The Honda Accord is not only a reliable car, but it is also one of the most fun-to-drive of all its peers in the mid-size sedan segment. Long an American favorite, the Accord underwent a complete makeover for the 2018 model year, and it came out even better than before. Part of the improvement came under the hood where the base engine is a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder backed by a continuously variable automatic transmission. The uplevel engine is a 252-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which can be teamed with either a 10-speed automatic or six-speed manual. (Much as we like manuals, we’d say get the automatic.) On the safety front, the Accord is stuffed with standard safety features including a forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.

Honda

Sonata

2018 Honda Accord

The Nissan Maxima is a mid-size luxury car that doesn’t happen to have a luxury badge. With plenty of room for five, the 2017 Maxima is filled with valuable features — alloy wheels, fog lamps, automatically activated headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seating, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth/iPod/USB integration, and an eight-speaker audio system. Apple CarPlay was made standard in 2017, adding to the user-friendliness of the audio system. The SL trim level features advanced safety equipment including blind-spot monitoring, a rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a forward-collision warning with forward emergency braking. Under the hood is a well-regarded 3.5-liter V6 whose 300 horsepower make clear that the Maxima is not ready to give up its title as “the four-door sports car.”

Nissan

2017 Nissan Maxima

A large sedan whose personality leans toward creature comforts, the 2017 Toyota Avalon is a CPO superstar. Sharing a great deal with the luxury Lexus ES, the Avalon is filled with thoughtful touches. Even the base model features 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Entune interface and voice command, Bluetooth/iPod integration, and an eight-speaker audio system. Sadly, however, neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto is supported. Heated power-operated side mirrors, a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, heated power-adjustable seating, dual-zone climate control, and leather upholstery help make up for the sting. The 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine isn’t tuned for performance, but its smooth power makes the driving experience pleasant. The Avalon is a rock-solid sedan that is a CPO bargain.

Toyota

Avalon

 2017 Toyota Avalon

Just looking at the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata gives you assurance that it will offer driving enjoyment. What is less clear but equally true is the fact that the typical Miata is a very reliable daily driver. If you have to commute, something fewer of us are doing these days, there is a lot to like about doing it in a car with so much fun-to-drive personality. Despite its throwback looks, the Miata isn’t totally retro either. It offers modern amenities like push-button ignition and Bluetooth/USB integration in the sound system. The 155-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine teams best with the manual transmission, but if you opt for the automatic, we doubt you’ll regret it. The soft-top roof is manually operated, but once you learn the technique, you can probably do it with one hand. 

Mazda

2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Chrysler 300 is a five-passenger rear-drive luxury sedan that has hints of some of the best European luxury sedans, but at a much lower price. The standard engine in the 2017 300 is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 292 horsepower, while a 300-horsepower version of the engine drives the 300S model. But if you really want to channel a luxo-sedan, choose the 363-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The Uconnect infotainment system has an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, six-speaker audio, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. The 300C trim level is a wise pick because it is filled with luxury touches like an integrated navigation system, a memory driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a power rear sunshade, and a sunroof.

Chrysler

2017 Chrysler 300

The Volvo S60 is a small luxury sedan that sometimes gets overlooked for the German brands that have a higher profile in the segment. But for those who seek comfort, safety, and understated Scandinavian style, the S60 is a stellar choice. In T5 form, it is powered by a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. All-wheel-drive and longer-wheelbase versions are available as well, but they may push the car past the $25,000 price target. As you would expect, the S60 has many available safety features, so look for an example that has the blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. 

Volvo

2018 Volvo S60

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is hard not to like. It offers a serious helping of European performance thanks to its carefully tuned suspension and 220-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. We’re fans of its DSG dual-clutch manumatic transmission that provides quick, sure shifts. But for all its performance, the GTI is also a very practical car. The four-door hatchback configuration is immensely versatile, and it can carry serious amounts of cargo and/or five adult passengers. The base S trim is equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus additional touches like heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. 

