Buying a used car can be tough when you want to save money but still get a good deal. Recent data shows that used car prices have dropped to their lowest point in 32 months. We picked 10 great used cars under $20,000 that give you the best value for your money.
These cars offer low maintenance costs, good fuel economy, and high safety ratings.
2012 Toyota Camry
The 2012 Toyota Camry stands as a top pick for smart shoppers with its strong engine and smooth ride. This sedan saves you money with its great gas mileage and low repair costs, making it perfect for daily drives.
Renowned for reliability and low maintenance costs, ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
Toyota Camry stands as a top choice for smart buyers seeking value. This reliable car costs between $13,500 to $17,000, making it perfect for people who want to save money. Its gas-only model gives great fuel savings at 24-28 miles per gallon.
Drivers can pick the hybrid version too, which saves even more gas at 38-40 miles per gallon.
Safety meets savings in this dependable car model. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it their Top Safety Pick award. Its four-cylinder engine helps save gas while giving good power on the road.
Many owners praise this car’s low repair costs and long-lasting parts. These features make the Camry a budget-friendly option for daily driving needs.
2016-2019 Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze packs modern tech features and gets up to 40 miles per gallon on highways, making it a smart pick for daily commutes and long trips – want to learn more about other money-saving used cars?
Offers modern amenities and efficient fuel economy, making it a practical choice for city driving.
The 2016-2019 Cruze stands out as a smart pick for city drivers. Modern features make daily trips easy and fun. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard in 2018 models, keeping drivers connected on the go.
This compact car saves money at the gas pump thanks to its great fuel economy.
Cruze brings together everything urban drivers need – tech, comfort, and savings at the pump.
Passengers enjoy lots of space in this compact car. Storage room fits shopping bags and work gear with no problem. Drivers get good value from this reliable car that mixes comfort with useful tech features.
Many people choose this model because it works well for busy city life.
2013 Toyota Corolla
The 2013 Toyota Corolla stands out as a smart pick for first-time car buyers with its strong track record of lasting over 200,000 miles. This compact car saves you money at the pump with its great gas mileage, and parts are cheap if you need repairs.
Known for its durability and high resale value, perfect for first-time car buyers.
Toyota Corolla stands as a top pick for first-time car buyers. This reliable car keeps its value well over time, making it a smart money choice. Safety ratings show it as a top safety pick, giving peace of mind to new drivers.
Its strong build helps it last longer than many other cars in its class. Most owners enjoy the roomy inside space for both people and stuff.
Fresh changes in 2014 made this car even better with new tech features. Drivers love how easy it is to handle on city streets and highways. Its comfy seats make long trips more fun for everyone.
Many people pick this car because it costs less to fix than other cars. Next up, let’s look at another great choice – the Honda Civic, which brings style and good performance to the table.
2013 Honda Civic
The 2013 Honda Civic packs a punch with its smooth-running engine and comfy seats that make long drives fun. Its safety features and great gas mileage make it a smart pick for daily trips to work or school.
Combines comfort, style, and performance with excellent safety ratings.
The Honda Civic 2013 stands out as a top pick in the used car market. This model earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and scores high in J.D. Power reliability tests. Most buyers can find one for $13,000 to $14,000, making it a smart choice for budget-minded shoppers.
Safety meets style in the 2013 Honda Civic – a perfect blend of protection and performance.
Drivers love this car’s fuel savings with up to 34 mpg on highways. Modern features include USB ports, backup cameras, and Bluetooth connections. Buyers can pick between a four-door sedan or sporty two-door coupe.
Its sleek design and comfy seats make every drive enjoyable.
2012 Subaru Legacy
The 2012 Subaru Legacy stands out with its all-wheel drive system and top safety scores, making it a smart pick for drivers who deal with snow and rain – click here to learn more about this safe and steady sedan.
Features all-wheel drive and robust safety features, suitable for areas with harsh weather conditions.
Subaru Legacy stands out in the used car market with its all-wheel drive system. This feature helps drivers stay safe on snowy or wet roads. Safety-conscious buyers will love its electronic stability control that comes standard.
Many drivers pick this midsize car because it works well in tough weather. It fits nicely between small cars and big SUVs, making it perfect for daily use.
Consumer Reports named this car as one of their top used car picks. Its strong safety features make it a smart choice for families. The Legacy offers good value because it lasts long and needs few repairs.
People who live in places with bad weather really like this car. Its mix of safety and comfort makes sense for budget-smart buyers who want a safe ride.
2017-2019 Hyundai Elantra
The 2017-2019 Hyundai Elantra packs style and tech features at a great price point. The car gives you heated seats, Apple CarPlay, and top safety scores while saving money at the gas pump.
Provides a balance of style, technology, and economy, with recent models offering advanced features.
