One of the best ways to ensure you get the biggest bang for your buck when getting a vehicle is to shop for good used cars instead of brand-spanking-new ones. Used cars are cheaper than new ones, and you can skip the big depreciation hit with a new car. But how do you know where to start looking? Take a look at some of your best budget-friendly options.
The Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has a long-standing reputation for reliability. It’s also known for how fuel-efficient it is and how affordable it is to maintain. A 2017 Toyota Corolla is a good option because it offers a good balance between modern features and reliability, and you can get one without breaking the bank.
The Mazda6
The Mazda6 is a midsize sedan with a sporty look and feel. It’s different from other budget-friendly used cars because of its upscale interior and available engine options. The 2013 Mazda6 is an older model, but you can count on it for reliability and performance. Mazda’s base four-cylinder engine delivers 170 horsepower, but if you find a used one with the upgraded V-6 engine, you’ll get to enjoy 272 horsepower when you press on the accelerator.
The Chevrolet Malibu
You really can’t go wrong with a Chevy Malibu. It’s a solid choice if you want a mid-size sedan that will get you where you want to go and do it with some style. You can find used Malibus with engines that deliver 197 horsepower, which is plenty for most drivers, but if you want turbo power, it’s available with that, too. The optional turbo-four delivers 259 horsepower. Inside, you can get features such as satellite radio, Bluetooth, heated front seats, and leather upholstery.
The Hyundai Sonata
In addition to excellent reliability and affordability, the Hyundai Sonata is also impressive when it comes to safety. The base engine for the Sonata is a four-cylinder that puts out 198 horsepower, but a turbo engine is available if you want to bump this up to 274 horsepower. Some of the features you’ll find in the Sonata include satellite radio, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated seats.
The Honda CR-V
If you’re looking for something used, affordable, and something with a little space, the Honda CR-V might be the answer. It’s a small crossover SUV with two rows of seats and a spacious cargo area. The CR-V, like most Hondas, has a reputation for staying on the road for a long time and staying reliable for many years and many miles. The 2020 model arrived with its first turbo engine option. The 1.5-liter develops 190 horsepower and works with a CVT. This small SUV can even tow up to 1,500 pounds if you need to hook up a trailer to move furniture or other household items.
Put These Used Cars on Your Test Drive List
If you plan to shop for your next vehicle in the new year and need to stick to a budget, these five are great options. They come in at an affordable price point, are relatively inexpensive to maintain, and offer decent fuel economy. In short, these used cars offer everything you’d want in a daily driver.
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