Volkswagen

Golf

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Audi A3 is one of the most delightful small cars on the market. We love its classy exterior design and its equally classy interior that is understated and superbly functional. The base engine for 2018 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 186 horsepower. It is backed by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. More horsepower is available in the all-wheel-drive Quattro models, but they will push the price past $25,000. Some A3s have the Audi Virtual Cockpit, and all will have the brand's well-regarded MMI infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the 2018 model year, Audi upgraded the A3 to include standard heated front seats and added a second USB port. These are nice-to-have features, but don’t overlook a well-maintained 2017 A3 either.

Audi

2018 Audi A3

The BMW 3 Series is what many enthusiasts think of when they hear the phrase European performance car. It's amazingly precise, well-balanced rear-drive handling is a thing of beauty, and the 3 Series is a terrific way to make the pavement fly out behind you. For 2016, the base 320i model has a 180-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower. With either eight-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual, that should be enough power, but we can’t help coveting the 328i that has a 240-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Happily, the 328i could still fall below the $25K price point. Standard equipment on the 2016 3 Series includes push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the iDrive infotainment system with a 6.5-inch display. Some 2016s will have the dedicated navigation system and 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio.

2016 BMW 3 Series

A certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a car you might happily own for a decade or more. The 2016 C 300 compact sedan is a five-passenger, rear-drive vehicle that conjures up everything you have heard about Mercedes-Benz automobiles. The C-Class delivers a quiet, comfortable ride, yet it can be pushed through corners in sports-sedan mode. The C 300 sedan is powered by a 241-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. While the 4Matic all-wheel-drive models are enticing, they will probably push the price past $25,000. Inside, you get the full-on Mercedes-Benz treatment in a luxurious interior that features multi-adjustable seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push-button start. The COMAND infotainment system has an 8.4-inch display, though it takes some patience.

Mercedes-Benz

2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

10 Best CPO Cars Under $25,000

Buying a used car should not mean you are settling for less than the best. In fact, the used car market is full of any number of good options – each offering an array of high-tech and luxury comfort features. To help with your search for a good used car at an affordable price, UsedCars.com has gone ahead and done a little research for you.

Best Used Cars

Acura

Alfa Romeo

Aston Martin

Bentley

Buick

Cadillac

Chevrolet

Dodge

Ferrari

FIAT

Ford

Genesis

Hyundai

INFINITI

Jaguar

Jeep

Karma

Lamborghini

Land Rover

Lexus

Lincoln

Lucid

Maserati

Maybach

McLaren

MINI

Mitsubishi

Panoz

Polestar

Porsche

Rivian

Rolls-Royce

smart

Subaru

Tesla

Hatchbacks are a great option for those who want a little more flexibility when it comes cargo-carrying abilities. They make it possible to store large, bulky items that wouldn’t stand a chance of fitting in even the largest of trunks.

There are lots of hatchback options, from compact cars to hybrids to electric options. If the prices of new models are too high, then there are plenty of great used hatchbacks to choose from. Here are the 10 best used hatchbacks under $10,000.

10 Best Used Hatchbacks Under $10,000

There are lots of used sedans out there, which can make choosing the right one for you something of a challenge. This list of the best used sedans under $10,000 includes something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for fuel efficiency, luxury, or a reliable family car, there’s a sedan on this list that’s perfect for you. The one thing they all have in common is that they're very budget-friendly. 

10 Best Used Sedans Under $10,000

To help you with your search for a used car that offers reliability, style, and safety, but at a price that you can afford, UsedCars.com has put together this list of the best used cars for under $10,000. Thanks to ever-rising standards in reliability, safety, and engineering, the average lifecycle for all cars continues to increase. This is great news for the used car buyer with a limited budget.  Here are our top 4 cars.

Best Used Cars Under $10,000

A minivan is a perfectly designed vehicle for a large family. With its small nose and low floor, it puts nearly all of its considerable footprint into a roomy passenger cabin. That means there’s three adult-friendly rows of seats along with a useful amount of cargo capacity. 