Hyundai Elantra models from 2017-2019 pack great value into a stylish package. These cars blend modern tech with smart savings at the pump. Users love the simple controls and roomy inside space.
Safety features got better in 2019, making these cars even more appealing.
Recent Elantra models shine as cost-smart picks in the midsize car group. Families and single drivers pick this car for its mix of new tech and good gas mileage. The car fits many budgets while giving drivers the latest features they want.
Smart shoppers often choose this model for daily drives and family trips.
2015-17 Mazda3
The Mazda3 packs a punch with its sporty handling and zippy engine options. Inside, you’ll find quality materials and modern tech features that make every drive fun and comfy.
Stands out for its sporty driving dynamics and upscale interior, appealing to driving enthusiasts on a budget.
Sporty drivers love the 2015-17 Mazda3 for its fun driving style and fancy inside look. This compact car fits five people and comes as a sedan or hatchback. Buyers can find these cars for $13,000 to $15,500, making them great deals for people who want a fun car.
Most models get good gas mileage, saving drivers money with 28-33 miles per gallon.
Safety matters in this budget-friendly car. Models from 2015-16 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating with special safety features added. Inside, drivers enjoy nice materials and good build quality that feels more expensive than it is.
Some downsides exist, like less back seat room and a firmer ride than other cars. Still, drivers who want an exciting car without spending too much money will enjoy this choice.
2014-17 Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius (2014-17) saves you money with its amazing 50 mpg fuel rating and low maintenance costs – click here to learn more about this eco-friendly ride that helps both your wallet and the planet.
Leading choice for eco-conscious drivers due to its superior fuel efficiency and low emissions.
Toyota Prius models from 2014 to 2017 stand as top picks for green driving. These cars offer amazing fuel savings with up to 50 mpg in 2015 and 2016 models. Most drivers can expect about 48 mpg combined, making them perfect for daily city trips.
Prices range from $12,500 to $15,000, offering great value for eco-friendly drivers.
Safety meets sustainability in these fuel-efficient cars. The 2014-15 models earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Drivers also get peace of mind with a long hybrid battery warranty that lasts 8 years or 100,000 miles.
California drivers get even better coverage with 10 years or 150,000 miles. The roomy cabin makes this low-emission vehicle practical for everyday use.
2015 Honda CR-V
The 2015 Honda CR-V stands out as a family-friendly SUV with lots of space and comfort. Parents love its easy-to-use features and great safety scores, making it perfect for daily drives and road trips.
Offers spaciousness, reliability, and a comfortable ride, ideal for families.
Honda CR-V stands as a top pick for families seeking comfort and space. Its roomy interior offers plenty of cargo space for daily needs and family trips. Families love this SUV’s smooth ride and dependable performance with its four-cylinder engine.
Safety ratings show it earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating, making it a smart choice for parents.
This family-friendly SUV saves money at the gas pump too. CR-V drivers enjoy great fuel economy at 28-29 mpg combined. Most used models cost around $16,500, making it an affordable option for budget-minded buyers.
Inside, comfortable seating and spacious design make every trip pleasant for both parents and kids. Its reliable nature means fewer repair costs and more peace of mind for busy families.
2014-16 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 stands out with its sharp handling and top safety scores. Its stylish design and tech features make it a smart pick for drivers who want a mix of fun and practicality.
Excels in handling and safety, with a stylish design and ample tech features.
The 2014-16 Mazda CX-5 stands out for its great handling and top safety scores. This mid-size SUV earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, making it a safe choice for families. Its low-speed automatic emergency braking system, added in 2014, helps prevent crashes.
Drivers love its modern design and smart tech features.
Buyers can find this reliable SUV for $13,000 to $16,000, which offers good value. Its fuel economy ranges from 26 to 29 mpg combined, saving money at the gas pump. Inside, passengers enjoy a comfy ride with plenty of space for both people and cargo.
Its mix of style, safety, and tech makes it a smart pick in the used car market.
Bottom line
While each of these used cars offers significant value, choosing the right one depends on individual needs such as budget, preferred features, and intended use. These options provide a great starting point for those seeking affordability without compromising quality.
Picking the right used car needs careful thought about your needs and budget. Each car on this list brings good value based on U.S. News and World Report rankings. Smart buyers should focus on what matters most to them, like fuel savings or safety features.
Your perfect car match depends on how you plan to use it and what you can spend. These cars show strong value in Consumer Reports tests and have good safety scores. Most models keep their worth well over time, which helps save money in the long run.
Fuel costs and upkeep bills stay low for these picks, making them smart choices for budget-smart shoppers.
If you’re interested in vehicles that blend timeless appeal with performance, check out our article on 10 Classic Cars That Still Turn Heads Today.
