The average used car price is $25,470, according to Kelley Blue Book. It’s hard to beat that price, especially if you’re on a budget and want to avoid taking on a large car loan.
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But cost shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing a new-to-you car. Certain car brands are best purchased used, according to car experts.
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Toyota
Toyota is well known for producing reliable, durable vehicles. Consumer Reports even ranks Toyota as one of the most reliable manufacturers — right up there with Subaru and Lexus. The most reliable Toyota vehicles include the RAV4, Corolla, Prius, Highlander, Grand Highlander and the hybrid variations.
But you don’t have to buy new to benefit from Toyota’s reliability.
“Toyota vehicles have proven that they can withstand the test of time and high mileage, while still retaining their performance and value over the years,” said Calkins Ruth Schmidt, automotive expert and general manager at FindByPlate. “Plus, Toyota vehicles age gracefully, with minimal depreciation and maintenance issues.”
If that’s not enough reason to consider a Toyota, the fact that there are plenty of mechanics to handle any maintenance and repairs might be. And you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg on keeping your car up to date as you would with more specialty cars.
A used Toyota Corolla costs an average of around $16,821, per CarGurus. The average price of a used Toyota RAV4 is about $23,400, CarGurus reported.
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Honda
Next up is Honda. If you’re in the market for a Honda, look for an HR-V, Accord (including hybrid), CR-V (including hybrid), Odyssey, Pilot or Civic.
Take the Honda Civic as an example of a car worth getting. The average price of a used Civic starts is just under $18,000, per CarGurus.
“A Honda Civic … that receives proper maintenance can reach more than 200,000 miles without requiring significant repairs,” said Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot. “You can purchase a vehicle with 50,000 to 70,000 miles on the odometer and experience numerous trouble-free years at a fraction of new car prices.”
Lexus
A brand-new Lexus can be costly, so get one used at a fraction of the price. Some of the most reliable models include the NX, NX Hybrid, ES, RX Hybrid, ES Hybrid, TX, NX Plug-In and the RX hybrid.
Alex Black, chief marketing officer and auto industry expert at EpicVIN, said Lexus is a top contender for used car brands — up there with Honda and Toyota.
Lexus is “very dependable long-term, and parts are readily available and not prohibitively costly,” Black said. “Used vehicles by them tend to run 200K+ miles when well maintained.”
A new Lexus NX has a starting MSRP of over $42,000. The average price of a used model is just over $31,000, per CarGurus.
Subaru
Gelfand also recommended Subaru if you’re looking for a used car. Like Toyota, Subaru has maintained a strong commitment to reliability and innovation.
Consumer Reports also ranked Subaru as the most reliable manufacturer of new cars. To save on money, look for used models like the Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Solterra or Ascent.
A used Subaru Forester costs an average of around $21,000, CarGurus reported.
Quick Tips When Buying Used
One of the biggest advantages of buying a used car is depreciation.
“A new vehicle loses 20% to 30% of its worth in the first year,” Black said. “When you buy a used vehicle (2-4 years old), another party already bore the brunt of that loss for you.”
But do your due diligence to ensure you’re getting a good deal. Here are a few tips:
Do a VIN check.
Check the service and maintenance records.
Take your time so you don’t make a rushed decision.
Compare interest rates (if financing).
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Car Brands You Should Only Buy Used in 2025