But most brand-new minivans cost $30,000 or more. When your budget is tighter, though, don’t despair. You can still find a used minivan for less than $10,000. For today’s article, we’ve rounded up the 10 best minivans under $10,000. We’ll discuss their pros and cons, and how far back in time you’ll likely need to go if you want a decent van at this low price. We’d also encourage you to prepare for some repair costs; minivans under $10,000 are cheap for a reason, and most either have less-savory reliability reputations or are older vehicles in worse condition and with high mileage.

Best Used Minivans Under $10,000

10 Best Used Convertibles

10 Best Used Cars for Off-Roading

10 Best Used Cars for New College Graduates

10 Best Used Cars for Parents

10 Best Used Cars for Teens

Gas-electric hybrids cut your fuel bill, but sometimes they’re a little expensive. Fortunately, you can save money with one of these 10 best used hybrids. 

10 Best Used Hybrids

Best Used Electric Cars Under $30,000

Best Used Electric Cars Under $40,000

Best Used Electric Cars to Buy in 2023

Best Used Cars With Blind Spot Warning

Best Used Cars With Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Under $25,000

The Best Used Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles

10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $30,000 

10 Best Luxury SUVs Under 40K

10 Best Used Sports Cars for Teens

10 Best Used Sports Cars Under $10,000

Most Affordable Used Cars with Panoramic Sunroofs

10 Best Used Cars with Panoramic Sunroofs

Best Used Electric Cars Under $20K

Top 10 Special Bargain Used Cars 

The original definition of a muscle car was simple: It was a comparatively inexpensive car with the biggest, baddest engine the manufacturer could shoehorn into the engine bay. Luxury features and bling were not part of the equation.
People think of muscle cars as a 1960s phenomenon, but in fact today’s used muscle cars are better than ever. To prove it, here are 10 late-model muscle machines you can buy on the pre-owned market.


Top 10 Used American Muscle Cars

To get more truck and more off-road capability for their money, many consumers are buying used pickups and SUVs equipped with special off-road packages right from the factory. It’s a great way to get special off-road-tuned suspensions, beefy tires, increased ground clearance, skid plates, and locking differentials for a fraction of the cost compared to what you’ll find at the new car dealers. From Chevys to Fords, Toyotas to Nissans, there are dozens serious off-road-ready and highly capable pickups and SUVs out there to choose from. Here are the 10 best used trucks for off-road.

10 Best Used Vehicles for Off-Road

If you’d love to get behind the wheel of a sporty car but think that they’re probably a waste of money, then one of our 10 affordable used sports cars should be right up your alley. There are two main reasons to buy a used car: to get into something you would otherwise be unable to afford or to let someone else pay for the depreciation that comes from driving a new car off the dealership lot. Of course, a used vehicle is a bit of an unknown, which means that you do have to assume some risk, especially if you are buying a car that’s coming out of warranty. But if that tradeoff seems worth it, then the next few pages are for you.

10 Affordable Used Sports Cars

It’s summertime. The weather has improved, and when you’re driving you hanker for the open-top experience of a convertible. But when you think about for a bit, you might realize that buying a convertible is a big commitment — maybe bigger than you’d like. Well, just because you are turning your back on a convertible purchase doesn’t mean that you can’t gaze upward and see the sky over your head and/or feel the wind tickle your temples. The answer to your quest is a car with a panoramic roof. Such a roof will allow you to peer upward to see the heavens, and it will likely open up so that outside air can come breezin’ on in. Though they differ in their details, the typical panoramic roof is like a moonroof on steroids. It is bigger and it might feature more than one clear or tinted panel, one or more of which might open. If you’re in the market for a used car right now, why not look for one with a panoramic roof? Here are the 10 best suggestions.

