Best Used Cars to Buy
If you are in the market for a used car, it is highly advisable to do some research before purchasing anything. With that in mind, there are certain websites that provide car reviews based on their performance, safety features, affordability, and vehicle automation.
Before we proceed with the top used cars to buy this year, let’s try to first discuss the benefits in doing so. Aside from the fact that used cars are less expensive than new models, these vehicles post less depreciation value. Used cars are better bargains because they previously depreciated just as soon as they were driven off the new-car dealership’s lot.
In addition, local car dealers promote some of the craziest fees in today’s market. Instead of allowing yourself to be tempted to buy a new car, look for ways to truly assess the pros and cons of a new car versus a car that is not only cheaper but also, they are not that relatively old.
Most of the time, car owners would sell their brand new car or slightly used one for the sake of jumping in on the bandwagon. For people who are looking to become more practical with their financial decisions, buying pre-owned cars can be a great option for them to not only save money but also acquire a ride that is totally worth it.
Lastly, the beauty with used cars is that the condition can still be in tip-top shape. There are car resellers that offer “Used Cars to Buy” that are not only in great mechanical shape but also are scratch and dent-free. With that in mind, here are some of the top best pre-owned cars to buy. To make this post a bit cohesive, the cars are categorized by price range.
Best Used Cars Under $10,000
2012 Chevrolet Volt – average price of $9,000 – $9,500
One thing is for sure, the 2012 Chevrolet Volt has a good level of acceleration for a hybrid, and much sportier handling than most of its competitors. Despite its very confusing interior controls, this 2012 model presents a highly advanced navigation system and a MyLink infotainment system.
In addition, customers were concerned with the fact that this 2012 model, which is also labeled as one of the best pre-owned cars to buy, has cramped rear seats and a small trunk. However, one of the best features of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt is the fact that its cabin includes a lot of premium materials. It promotes a comfortable ride by ensuring that the steering is precise and that it feels stable during cornering. With this car model, you can ensure that your drive back home will be comfortable and fun.
2012 Honda Fit – average price of $7,000 – $9,000
If you are looking for a compact car that has amazing gas mileage, why not invest in a 2012 Honda Fit? It’s the perfect ride to go around town. It has excellent steering that provides agility when handling the corners. Furthermore, its cabin is constructed with a basic set of materials. In addition, any buyer would notice the car’s cheerful design and accent. The front seats are very generous when it comes to both headroom and legroom. As a result, you can ensure that both the driver and front passenger would have a good amount of visibility.
As for the 2012 Honda Fit’s features, you can enjoy its AC system, CD audio system, cruise control, door locks, and power windows. This subcompact car provides enough cargo space for different shapes and sizes.
2010 Toyota Prius – average price of $7,000 – $8,000
Did you know that the 2010 Toyota Prius won Best Hybrid Car for the Money in 2010? Furthermore, it was considered as the 2010 Top Affordable Small Car and Top Compact Car. Any car enthusiast would know the true worth of this Toyota Prius.
In addition, it has amazing fuel economy and a versatile cargo and cabin space. The Toyota Prius’ style and design have always been recognizable in the auto market. The front wheels of this car are powered through CVT or a continuously variable transmission. This can be a great investment as it features seven airbags for safety purposes, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, excellent navigation capacity, and heated front seats.
2009 Honda Fit – average price of $4,000 – $5,000
There are a lot of advantages to get the 2009 Honda Fit. For one, it is super fun to drive, much like every other Honda Fit. The second advantage is that this vehicle presents enough passenger space, as well as cargo space, for the whole family. The 2009 model also features a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that promotes very good fuel economy.
The downside to this car is that its competitors have the standard electronic stability control, something that the 2009 Honda Fit lacks. Nonetheless, this Honda Fit features an AC system, door locks, power windows, and a stereo complete with an auxiliary input jack.
2009 Scion tC – average price of $3,000 – $4,000
According to Cars.US News, the 2009 Scion tC has won the top spot for Used Compact Cars under $6,000 and second place for 2009 Affordable Small Cars. Furthermore, with this car, you can enjoy certain features including a standard USB port as well as a Pioneer stereo, driver’s knee airbag, and ample cargo space.
There are critics that have commented on how the 2009 Scion tC has low safety scores; which may throw customers off track. Yet, this coupe possesses an electronic brake-force distribution system and anti-lock brakes; both of which are uncommon safety feature in a coupe at that price range.
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Best Used Cars Under $15,000
2014 Nissan Altima – average price of $11,000 – $15,000
One of the first few things you will notice about the 2014 Nissan Altima is the fact that it has an upscale interior. Test driving will make you realize that it also has an amazing fuel economy rating. Furthermore, this Nissan Altima, for an average price of $11,000 to $15,000, has a strong performance rating that every car owner would be happy to invest in.
It has a horsepower of 182 up to 270. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides brisk acceleration. The 2014 Nissan Altima is also considered as one of the best non-hybrid vehicles among its competitors. This particular Altima model has tether anchors on the rear seats and lower anchors on the car’s outboard seats.
