Looking For An Affordable, Safe And Reliable Used Vehicle? Check Out These Recommendations

Buying a used car requires a lot of time and research, but iSeeCar’s latest study thinks it can point you in the right direction.

After examining over 6.1 million used vehicles sold over the past six months, the company came up with a list of what they describe as the best affordable used cars. However, there are some caveats as they only looked at 2011 and newer vehicles with “demonstrated long-term reliability” (take that as you will) and at least a four star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

With that in mind, let’s get to the results. Buyers looking for a car under $10,000 are being pointed to the 2011 Toyota Prius which has an average price of $9,076. Other recommended models include the Chevrolet Impala, Honda Accord / Civic, Mazda6 and Toyota Corolla from the 2011 to 2013 model years.

Also Read: Consumer Reports Reveals Best Used Cars For Under $20K

2013MY Mazda6 Sedan

Before jumping the gun, shoppers might want to check out the list of vehicles available for less than $15,000. While that seems like a big increase, late model sedans such as the 2014 Nissan Maxima and 2015 Mazda6 can be brought for around $13,000. Buyers with more money can get relatively new versions of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. A handful of minivans also make the list including the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2015 Kia Sedona and 2012 Toyota Sienna.

Customers in the market for a crossover or SUV under $15,000 could get a 2013 Honda CR-V for around $13,469. iSeeCars also recommends the 2012 Honda Pilot ($13,925), 2012 Ford Expedition ($14,232), 2012 Dodge Durango ($14,528), 2012 Acura MDX ($14,662) and 2011 Toyota Highlander ($14,900).

The 2012 Audi S4 packs a 333-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine

At the $20,000 or less mark, there are a handful of recommended sports cars and pickups. However, it’s slim pickings as the only sports cars to make the list are the 2014 Dodge Charger ($16,075), 2012 Audi S4 ($17,848) and 2014 Ford Mustang ($18,278). On the truck side, the company recommends the 2011 Toyota Tundra, 2012 Toyota Tacoma and 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

While there are deals to be had, iSeeCars said the average price for a used car was $18,404. Crossovers and SUVs came in at $24,096 while trucks were the most expensive at $29,705.

Of course, just because a car makes a list doesn’t mean you should buy it. Anytime you purchase a used vehicle, you should do your own research, and check out its service history and records. You should also inspect it or have it checked out by a professional. And when it comes to more expensive (when new) and technologically advanced cars like the Audi S4, having some kind of warranty doesn’t hurt either.