There are a host of benefits to buying a used car, most notably the significant cost savings compared to buying a brand new car. With a used car, there will also be far less depreciation on the value, which makes it an all-around better investment. New cars will lose a greater percentage of their value, upwards of 40% in some cases, in the first year compared to a used car.
There are no hidden fees when buying a used car compared to a new car, such as shipping fees, for example. There is also a greater range of vehicles to choose from, rather than just the latest line-up of cars from a particular year. Many used cars come with a warranty too, so you’ll have confidence that you are buying a reliable car.
Not all cars are made the same, of course, and there are car brands that tend to be more reliable when it comes to used cars. In this blog post, we will highlight the 7 best car brands to buy used. If you are in the market for a quality used car, keep reading!
1. Mazda
Mazda has long (and rightly) had a reputation for making reliable and dependable cars. In 2020, Consumer Reports named Mazda cars as the most reliable in the world. The car brand achieved an impressive score of 83 out of 100, ahead of its closest rival with 74 points.
The Japanese automaker has a broad range of vehicles, from coupes to SUVs, for used car buyers to choose from. Some recommendations for used Mazda’s include the 2016 Mazda CX-5, the 2017 Mazda6, and the 2016 Mazda3.
2. Lexus
Lexus is the luxury car division of Toyota and makes some of the most reliable cars in the world. The brand ranked 3rd in Consumer Reports’ ranking, making it one of the best options if you are searching for a used car that you can trust.
While more expensive than many of the other brands listed here, Lexus cars are not expensive to maintain and can be trusted to keep going for many years. Some good options here include the Lexus IS 300, the Lexus LS 430, and the Lexus SC 300.
3. Toyota
Toyota has a well-earned reputation for reliability and came in 2nd place in Consumer Reports’ ranking in 2020. Toyota is known for outlasting many other car brands with its ability to stand the test of time and keep going. As a used car, it is a strong option and, like the Lexus, it is not expensive to maintain.
Strong options here include the Toyota Prius, the Toyota RAV4, the Toyota Camry, and the Toyota Tacoma.
4. Honda
Honda is another Japanese car brand (are you noticing a trend here?) that comes with a loft reputation as being highly reliable, making it an excellent choice for a used car. Hondas come with good build quality, powerful engines, impressive driving dynamics, and longevity.
The Honda Accord and Honda Civic models are highly recommended for a used car, as are the Honda Fit, the Honda Odyssey, and the Honda Element.
5. Chevrolet
The first appearance of an American-made car is the Chevrolet, part of the General Motors company. Chevrolet’s are well-known for producing good quality cars that focus on safety, efficiency, and reliability. They are also inexpensive to maintain and easy to operate.
There is a wide range of great options when it comes to being a used Chevy. These include the Chevy Volt, the Chevy Malibu, and the Chevy Impala. Click here if you are interested in seeing a huge selection of reliable used Chevrolet cars for sale.
6. Hyundai
It’s time to head to South Korea, where the Hyundai has long been regarded for its dependability and suitability as a used car. Hyundai came in 6th place in the Consumer Reports’ 2020 reliability ranking, while the Hyundai Kona finished 7th in their Most Reliable Car of 2021.
In addition to the Kona, some excellent used car options for Hyundai include the Hyundai Accent, the Hyundai Sonata, and the Hyundai Tuscon.
7. Buick
Last but not least, it’s back to the United States and General Motors company for the Buick. The brand was the most improved brand studied in the Consumer Reports’ ranking, jumping to a hugely impressive 4th place (from 18th the previous year).
Known for its well-crafted interiors, safety features, and affordable maintenance costs, the Buick has a small but reliable lineup of cars. If you are interested in a Buick as a used car, good options include the Buick Encore, the Buick LeSabre, and the Buick Rendezvous.
The Best Car Brands to Buy Used
If you are in the market for a used car, the above 7 brands are all excellent options in terms of reliability. When buying a used car, in addition to reliability, the other most important criteria to consider as performance, safety, upkeep, and comfort.
It pays to take your time when buying a used car. Have a set budget from the start, define what you will need the car for, and always buy from a reputable dealer. Be sure to inspect the car for any faults or, better yet, have a mechanic check it out, and take it for a test drive.
When buying a used car, remember to buy with your head and not your heart. Be prepared to walk away from a deal if you aren’t fully sure. Like this blog post on the best car brands to buy used? Be sure to check out our other interesting articles on the rest of our blog today.
