Reviewing the Best Used Cars: Top Picks for Quality and Value | The Motor Guy (2024)

Looking for top used cars for quality and value? Consider exploring subcompact 2015-18 Kia Soul with its affordability, efficiency, and safety features. Median price hovers around $12,500-$15,000.

Enjoy a comfortable, spacious interior and unique design alongside an EPA combined fuel economy of 26-28 mpg.

For compact cars, Acura ILX, Honda Civic, and Mazda6 are solid choices, ranging from $14,000-$17,000 with fuel efficiency from 25-34 mpg. Models like Acura RDX and Mazda CX-5 are reliable compact SUVs, averaging $15,000-$17,000.

04/21/2024 13:41 GMT+0000

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Learn more about these and more top picks for quality and value across various vehicle categories.

What You Need to Know

  • Consider 2015-18 Kia Soul for affordability, efficiency, and safety with a unique design.
  • Explore Acura ILX, Honda Civic, and Mazda6 for affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
  • Look into Acura RDX, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, and Mazda CX-5 for reliable compact SUV options.
  • Check out 2016-18 Mazda6 for affordability, fuel efficiency, safety, and popularity in mid-size cars.
  • Explore 2014-2016 Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9 for value in three-row SUVs with impressive safety ratings.

Top Picks for Subcompact Cars

Reviewing the Best Used Cars: Top Picks for Quality and Value | The Motor Guy (21)

When considering top picks for subcompact cars, you’ll find the 2015-18 Kia Soul stands out for its affordability, efficiency, and safety features.

With a median price range of $12,500-$15,000, the Kia Soul offers a blend of value and performance that’s hard to beat in the subcompact segment.

Its EPA combined fuel economy of 26-28 mpg guarantees that you’ll spend less time and money at the pump, making it an economical choice for daily commutes or road trips.

Also, the IIHS Safety Ratings have recognized the Kia Soul with Top Safety Pick distinctions in various model years, providing you with peace of mind knowing that you’re driving a vehicle with excellent safety features.

The Kia Soul not only excels in affordability and fuel economy but also offers a comfortable and spacious interior, making it a practical choice for drivers of all kinds.

Its unique design sets it apart from other subcompact cars, adding a touch of style to your daily drives.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable commuter car or a versatile vehicle for your everyday needs, the Kia Soul delivers on all fronts in the subcompact car category.

Quality Compact Cars Recommendations

Moving forward to quality compact cars recommendations, the Acura ILX, Honda Civic, and Mazda6 stand out for their balance of affordability, fuel efficiency, safety features, and reliable performance in the used car market.

The 2013-15 Acura ILX, priced around $14,500-$17,000, offers a combined fuel economy of 25-28 mpg (gas-only) and 38 mpg (hybrid).

For the 2013-15 Honda Civic, priced at approximately $14,000-$15,500, the EPA combined fuel economy ranges from 25-34 mpg (gas-only) to 31 mpg-e (natural gas).

The 2016-18 Mazda6, costing around $14,000-$17,000, provides an EPA combined fuel economy of 26-32 mpg.

Concerning safety features, the 2013-15 Acura ILX achieved Top Safety Pick status in 2013, while the 2013-15 Honda Civic received Top Safety Pick+ and Top Safety Pick ratings for various models and years.

These compact cars offer a blend of reliability, fuel economy, and safety features that make them solid choices for those in the market for used vehicles.

Best Compact SUVs for Value

Reviewing the Best Used Cars: Top Picks for Quality and Value | The Motor Guy (22)

Looking for the best value in compact SUVs?

When considering compact SUVs, the Acura RDX (2013-14), Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain (2014-17), and Mazda CX-5 (2014-15) stand out as excellent choices for their blend of reliability, safety features, and affordability.

With a median price range falling between $15,000-$17,000, these models offer a cost-effective option for buyers seeking a dependable vehicle.

Also, the EPA combined fuel economy ranging from 20-28 mpg ensures efficient performance, saving you money on fuel in the long run.

These compact SUVs also prioritize safety, as indicated by their outstanding IIHS safety ratings. This means you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your passengers are well-protected on the road.

When looking for an affordable yet reliable compact SUV, these models are among the best choices available in the market.

Top Mid-Size Car Choices

For those seeking top mid-size car choices, the 2016-18 Mazda6 emerges as a standout option. The Mazda6 falls within a median price range of $14,000-$17,000, offering affordability without compromising quality.

