Buying a used car can be an excellent way to find a quality vehicle for a reasonable price. Beyond the initial sticker price, buying a used car can also help you avoid dealer fees, depreciation, and high car insurance fees. If you’re in the market for a new car, it can be helpful to understand which brands and models tend to age most gracefully. To help you figure it out, we here at New Jersey State Auto Used Cars have put together a list of some of the best used cars you can find.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is one of the most reliable vehicles to buy used. The first Honda Civic debuted in 1973 and since then there have been 11 generations, so there are plenty of options to choose from if you’re looking for a pre-owned car. While, like most cars, some generations of the Civic are better than others, the abundance of years from which to choose mean that you have plenty of great options.
Some of our favorite Civic models include the 2020 through 2022 Civics and the 2013 through 2015 Civics. The Honda Civics from the early 2020s can offer you plenty of the latest tech at discount second-hand prices, while the 2013 through 2015 models include fantastic interior and exterior design that have truly stood the test of time. Even the 2004 and 2005 Civics offer fantastic safety and reliability for drivers today.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is considered one of the best used cars because of its reliability. Compared to its contemporaries, Corollas consistently garner cheaper repair bills. This is a testament to their excellent engineering and a good indicator that purchasing one can help you save money in the long run, especially if you’re able to find a used model in good condition.
Like the Honda Civic, the Corolla has been on the market for a long time. It was first manufactured in 1966, so there are over 50 years’ worth of models to choose from. Some of the best years for this vehicle include 2020, 2021, and 2022, which can all provide modern luxuries like safety technology and good fuel economy. If you don’t mind going old school, the 1997 model is often hailed as one of the best Corollas to buy, with a fantastic interior design, incredible durability, and the ability to sustain itself into the hundreds of thousands of miles.
Honda Accord
If you’re in the market for a used mid-sized sedan, the Honda Accord is another great option. It has always been an affordable car, and for generations the Accord has offered a reliable, safe, and fuel-efficient package to car buyers. It reliably receives excellent user satisfaction rates and mileage readouts of up to 200,000 miles.
In terms of the best year, the 2002 Honda Accord is a great place to start. This model includes a 148 hp 2.3L 4-cylinder engine that can give you plenty of power, even today. The seventh generation, which came out between 2004 and 2007, is also a great option for those hoping for a great deal. Finally, the 10th generation, which includes the 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 models, can be a fantastic match for those hoping for all the latest automobile conveniences.
Nissan Rogue
The only non-Honda or Toyota model on this list, the Nissan Rogue offers a rugged and practical SUV option for those looking for something with excellent durability and the ability to handle itself well on a variety of challenging terrains. Even a new 2023 Nissan Rogue is a pretty affordable crossover SUV option, and used models only go down in price. While it may be inexpensive, it offers excellent power and technology.
The Nissan Rogue is a relatively new car, and has mostly improved with each successive model. This means that a used 2020, 2021, or 2022 model might be your best bet if you’re looking for one to purchase. Just avoid the 2013 model, which has the least satisfied customers.
Toyota Prius
If you’re looking for a reliable used hybrid, you can hardly do better than the Toyota Prius. Not only is the Prius consistently well-ranked in fuel-efficiency, it also tends to hold its value better than other eco-friendly cars. This is likely due to the excellent hybrid engineering. The only element that potential used Prius buyers might be cautious of is the hybrid battery, which tends to require replacement after about 10 years of use.
The best Prius models include those that came out over the last few years. If you find a used Prius from 2015 through 2022, you’re likely to be happy with your purchase. Other notable years with excellent longevity and customer reviews include the 2009 and 2003 Toyota Prius models.
Honda Fit
Another vehicle that can be an excellent investment when you buy it used is the Honda Fit. These compact cars offer great fuel mileage and safety ratings. Unlike the rest of the cars on this list, the Honda Fit is currently out of production, meaning you have no choice but to purchase it used. The good news is, there are plenty of excellent model years for you to explore.
Some of the best years for the Fit include the 2011 and 2012 models, both of which ranked high among their competitors upon release. You can usually find one for under $10,000, and once you do you’ll love the hatchback structure and supreme fuel economy.
We here at New Jersey State Auto understand that buying a car is a major commitment. That’s why we love helping our clients make informed decisions that truly match their needs. We hope that this guide to some of the best used cars on the market has helped you in your car buying journey. If you’re ready to find your next pre-owned vehicle, check our our selection of used cars for sale right now in New Jersey City. You can also specifically check out our hybrid cars and EVs for sale and our vehicles under $25,000. Happy trails.