As anyone who has purchased a new vehicle within the last few years can attest, the price of used cars has gone up. There’s no reason to despair, though.
Instead, keep an eye out for these 5 most affordable used cars for the average Joe.
Find the Perfect Ride on Any Budget
Everyone knows that used cars are more affordable up-front than new ones. Price tags for used vehicles differ significantly, though, and cars that seem cheap at first can wind up being expensive to maintain. This article will introduce five cars known for being both affordable and reliable.
1. Toyota Corollas Are Known for Their Longevity and Efficiency
Toyota Corollas are popular commuter vehicles, so they’re easy to find and tend to be affordable used cars. Corollas have a reputation for longevity, reliably exceeding the 100,000 mi mark with basic maintenance.
The base 1.8L 4-cyl engine made the Corolla remarkably fuel-efficient even before that was most drivers’ top priority. Now, there are affordable used models that pair this engine with an electric motor for further cost reductions at the gas pump.
2. The Honda Civic Offers Plenty of Options
The Honda Civic has a similar reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and maintaining resale value. The difference is that this equally popular commuter vehicle is available as sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and even station wagons, depending on the model year.
Some Honda Civics make better used cars than others. The 2006 through 2009 model years are known for engine problems, for example. A Civic from 2012, on the other hand, could still be running fine at 200,000 mi with proper care.
3. The Ford Focus Is Both Affordable and American-Made
Some drivers prefer to stick with American automakers. For them, the Ford Focus tops the list of affordable used cars. While all model years are relatively fuel efficient, with EPA-estimated ratings of 30 mpg city/40 mpg hwy, Ford also added hybrid vehicles to its lineup in 2012.
Because the Ford Focus was discontinued in 2018, some used car dealers will part with their available models for less than comparable models from other major brands. The Focus can’t match the Corolla or the Civic in reliability. However, the popularity of these cars makes it easy to find inexpensive replacement parts.
4. Toyota Camry Tops the List for Midsize Sedans
While the Corolla offers excellent value in its class, not everyone wants a compact car. The Toyota Camry is a good option for those who want to trade up to a midsize sedan.
Recent-model Camrys feature 2.5L I-4 engines that produce 203 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque, giving them a little more power. The trade-off is that most Camrys get a combined 32 mpg to the Corolla’s 35.
Subaru Forester
Technically, the Forester is a compact SUV. However, its reasonable size, good fuel efficiency, and low pricing earn this Subaru a place on the list. Drivers on a budget typically prefer the standard 2.0L engine over the less efficient turbocharged model, especially since both come standard with AWD.
Of course, these are just five examples of high-quality, affordable used cars. Drivers on a budget will find options in every price range at local dealerships.
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