Here are some key features that make the Mazda6 a top pick in the midsize car category:

  • Fuel-Efficient: With an EPA combined fuel economy ranging from 26-32 mpg, the Mazda6 is a fuel-efficient choice, saving you money at the pump.
  • Safety Features: The Mazda6 has been awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating for the years 2016-18, ensuring that safety is a top priority in this vehicle.
  • Reliability: Known for its reliability and cost-effectiveness, the Mazda6 provides peace of mind for midsize car buyers.
  • Performance: The Mazda6 strikes a balance between performance, comfort, and value, making it a popular choice among consumers looking for a well-rounded vehicle.
  • Comfortable and Stylish: The Mazda6 not only delivers on performance but also offers a comfortable and stylish driving experience, adding to its overall appeal.

Quality Mid-Size SUV Picks

Reviewing the Best Used Cars: Top Picks for Quality and Value | The Motor Guy (23)

If you’ve been eyeing quality mid-size SUV picks after considering top mid-size car choices like the Mazda6, the 2012 Lexus RX and 2012-2014 Toyota Venza are standout options to explore next.

These quality mid-size SUVs offer reliable performance, affordable pricing, fuel efficiency, and top safety ratings, making them excellent choices for buyers seeking value in this vehicle category.

The 2012 Lexus RX, priced around $17,000, provides EPA combined fuel economy of 20-21 mpg for gas-only models and 28-29 mpg for hybrids.

On the other hand, the 2012-2014 Toyota Venza, priced between $15,000-$17,000, offers EPA combined fuel economy ranging from 21-23 mpg.

Both the 2012 Lexus RX and 2012-2014 Toyota Venza have been rated as Top Safety Picks by the IIHS, ensuring a high level of safety for drivers and passengers.

With their combination of affordability, fuel efficiency, and safety features, these mid-size SUVs stand out as quality choices for discerning used car shoppers.

Best Three-Row SUVs for Value

Wondering which three-row SUVs offer the best value for your money? Let’s take a look at some top picks within the median price range:

  • The 2014-2016 Toyota Highlander, priced at about $23,000-$27,000, offers a versatile three-row SUV option with impressive IIHS Safety Ratings, including the Top Safety Pick+ designation.
  • Consider the 2014-2016 Honda Pilot, which falls within the median price range of approximately $21,000-$25,000 for a reliable three-row SUV. The Pilot also boasts excellent IIHS Safety Ratings, earning the Top Safety Pick+ label.
  • Another great choice is the 2014-2016 Mazda CX-9, priced around $19,000-$23,000, providing a stylish and functional three-row SUV option that’s budget-friendly.

These options not only offer value with their pricing but also excel in safety features and overall quality, making them smart choices for anyone shopping for a three-row SUV.

04/21/2024 15:45 GMT+0000

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Reviewing the Best Used Cars: Top Picks for Quality and Value | The Motor Guy (2024)

FAQs

What used car has the least problems? ›

  • 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. ...
  • 2014 Nissan Sentra. ...
  • 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. ...
  • 2013 Kia Forte. ...
  • 2013 Hyundai Sonata. ...
  • 2013 Honda Fit. J.D. Power Reliability Score: 85/100 | $9,859. ...
  • 2015 Kia Rio. J.D. Power Reliability Score: 87/100 | $8,987. ...
  • 2013 Buick Verano. J.D. Power Reliability Score: 91/100 | $9,851.

What is the most reliable 2nd hand car? ›

Toyota Yaris - 89.0 reliability rating

The Toyota Yaris is ranked as the most reliable used car from the 2024. Now on its fourth generation, this data covers only the third-generation version that launched in 2011 that remained on sale until 2019.

What is the best brand of used cars to buy? ›

Best Car Brands to Buy Used

That's why you might want to consider a used Lexus, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru or Kia as these topped the Consumer Reports listing of the most reliable brands.

What is the most reliable car brand in 2024? ›

List of 30 most reliable car brands in 2024
  • Lexus. Reliability score: 79/100. Toyota.
  • Toyota. Reliability score: 76/100. MiniUSA.
  • Mini. Reliability score: 71/100. ...
  • Acura. Reliability score: 70/100. ...
  • Honda. Reliability score: 70/100.
  • Subaru. Reliability score: 69/100. ...
  • Mazda. Reliability score: 67/100. ...
  • Porsche. Reliability score: 66/100.
Apr 16, 2024

What is the most unreliable car brand? ›

Chrysler takes the unenviable title of the least reliable brand in the market as of December 2023. The least reliable car of the year goes to its Pacifica Hybrid. It has been a bad year for their hybrids and EVs, and the Pacifica is a mess, to say the least.

