Used cars are more popular than ever before due to a number of reasons, but knowing which kind of used car to purchase is the difference maker between buying just another car and buying a car that really gives you the most for your money. When it comes to sedans, there are a number of different brands and models available when searching for used cars near you that are under $15,000. Our list will quickly cover some of the more quality-oriented used car models you can look to buy for under $15,000 if you shop around.
#10: 2016 Chevy Sonic
Sadly the Chevy Sonic is no longer available with any new model years. GM pulled the plug on the Sonic in North America back in 2020, but you can still find a number of used Sonics for well under $15,000. The Sonic is an affordable little subcompact that offers a little bit of room and plenty of gusto for a small price. If you need an affordable vehicle with a sizable lineup of features, including the latest infotainment features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Sonic will satisfy that itch as one of the more modern and affordable sedans on the list.
#9: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta has been a great compact sedan for those who need something reliable and a spacious interior. The 2012 Jetta is one of the more affordable sedans you can find on the used market, but part of the problem is that it doesn’t quite offer the fuel economy you might desire from the gasoline engine. This means that if you can’t find the diesel-powered version of the Jetta, you’ll be stuck with the lower fuel economy offerings of the gas engine. Even still, with the interior features, solid exterior styling, and low used price, it makes the Jetta a solid offering.
#8: 2013 Hyundai Sonata
You may not win any beauty pageants with the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, but you will probably be the only one to get to the pageant, return home, and visit another pageant without having to refuel. The beauty of the Sonata is that it’s a highly fuel-efficient sedan. You can get an estimated 24 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2013 Sonata is an extremely affordable used sedan and easily one of the best options you can go with looking for used cars near you.
#7: 2014 Volkswagen Passat
The newer the vehicle, the more likely you are to find it with some of the more cherished infotainment features: touchscreen controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as Wi-Fi navigation and connectivity. However, most vehicles between 2014 and 2016 had very crude iterations of these features, so while they may be present in some bare-bones form, it’s usually not the best, which is one of the drawbacks of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat. However, the infotainment suite is there in some form, and you do get excellent fuel economy if you can find the Passat with a diesel powerplant. It’s a middling model year offering at a very low price, but it’s the kind of vehicle that’s a Jack of all trades.
#6: 2015 Chevy Cruze
When looking for a solid used vehicle that can get you to and from your destination with ease and for a really low price, you can reliably go with a Chevy Cruze. The 2015 Cruze is oftentimes available for well under $15,000, and if you shop around, you can find one for cheaper than $10,000 easily. The upside is the fuel economy and the great style it encompasses as a compact sedan. The downside is that it’s not as feature-rich with infotainment technology and the latest in safety tech that matches some of its more modern competitors. Even still, the Cruze is a tough vehicle to pass up given how cheap it is on the used market and how reliable most drivers find it to be on the road.
#5: 2013 Nissan Altima
The 2013 Nissan Altima is a roomy, capable, well-performing midsize sedan that offers solid horsepower in combination with excellent handling, commendable fuel economy, and a stylish look. The Altima is kind of an all-around go-to choice for many drivers looking for something refined and comfortable to drive. The benefit of a 2013 Nissan Altima is that you can generally find one for well under $15,000, and that makes it one of the better picks on the list, given how popular the Altima is. This makes for a great selection for those looking for a roomy family sedan or something a little more refined that compliments that new job promotion you’re seeking.
#4: 2010 Lexus LS
When it comes to promotions, the 2010 Lexus LS is another perfect luxury vehicle that fits well into the executive sedan position. While the Lexus LS may be a luxury sedan, a 2010 model is exceptionally affordable. Yes, you are giving up a lot in regard to the availability of modern-day tech amenities, such as infotainment connectivity and media app support, but you do get a rather robust safety suite and a very luxurious interior cabin. If you want to ride back and forth to work or school in style and for well under $15,000, a 2010 Lexus LS is a good way to go, thanks to a reliable V8 engine, expert engineering, and highly rated handling.
#3: 2011 Honda Civic
Not just an under $15,000 pick but typically available for under $10,000, the 2011 Honda Civic is a budget-friendly compact four-door sedan that offers praise-worthy fuel economy for an extremely low price. The Civic has always been a great go-to choice for those working on a really tight budget that needs something dependable for a lot of basic errands and point-to-point driving. You can’t really go wrong here if finances are stretched and you simply need a reliable vehicle with low annual maintenance costs and dependable gas mileage. Just don’t expect any bells and whistles when it comes to advanced active safety features, infotainment, or comfort amenities.
#2: 2010 Toyota Corolla
Completely satisfactory. That’s the best way to sum up the 2010 Toyota Corolla. It’s considered a compact sedan, but it offers a surprising amount of room within its segment, which certainly makes it a step above some of its nearest competitors. You have a responsive engine, decent seating, and dependable handling. If getting your hands on the cheapest and most reliable compact sedan is your goal, you really can’t go wrong with a 2010 Toyota Corolla. While it doesn’t do anything particularly special, it doesn’t do anything particularly wrong either, which is a great benefit to have when you’re looking for something cheap. You want something you can buy, drive, and rely on without worrying about whether it will break down towards your next destination. The Corolla is a car you can count on.
#1: 2009 Toyota Camry
Slightly larger than the Corolla but possibly a little less expensive, a used 2009 Toyota Camry is what you opt for when you want the absolute cheapest and yet highest quality available midsize sedan the market has to offer. Since there were no overhauls or new additions for the 2009 model, it means it’s nothing too special on the market, which is actually a good thing because it means it’s readily available from almost any used car dealer, and should be easy pickings for those looking for one of the best-selling and most dependable sedans on the road today. While it lacks the spiffy looks of the newer generation Camry, the sixth-gen Camry still comes equipped with responsive handling, good fuel economy, and a comfortable interior. If you want a perfectly suitable midsize sedan for as low a price as you can get without getting into lemon territory, a 2009 Toyota Camry is a great way to go.