10 Best Used Vehicles With Panoramic Roofs

Sharing the family car seems like a great idea when your teenager gets a driver’s license. That idea works out only until you all need to be in a different place at the same time. Too many drivers and not enough cars isn’t convenient, so often the best decision is to buy your teenager a car of their own. Teenagers don't need a fancy sports car. They just need something safe and reliable that can do the job of getting them around town and maybe see them off to college. Here are 10 safe used cars for teenage drivers who need a car of their own.

10 Safe Used Cars for Teenage Drivers

When they’re shopping, many people pay a lot of attention to the price of the cars they consider. It’s hard not to take that into consideration because most of us have to figure out how we can wedge a car payment into our monthly budget. So the price often is a key factor in deciding to choose one model versus another.
But there’s more to the cost of owning a car than its initial price. You will also have state and local fees, insurance, maintenance, and repairs to pay for. If you finance the car, you’ll have the loan cost (interest) to consider as well. A big cost that many people never even think about is depreciation: the car’s loss in value over time. All of these factors go into a car's cost of ownership, and cost of ownership is — all in — what you really pay for your car. Determining the cost of ownership for used cars is more difficult than for new cars because each used car is unique in the number of miles it has been driven and how it has been taken care of. But one thing is certain — smaller cars have the lowest cost of ownership. For this list, we looked most closely at 2016 model year vehicles, but the recommendations hold true for approximately 2014 to 2019. Here are the 10 used cars that cost the least to own.


10 Used Cars That Cost the Least to Own

Any car expert worthy of the label will tell you the best new cars make the best used cars. And the best used cars are durable, reliable, practical, fun-to-drive, and attractive, because no one wants to drive an ugly car. But some used cars are better than others, and some are great values. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve selected 10 of the best used cars that are great values — focusing on mainstream-brand sedans costing no more than $20,000.

10 Used Cars That Are Great Values

We conceived this list of the 10 used cars that cost the least to maintain after doing extensive research on the subject with well-regarded sources. The used cars we describe are 2016 models (four to five years old), but in general, the information applies to cars two to three years older and two to three years newer. Here are the 10 used cars that cost the least to maintain.

10 Used Cars That Cost the Least to Maintain

The average transaction price of a new car just keeps increasing. Even the global pandemic couldn’t stop the continued escalation of vehicle prices. Today’s new cars are well-built and are excellent values, but if you’d like to save yourself some money — or treat yourself to a luxury model you might not be able to afford new — a great alternative is a certified pre-owned car. Vehicles that have been certified by their manufacturers are relatively new, low-mileage cars that are extensively examined by trained technicians. In addition, they are backed by warranties that most often include lengthy powertrain coverage and might also include perks like roadside assistance. Here are the top values in CPO cars that you can buy for under $25,000.

The great thing about buying a used car is that the lower prices of used cars versus new cars open up more possibilities. Where your budget might restrict you to a compact sedan from a mass-market brand if you purchased the car new, it might permit you to purchase a larger car from a luxury brand if you are willing to purchase a used model. Of course, buying a used car has its difficulties. Foremost among them is the fact you often buy a used car “as is.” That means you have very little recourse or protection if something goes haywire. The answer is buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) car. That enables you to take advantage of the rapid depreciation most cars experience during their first years while giving you a warranty from the manufacturer if something goes wrong. To demonstrate the logic of this approach to car-buying, we have gathered 10 cars from luxury brands that are available for less than $40,000.

10 Best CPO Cars Under $40,000

Today’s cars are the safest the auto industry has ever produced. Generally speaking, they provide superior protection should you be involved in a collision, and the latest models are also packed with sophisticated accident avoidance systems and driver aids that help you avoid an accident in the first place. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve created this list of 10 used cars under $25,000 with standard and optional accident avoidance systems and excellent crash test scores. Since most are just two to three years old, they can be found with low mileage and be purchased through a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.