What car brand has the least amount of problems? ›

According to a recent study by Consumer Reports, Toyota and Lexus were the most reliable vehicles in 2022. After Japanese cars, BMW was ranked third, while Mercedes' reliability was rated the lowest.

What is the most trouble free used car? ›

The Most Reliable Used Cars
  1. Honda Civic. Before the fall of 1972, Honda was mostly known for producing quality motorcycles. ...
  2. Toyota Corolla. The Toyota Corolla has attracted customers of all ages since its debut, with various models being produced. ...
  3. Ford Focus. ...
  4. Lexus LS-400. ...
  5. Subaru Outback.
Dec 21, 2023

What car is number 1 reliability? ›

#1 Most Reliable Car Brand: Lexus.

Is a 10-year old car too old? ›

Cars over 10 years old can still be reliable. Most vehicles can last well over a decade with proper care and maintenance. In fact, the average car on U.S. roads is now 12.5 years old, according to a study from S&P Global Mobility. Furthermore, a car doesn't really stop depreciating until it hits that 10-year mark.

How many miles is too many for a used car? ›

Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.

Which old car is best to buy? ›

Top 10 Used Cars in India
  • Maruti Suzuki Swift. Price: Rs 1,60,000. ...
  • Honda City. Price: Rs 2,25,000. ...
  • Maruti Suzuki Alto. Price: Rs 80,500. ...
  • Hyundai i10. Price: Rs 1,40,000. ...
  • Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. Price: Rs 1,80,000. ...
  • Hyundai Santro Xing. Price: Rs 80,000. ...
  • Hyundai i20. Price: Rs 2,10,000. ...
  • Maruti Suzuki WagonR. Price: Rs 1,25,000.
Mar 18, 2015

What is the 2nd most reliable car brand? ›

Let's take a look at these in detail.
  • Lexus. The son has dethroned the father from the top of the reliability rankings. ...
  • Toyota. Even though it was knocked to second place by Lexus, Toyota is not complaining. ...
  • Mini. ...
  • Acura. ...
  • Honda. ...
  • Jeep. ...
  • Volkswagen. ...
  • Rivian.
Apr 2, 2024

What car brand has the longest lifespan? ›

Longest-lasting cars
  • Toyota Avalon, 33.1%
  • Honda Accord, 27.1%
  • Toyota Camry, 20.4%
  • Toyota Matrix, 16.7%
  • Subaru Legacy, 16.2%
  • Lexus GS 300, 15.9%
  • Acura RL, 14.9%
  • Honda Civic, 14.7%
Jun 15, 2023

What is the longest lasting most reliable car? ›

Longest-Lasting Cars: Compact, Midsize, Large, and Luxury Models
Top 16 Passenger Cars Most Likely to Last 250,000+ Miles – iSeeCars.com Study
RankModelCompared to Average
1Toyota Avalon3.8x
2Honda Accord3.1x
3Toyota Camry2.4x
14 more rows

What is the best used car with the least maintenance? ›

1996-2016 Honda CR-V: A favorite among families for its safety and reliability. 2001-2016 Honda Civic: A compact car with a long-standing reputation for durability. 2003-2014 Honda Accord: A midsize car that rarely disappoints in terms of maintenance. 1998-2017 Toyota Corolla: Its longevity is legendary.

What is the best car with no problems? ›

9 of the most reliable cars
  1. 2024 Kia Forte (Top-rated compact car) ...
  2. 2024 Kia K5 (Top-rated midsize car) ...
  3. 2022 Toyota C-HR (Top-rated small SUV) ...
  4. 2024 Kia Sportage (Top-rated compact SUV) ...
  5. 2024 Chevrolet Blazer (Top-rated midsize SUV) ...
  6. 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe (Top-rated large SUV) ...
  7. 2024 Toyota Sienna (Top-rated minivan)
Jan 2, 2024

What is the best vehicle to buy with the least amount of problems? ›

Luxury brand Lexus gets ranked first, with models like the 2023 Lexus GX proving to be the most reliable. They are also doing well in the hybrid model section. Better fuel economy, low maintenance costs, and top-rated technology are what you get when you buy a Lexus.

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