology, definitely take a look at the Mazda3.
The Honda CR-V
With Honda’s second car on the list, you know it’s a reliable brand. Like the Honda Civic, the CR-V is also rated a 4.5 out of 5 in the reliability category. Although it has a slightly higher annual repair cost of $407, it’s still a great reliable option to think about.
CR-V owners also only have to bring their cars into the shops a couple of times a year for unscheduled repair appointments. That means that the car doesn’t break down as often, making it reliable for a long period of time. You can also look forward to the CR-V not often having severe repair issues, because only 9% of CR-V repairs are actually severe, according to Repair Pal.
The Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a well-known and established car, much like the Honda Civic. While Repair Pal ranks it a 4 out of 5 for reliability, it has more to offer than that. The Camry has a low annual repair cost, at only $388 compared to the average of $526 for other midsize cars.
The Toyota RAV4
Of course, Toyota makes the top of this list with the most reliable of used car options. The RAV4 has an above-average reliability rating of 4 out of 5, along with an average repair cost of $429 a year. The RAV4 is an impressive compact SUV that outranks a lot of other cars its size. If you’re looking for a roomy and attractive SUV, the RAV4 might be the best option for you.
Finding Your Own Used Car
You can’t go wrong with most used cars, just make sure to do your research before picking out the one that you want. With a used car, you can find a model that is loaded with modern features that has a low price tag. When you go to buy one, make sure you take the model for a test drive, check to see what repairs it had done and check online to see if there are any common complaints or praises for the model. For any car purchase, research is key. When you find a reliable car that fits your needs and budget, the peace of mind can’t be beat.
