10 Cars You Should Buy Used (And 5 You Shouldn’t)

Man in black jacket and jeans standing between rows of used cars at dealership with price and financing signs visible

Summary:

  • Toyota Camry and Honda Civic are solid choices for used cars, while Chrysler 200 and Fiat 500 should be avoided.

  • Mazda3 and Toyota 4Runner are underrated used vehicles with great longevity, while Range Rover and Chrysler 200 are unreliable.

  • Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback are practical and reliable used options, while VW CC and Nissan CVT models are best avoided.

Admittedly, it is only common sense, buying used is just smart money. However, not all the used vehicles are worth your hard-earned money. Others, like heroes, stand their ground when it counts hundreds of thousands of miles. Others will drain your wallet fast. This is what to pick and what to leave at the dealership.

Toyota Camry -No-Brainer, Every Single Time

Gray Toyota Camry sedan parked on a residential driveway with green trees and brick houses in the background.

In America, the Camry is the benchmark of used cars. It is dependable, cheap to keep in operation, and it is very common. You can never make a mistake here.

Honda Civic Small Car, Massive Reputation

Silver Honda sedan driving on a city street with tall buildings and traffic in the background

The Americans have put their trust in the Civic over the decades because it is cheap to repair, insure, and economical in fuel consumption. Buy a second-hand car and drive it forever.

Mazda3- The Underdog That Is Worth The Dollar

Silver Mazda sedan parked on coastal road at sunset with lighthouse in background

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The Mazda 3 is an undervalued car, and this is their loss. It performs well in performance, has a nice appearance, and lasts long. The prices are used and are worth bargaining.

Toyota 4Runner -Basically Runs Until The End of Time.

Silver Toyota SUV driving off-road on dusty terrain with mountains and cloudy sky in the background

There is a reason why the owners of 4Runners are so devoted. This vehicle lasts. Purchase a second-hand one, keep it in condition, and you will readily bequeath it to your children.

Honda CR-V – The Practical Vehicle You Will Never Regret

Red Honda SUV driving on coastal highway with ocean and mountains in the background.

There is no one who regrets purchasing a second-hand CR-V. It is roomy, solid, and can fit in different lifestyles, hence excellent to use by families or even for cargo.

Subaru Outback Built On Real American Roads

Subaru SUV driving on Loosa River Scenic Byway with mountains and river in the background

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The Outback is ideal for the trails and extreme winters. The second-hand models are many, cheap, and sturdy to take on any challenge.

Lexus ES – Luxury That Will Not Destroy Your Bank Account

Silver Lexus sedan parked on driveway of modern house at sunset

Tired of spending money on luxury repairs? Grab a used Lexus ES. It is just a dressed-up Toyota beneath, and that is to say it is as solid as a rock and will not leave you stuck in any position soon.

Ford F-150- America’s Truck, America’s Choice

White Ford F-150 pickup truck with flatbed carrying equipment on a rural road with trees and hills in the background

F-150 is the best-selling car in America due to the availability of used ones, low cost of parts, and reliability in performance. It is a no-brainer among the buyers of trucks.

Porsche Boxster: Your Dream Car at an Affordable Price

Gray Porsche convertible driving on coastal highway with mountains and ocean in the background

One of the best automotive secrets of America is a used Boxster. It is possible to have an actual Porsche at the cost of a dull family car. Simply maintain it and enjoy every single drive.

Chevrolet Silverado-Hardcore, Low End, Pure American

Black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck loaded with lumber and construction materials at a dusty construction site

Silverado is a dependable workhorse that does not need much maintenance. Second-hand models are high, cheap, and capable of transporting bulky products. This is a reliable truck in case you require one.

Fiat 500 – Nightmare Ownership, Cute Car

White vintage Fiat 500 parked on a city street with brick apartment buildings in the background.

The Fiat 500 is adorable yet needs to be taken to the mechanic regularly, which will be expensive to repair, and will struggle to find an experienced Fiat technician.

Range Rover -You Are Buying a Logo, Not A Reliable Car

Gray Range Rover parked at Prestige Motors used car lot with two men inspecting vehicles nearby

Second-hand Range Rovers are very attractive, yet they tend to malfunction. Suspension problems, electrical problems, and high repair costs are to be expected. This is something that can be left to someone.

Chrysler 200, They Kill It Off For A Good Reason

Silver Chrysler sedan with "For Sale" sign parked at Budget Auto Sales lot with "As Is" sign in front

 

Dissatisfaction led to the abolishment of the 200 by Chrysler. There are the same problems with the used models. It is not worth taking this one when there are better and more reliable options at the same price.

VW CC, Appeals Slick, Stings Like A Pin

Mechanic inspecting engine of a gray Volkswagen CC with hood open in an auto repair shop.

VW CC is a catchy car, but its high cost of repair in Europe may be staggering. The complicated electronics and the expensive specialist service also result in an unfortunate financial encounter for many customers.

Nissan CVT Models, Walk Away, Seriously

Man sitting in Nissan car looking concerned with warning lights on dashboard outside AJ's Automotive repair shop

The issues with CVT transmission at Nissan are known. Such transmissions are not reliable, and the cost of replacement is expensive. When the used Nissan is a CVT, then do not risk it.

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