10 Used Cars Under $25,000 With Accident Avoidance Systems

Buying a car for your teen driver typically involves a balancing act. On one side of the ledger, you want to choose a vehicle that is as safe as possible. On the other side, you have that old adversary called cost.
If cost were no object, choices would be far easier, but most of us face budgetary constraints every day, and it is no different when the time comes to obtain a vehicle for our teen drivers. Certainly, the purchase price of the vehicle is one constraint, but another very important variable is the cost of insurance. Over time, insurance costs will constitute a significant outlay. And that is why we decided to compile this list of the 10 most affordable vehicles to insure for your teen.

10 Most Affordable Vehicles to Insure for Your Teen

It's a lot of fun to get a new car. Obtaining a brand new, pristine amalgam of shiny steel, crystalline glass, and jet-black rubber is good for the ego. Of course, having some money in the bank can be a lot of fun, too. It might not be as exciting as the visceral thrill of a new car, but it can certainly be satisfying. And if you're looking for that kind of quiet satisfaction, you have come to the right place. Financial experts are nearly unanimous on the idea that to maximize the effectiveness of your transportation dollar, you should buy a used car and then keep it for as long as you possibly can. Why is the right used car a financial boon? First, a used car will be much expensive to buy than a new car of a similar size. Second, a used car that is several years old will typically lose its value at a lower rate than a new car. Yes, you might have to forego the ego stroke of getting a brand-new car, but you can bask in the knowledge you are creating a better financial future. To assemble this list that identifies the 10 best high-mileage used cars, we examined cars that are about five years old and chose the most reliable. We believe these are the cars most likely to comfortably exceed 100,000 miles.

Best High-Mileage Used Cars

There are cars you buy for fun, cars you buy to boost your ego, and cars you buy for a particular task — like commuting, for instance. The auto industry knows this, and it has created more than 350 models designed to cater to your every whim. Then there are cars you buy because you want and need transportation.

Impressing the people across the street becomes far less important than having an inexpensive vehicle that will get you back and forth to your job every day. And that is where reliable 10-year old cars come in. Compared with a new vehicle and even compared to a late-model used vehicle, 10-year-old cars are cheap. But unless you like standing by the side of the road waiting for the tow truck to arrive, you want something more than just the average 10-year-old car. You want one of the most reliable 10 year-old-cars on the market. Here are our well-researched and well-considered picks.

Most Reliable 10-Year-Old Cars

Yes, we live in an SUV era, but there is something extremely useful about a good hatchback. The typical hatchback is economical to purchase, costs little to operate and insure, and can haul a surprising amount of stuff. Additionally, hatchbacks are typically more fun to drive than the typical small SUV, which tends to have a higher center of gravity and be skewed completely in favor of hauling people and stuff instead of hauling down canyon roads. Because hatchbacks are relatively inexpensive to purchase new, they are even better values as used cars. One sweet spot revolves around models that are just a few years old. Many of them are of the same generation as the 2021 model, which means they typically have similar levels of safety equipment and creature comforts — but someone else has paid for their first few years of depreciation. Here are 10 good used hatchbacks that should provide you with excellent service for years to come.

10 Good Used Hatchbacks

10 Best Used Pickup Trucks

10 Best Used Small Trucks

Trucks have become the new everyday vehicle for millions of people because modern pickups deliver a unique mix of ultimate utility and comfort that few other vehicles can. Automakers have responded by adding more luxury, better tech, and a load of clever options that make trucks more useful, desirable, and expensive. Buying used can save you thousands of dollars over new, and certified pre-owned (CPO) is even better.
Vehicle manufacturers must authorize dealers before they can certify vehicles. The process involves a rigorous inspection, and only vehicles within a certain age and mileage range qualify. While CPO vehicles can be a little more expensive than other used models, they typically come with long manufacturer warranties that cover a large portion of vehicle systems. That peace of mind is worth the extra cost, and you'll typically end up with a much nicer vehicle overall, as CPOs are held to a higher standard.
Which certified pre-owned pickup truck is right for you? There are so many great choices that it's hard to go wrong. We've gathered a list of our favorite recent model-year CPO trucks. Let's get started. 