2014 Nissan Sentra – average price of $9,000 – $11,000
The 2014 Nissan Sentra has an amazing fuel economy rating compared to most of its competitors. Furthermore, it also has ample space in the trunk and in the rear seats. What most customers love about this Nissan Sentra is its affordability.
It features excellent performance as well as easy-to-use interior controls, and the CVT-equipped models have the best rating when it comes to fuel economy; 38 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in the city. For some, the only downside to the Nissan Sentra is that it lacks the excitement you would typically see in some of its competitors.
2012 Nissan Leaf – average price of $12,000 – $12,500
If you really want to impress your friends opt for something like the 2012 Nissan Leaf. Why? Well, take a look at all of the awards that this model received – Top in Used Hatchbacks $2,000 to $15,000, Top in 2012 Hybrid Cars, Top in Used Small Cars $12,000 to $14,000, Top in 2012 Hatchbacks, and so much more.
Some of its basic features include a very responsive electric motor, a USB port, Bluetooth, navigation system, and satellite radio. With the 2012 Nissan Leaf, you’ll know that it’s worth every penny you spend, which is not that much!
2017 Chevrolet Sonic – average price of $10,000 – $14,000
With the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, customers will enjoy a refreshed exterior styling, an amazing handling system that is crisp, a powerful engine, spacious and seating area and cargo space. While it may have lower a fuel economy rating than some of its competitors, it has one of the best safety ratings, as well as excellent predicted reliability.
2014 Honda Civic for an average price of $10,000 – $15,000
The 2014 Honda Civic promotes a balanced ride and amazing handling. On top of its interior style and design, it also has a fairly good reliability rating as well as safety features. It has excellent gas mileage despite it having limited trunk space. However, what you should be excited about is its CVT five-speed automatic transmission as well as the Civic’s Lane Watch camera with an updated touch screen.
Best Used Luxury Cars Under $30,000
2009 Lexus IS – average price of $8,000 – $9,000
Despite the 2009 Lexus IS having a small back seat and limited front-seat headroom, you would still be willing to purchase a used Lexus IS 350 for the fact that it features refined handling, ample power, and a high-quality interior.
2011 Lexus CT Hybrid – average price of $9,000 – $10,000
With an average price range of $9,000 – $10,000, the 2011 Lexus CT Hybrid has been labeled as one of 2011’s Top Hatchbacks, Luxury Small Cars, and Luxury Hybrid Cars. It was also named the 2011 Top Used Luxury Small Car under $20,000 to $30,000.
Some of its standard features include dual-zone climate control, satellite radio, a USB port, an excellent navigation system, and Bluetooth. Its competitors include the 2011 Audi A3 and 2011 Nissan Leaf, and reviewers all agreed that when it comes to this car’s base model, it is better equipped the others.
2014 BMW 3-Series – average price of $8,000 – $14,000
Car enthusiasts can be certain that when it comes to the 2014 BMW 3-Series, every penny spent will be well worth it. If you plan on buying a used BMW 3-Series, you’ll enjoy a roomy cabin, user-friendly infotainment system, good fuel efficiency, and excellent reliability.
Furthermore, some of the added features that some car owners would be happy to have include a re-designed sports wagon, a four-door Gran Turismo hatchback, and a four-cylinder diesel engine.
2013 Audi A4 – average price of $13,000 – $20,000
The 2013 Audi A4 is one of the luxury cars that is known for its top-notch interior materials, responsive steering, a very powerful braking system, a sunroof and automatic climate control. The Audi A4 also has an excellent navigation system, blind spot monitoring, HD Radio, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, Bluetooth, and iPod integration.
2013 BMW 1-Series – average price of $13,000 – $21,000
Lastly, our final spot for the top used cars to buy this year would be the 2013 BMW 1-Series. It has ample engine power, nimble handling, excellent communicative steering, amazingly strong brakes, and a six-cylinder engine that provides brisk acceleration. All of which make this BMW 1-Series super fun to drive. While there were some critics who have claimed that the front seats were lacking in terms of space, the rear seats are very generous, and you can enjoy a Harman Kardon surround sound audio system and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. Imagine this, a car that sold for $50,000 just a few years back can be yours for less than half its original sticker price. Every year, car brands are releasing new models.
If you pay attention to the features, you’ll notice how many car models do not differ drastically. But every now and then, there will be certain features that change the whole game of a particular car model. By purchasing one of those models used, you can enjoy all the features of the car and save a substantial amount compared to when it was brand new.
If you want to be practical about it, buying used vehicles is the best way to save some cash without compromising the quality of your ride. And at Fairless Motors, we have a great selection of quality pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs, all of which have been inspected, serviced, and test driven to give you confidence in your purchase choices with us. In addition, we work with all credit ratings, including fair credit, bad credit, and even no credit. At our family-owned and operated dealership, Fairless Motors has one of the strongest finance teams in the industry. With over 25 years of experience, we will help you get the vehicle that best fits your needs and budget.