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Most people prefer to buy used cars rather than leasing, financing, or outright buying something new and expensive. After all, if the point is to get from A to B as comfortably and reliably as possible, a used car can guarantee plenty of savings. With that in mind, here are 20 brands to keep an eye on if you prefer buying used.
1. Lexus
To the surprise of many Toyota fans, Lexus actually has a higher used-car brand reliability verdict than Toyota. This score is based on how many problems are reported in vehicles. Notably, Lexus is actually an upscale sub-brand of Toyota, which explains why the two are quite neck-and-neck in terms of overall performance.
2. Toyota
At this point, Toyota is competing with itself, and it’s winning. It has one of the best reputations as an exceptionally reliable vehicle and is often counted as one of the most reliable used car brands out there.
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3. Honda
Many fans of Honda believe it should surpass Toyota, and to be honest, both brands are in close competition. What helps Honda stand out is its low maintenance costs and excellent engineering, which allow the vehicles to last for decades.
4. Mazda
At first, Mazda cars appear stylish, and you might assume they care more about looks than performance. But in reality, their innovative designs are often paired with dependable performance, with many used Mazdas exceeding 300,000 kilometers.
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5. Subaru
Subaru has built its reputation on its all-wheel drive and rugged capabilities. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that their system makes them an ideal choice for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a used car.
6. Hyundai
If your biggest concern is affordability and price, then Hyundai is the pick for you. Keep an eye out for models like the Tucson, Sonata, and Santa Fe, as they have great coverage, warranties, and reliable safety features.
7. Acura
Some of the most popular Acura models include the Integra, TLX, and RDX. As Honda’s luxury division, it takes advantage of that excellent engineering. However, it’s lower on the list because of average fuel economy and higher costs.
8. Buick
While General Motors does not make the list, their upscale brand, Buick, does. The most notable models are the Enclave and the Encore, and the brand is known for above-average reliability, which ensures its used variants are a solid choice.
9. Volvo
Volvo is actually a leader when it comes to safety, offering very durable models like the XC90 and the S60. However, it can be very expensive to repair a Volvo, which is why it's lower on the list. If you find one in good condition, you can trust it to keep you safe. In fact, older models are known to be even more reliable than newer ones.
10. Nissan
Nissan is another popular Japanese brand that puts out models like the Altima, Rogue, and Frontier. However, it can be a bit of a hit or a miss, which is why you have to be careful when choosing which car you buy. On the bright side, it’s a very affordable brand, especially when buying used.
11. Cadillac
At this point in the list, we’re discussing brands that only have average reliability and are certainly not the best choice, but they aren’t the worst ones either. With that in mind, Cadillac is brought down by its high maintenance costs. However, they have great tech and safety features that guarantee comfort.
12. Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a luxury brand that is paving the road in terms of comfort and design. However, when it comes to buying used cars, their older models actually have above-average reliability, as long as you don’t mind a higher starter cost.
13. BMW
BMW is another luxury brand that offers sedans and SUVs. It is actually one of the most popular brands out there, ranking highly in customer satisfaction and road tests alike. It’s also very reliable as a used car, but can be a bit risky due to its expensive repairs.
14. Lincoln
If you’re a fan of Ford, you’re probably familiar with their luxury brand, Lincoln. These models are a bit fancier, and hence a bit pricier. However, when it comes to maintenance and repair costs, they have the competition beat, making them a solid choice for used buyers.
15. Audi
Audi has put out some exceptional models, including the Q5 and A4. They’re best known for their great interiors and performance but can be a bit costly when it comes to repairs. That being said, older models pre-2010 are known to have fewer problems.
16. Tesla
At this point in the list, we are discussing cars that are very unreliable and are terrible choices as a used purchase. Many people are trying to get rid of their Teslas right now. But unfortunately, their inconsistent build quality, touchscreen issues, and battery degradation make them a terrible choice.
17. Volkswagen
There was once a time when Volkswagen was considered super reliable, and they’re still very popular in foreign markets. However, their used reliability is very hit-or-miss, as electrical issues and pricey maintenance make them a bad choice.
18. Chevrolet
Chevrolet is another brand put out by General Motors, offering up models like the Chevy Silverado, Equinox, and Malibu. While their trucks can be durable, their cars are more likely to miss.
19. Ram
Ram likes to keep things simple, offering up full-size and heavy-duty trucks that are perfect fits for a more rugged lifestyle. But unfortunately, their diesel concerns and weak transmission make older models a bit questionable.
20. Ford
Ford is a super popular brand, especially in America. However, you’re better off buying new than picking up something used, as older models have suspension and transmission issues. They also have a tendency to perform pretty poorly on road tests, offering up stiff rides and unresponsive handling.
