Brand new cars are an investment, but not always the wisest one. New cars tend to lose their value fast – about 30% in the just first year of being used. So, figuring out what is a best used car to buy may be of help. I have a few recommendations that will glide on the road while still being kind to your budget.
In terms of car quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, we picked out four vehicle models that work great as used cars. In this article, you can read more on why I think that Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Corolla, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Jetta should be your top picks when it comes to the best used cars.
If You’re Wondering What Is a Best Used Car to Buy, Look no Further Than Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Sonatas are popular, reliable vehicles and have been since the 1990s. Sonatas are perfect because they can last over 250,000 miles without experiencing any problems. This longevity makes them a perfect used purchase. So, if you are looking for a great used car, this one should be at the top of your list.
Here’s Why Getting a Pre-Used Hyundai Sonata Is Better Than Purchasing a Brand New One
Sonatas were first created in 1985 and are currently in their 7th generation. And with each one, they’ve gotten better. They are a great family car with lots of space and storage, as well as a great audio system and a six-speed transmission. It is also ranked highly by multiple experts on account of its safety.
While a brand new Sonata goes for about $22,500, a pre-used one, about three years old, can go for about $10,000 less! Not only will you save money on your purchase, but you can resell it after a year or two and get most of its cost back.
Toyota Corolla Is One of the Most Popular Used Cars
Another favorite when it comes to great family cars that make sense to buy as used is a Toyota Corolla. It’s actually a true star of used cars and has been the best-selling car for many years. It’s known for being low maintenance, affordable and endurable, so there’s no reason you wouldn’t want this gen parked in your garage.
Not All Corollas Are The Same, and Some Years Are Better Avoided
Toyota Corolla has been around since 1966, and over the years, more than 50 million cars have been produced and sold. And among them, some series and designs were simply better than others. In the following table, you can see which are better avoided and which we recommend getting.
| Corollas to Get | Corollas to Avoid |
| 2020 | 2014 |
| 2019 | 2009 |
| 2018 | 2003 |
| 2017 | 2002 |
| 2016 | 2001 |
| 2015 | 2000 |
Kia Rio Is Very Reliable and Has Affordable Upkeep Prices
If you want a car that will look the part, Kia Rio is a great choice. Experts rate it in the top five most reliable used cars compared to all other car brands. Hatchbacks are generally great if you want a larger car than compact or crossover SUVs since they are less popular and thus less expensive while still providing you with everything you require. And while a new Kia Rio costs about $15,400, you can get the used 2016 model for a third of the price.
What to Expect From a Used Kia Rio?
A Rio will easily last you for 13 years with just a bit of maintenance. The cars generally last for around 200,000 miles but can last even longer with proper care. And while it is more reliable even than a Toyota, Rios are pretty cheap when it comes to repairing, so your yearly bill for costs shouldn’t exceed $500. We recommend getting a model from 2003 or later, as their engine is much more powerful than its predecessor. These generations also have improved suspension and a more comfortable, high-quality interior.
Volkswagen Jetta Is a Roomy Compact Car You’ll Enjoy Driving
Although even a new Volkswagen Jetta is fairly affordable, if you don’t have the funds to get a new car, a used one will work great as well. This is because, when compared to other compact cars, it has lower statistics of developing larger issues and has a very low rate of unscheduled maintenance. Additionally, when it comes to annual maintenance costs, they are lower than the average fees.
What Makes Volkswagen Jetta a Good Car to Buy?
When it comes to compact and smaller cars, Jetta is a great choice. We recommend looking into the 2011 and 2017 models, first of all. Here is what makes these Jettas great cars:
- A lot of passenger space,
- Very reliable with a good safety score,
- Affordable,
- Large trunk,
- Great fuel economy.
That Concludes My List
Buying a car that was in use for a few years is actually a very smart financial investment – of course, if you know what to look for. Not all cars work great as used, and it takes a reliable car, one that can last an appropriate amount of millage without major problems to work properly and for a long time as pre-used. So, I recommended my (and the industry experts’) top picks. Hopefully, you, too, will be driving one of these amazing four vehicles in the near future!
