Best Used Cars For The Money

When the day comes to trade in your existing vehicle for something new, you may want to reconsider the “newness” of your next purchase. A recent iSeeCars analysis showed that some low-cost models, which price anywhere under $20,000, are actually more reliable than you might think. Some had the potential to go another 100,000 miles or more, depending on the type and age of the vehicle. That means, a used car in good condition could end up being the greatest bargain of all. This statement holds particularly true if you plan on keeping your vehicle costs low for the next few years. To guide shoppers in the right direction, here’s a look at the best used cars for the money:

10 best used cars for the money

The iSeeCars study analyzed more than 2 million vehicles on the road to distinguish which ones had the lowest price and longest lifespan ahead. The parameters of the study focused on 10-year-old models priced between $9,000 and $19,000 with an average lifespan of 100,000 miles or more. Additionally, researchers examined 5-year-old vehicles with a price span of $18,000-$26,000 and longevity range of 150,000 miles and greater. Overall, the following data represents the top best used 10-year-old cars in consideration of price and mileage:

• Toyota Camry Hybrid ($14,360 average price/117,000 miles remaining)
• Dodge Grand Caravan ($10,354 average price/86,000 miles remaining)
• Ford Fusion ($10,079 average price/85,000 miles remaining)
• Honda Accord ($13,437 average price/114,000 miles remaining)
• Honda Fit ($12,347 average price/110,000 miles remaining)
• Toyota Avalon ($15,818 average price/143,000 miles remaining)
• Kia Sedona ($9,640 average price/88,000 miles remaining)
• Honda Civic Coupe ($12,673 average price/118,000 miles remaining)
• Toyota Prius ($13,878 average price/129,000 miles remaining)
• Chevy Impala ($9,706 average price/112,000 miles remaining)

In terms of biggest bang for the buck, the Chevy Impala comes out on top offering one of the lowest market prices and over 100,000 miles of continued drive time. The Toyota Prius, for example, retails a bit higher however, boosts one of the best lifespans among the list. Shoppers who are looking for something different but aren’t particular with the make and model should definitely consider the vehicles on this list. They may be 10 years old, but they prove to have the durability to last another decade.

Further results

Findings from the 5-year-old model study showed that Toyotas dominated the list of best used cars for the price. Whereas, the Honda Fit earned first place offering buyers an average price of $18,486 and lifespan of over 150,000 miles. In general, 5-year-old cars fall more in line with buyers expectations when it comes to comfort and safety. Chances are if you want something a bit newer without the high price tag, one of the models on the 5-year list would be a happy medium. All said and done, reliability of the brand does factor in to the longevity of a certain model for both 10-year-old and 5-year-old vehicles.

Overview

Anyone who is in the market for something used should strategize ahead of time to make the most of their investment. While used cars don’t come at the cost of something new nowadays, buyers are still hesitate on how and when to invest their money. A used vehicle that is over $20,000 needs to be in really good condition for buyers not to choose a newer, and yet cheaper, alternative. With consideration of the vehicles mentioned above, shoppers have the confidence in knowing that one of these matured vehicles won’t be such a lousy investment.

Not too worried about the price? Here’s our analysis of the cars with the longest lifespan in general.