The car shopping experience can be exciting, but with rising car prices, car buying options are becoming more limited for shoppers. Buying a used car is a great option for many people, as it allows you to get a reliable, quality vehicle at a fraction of the cost of a new car. As technology advances, so does the auto industry. In 2023, the best used cars to buy will offer drivers the latest features, advanced safety technologies, and reliable performance.

Whether you are looking for an eco-friendly car, a luxurious sedan, or a sports car, plenty of used vehicles offer modern amenities, quality construction, and great value. No matter your budget, you can find a used car that meets your needs and won’t break the bank. Let’s take a look at some of the best used cars to buy this year.

Our Picks for Best Used Cars to Buy in 2023

When searching for the right car, there are various factors to consider, such as fuel efficiency, cost, and size. However, for the purpose of this research and rankings, we decided to focus specifically on vehicles that have a reputation for being reliable. We looked at various car models from various manufacturers and focused on those that have been proven to be dependable throughout the years. We took into account reviews from automotive experts, as well as feedback from customers who have owned the vehicles.

With the exception of a couple of categories, our aim was to find cars that could provide a reliable and enjoyable driving experience without major maintenance issues, keeping you safe wherever the road takes you.

Best Used Small Car: 2017 Kia Soul

• Average Price: $13,412 – $18,253
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Excellent 4.5 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 25/Hwy 30/Comb 27 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 161 @ 6200 RPM
• Cargo Space: 61.3 cubic feet

The 2017 Kia Soul is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, affordable, and stylish car. It has great seating and cargo space, a high predicted reliability rating, a strong engine, and a 5-star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also has great fuel economy and a modern design with a sleek body style and a wide range of vibrant paint options. With its combination of safety, fuel economy, and style, the 2017 Kia Soul is the perfect used small car.

Best Used Luxury Small Car: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia

• Average Price: $22,029 – $41,455
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: N/A
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 24/Hwy 33/Comb 27 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 280 @ 5200 RPM
• Cargo Space: N/A

The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia is a great choice for those looking for a used luxury small car. It has a sleek, sporty exterior and a powerful engine that produces up to 280 horsepower. The interior of the Giulia is luxurious and comfortable, with plenty of room to enjoy the ride. The Giulia also offers impressive handling, thanks to its advanced suspension system. The infotainment system is easy to use and offers a great sound system. In addition, the Giulia is known for its excellent safety features, such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning. With its combination of style, performance, and safety, the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a used luxury small car.

Best Used Hatchback: 2020 Volkswagen GTI

• Average Price: $27,256 – $32,709
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Average 3.0 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 24/Hwy 32/Comb 27 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 228 @ 4700 RPM
• Cargo Space: 22.8 cubic feet

The 2020 Volkswagen GTI is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and fun used hatchback. It offers excellent performance thanks to its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension. The GTI is also incredibly fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway. The interior is well-appointed, with premium materials and plenty of tech features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system and Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Plus, the GTI is backed by Volkswagen’s reputation for quality, reliability, and excellent customer service. All of this makes the 2020 Volkswagen GTI one of the best used hatchbacks on the market.

Best Used Compact Car: 2020 Honda Civic

• Average Price: $21,790 – $29,991
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Excellent 4.5 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 30/Hwy 38/Comb 33 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 158 @ 6500 RPM
• Cargo Space: 12.1 cubic feet

The 2020 Honda Civic is the best used compact car on the market. It is reliable, efficient, and stylish. With its powerful yet efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and refined CVT, the Civic offers a smooth ride and great fuel economy. The Civic also comes with a great suite of tech features that make it a well-rounded car. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch touchscreen, and Honda’s suite of driver-assistance features. The interior is spacious and comfortable, making it perfect for long drives. The Civic is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, efficient, and stylish used car.

Best Used Subcompact Car: 2020 Honda Fit

• Average Price: $19,527 – $22,721
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Excellent 4.5 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 33/Hwy 40/Comb 36 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 128 @ 6600 RPM
• Cargo Space: 52.7 cubic feet

The 2020 Honda Fit is the best used subcompact car because it is reliable, affordable, and fuel-efficient. It has an impressive fuel economy rating of up to 33 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. It also has a comfortable and spacious interior, making it a great choice for long trips. The Honda Fit also comes with a variety of standard safety features, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. It has a powerful yet efficient 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a respectable 128 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Finally, Honda’s excellent reliability record means you can count on the Fit to last for many miles.

Best Used Midsize Car: 2018 Toyota Camry

• Average Price: $20,874 – $27,456
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Above Average 4.0 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 29/Hwy 41/Comb 34 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 203 @ 6600 RPM
• Cargo Space: 14.1 cubic feet

The 2018 Toyota Camry is our pick for best used midsize car for many reasons, including its reliable performance, modern safety features, and stylish design. It is powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that generates 203 horsepower, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is capable of reaching up to an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The Camry comes equipped with advanced safety features, such as a pedestrian detection system, lane-departure alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also has a sleek exterior design, with a dynamic front grille and LED headlamps, and a luxurious interior with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and available leather upholstery. All of these features make the 2018 Toyota Camry a great choice for a reliable, safe, and stylish used midsized car.

Best Used Luxury Midsized Vehicle: 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

• Average Price: $36,213 – $92,737
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Average 3.0 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 21/Hwy 30/Comb 25 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 241 @ 5500 RPM
• Cargo Space: 13.1 cubic feet

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a luxury midsized vehicle that offers a comfortable and spacious interior with a generous amount of headroom and legroom for both the front and rear passengers. The exterior of the E-Class features a sleek and modern design with a long hood, muscular wheel arches, chrome accents, and a sporty grille. The E-Class also offers a variety of high-tech features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a heads-up display, and a Burmester premium sound system. Additionally, the E-Class offers a variety of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. With its luxurious interior, modern exterior, and advanced safety and tech features, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is an ideal choice for those looking for a luxurious midsized vehicle.

Best Used Large Car: 2017 Kia Cadenza

• Average Price: $19,982 – $24,577
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Above Average 4.0 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 20/Hwy 28/Comb 23 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 290 @ 6400 RPM
• Cargo Space: 16.0 cubic feet

The 2017 Kia Cadenza offers an excellent combination of value, features, and performance. It is a reliable and well-equipped full-size sedan that is sure to meet the needs of many drivers. The exterior styling is sleek and modern, and the interior is spacious and comfortable. The Cadenza is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of power for everyday driving. The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and helps the Cadenza achieve an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway. The Cadenza comes standard with a host of features, including heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Safety features include lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and a rearview camera. The 2017 Kia Cadenza is an ideal choice for drivers looking for a large car with plenty of features and a great value.

Best Used Luxury Large Car: 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class

• Average Price: $50,056 – $62,086
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Average 3.0 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 24/Hwy 31/Comb 26 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 362 @ 5500 RPM
• Cargo Space: 11.9 cubic feet

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class is our pick for the best used luxury car in the large/fullsize category. This elegant sedan offers a luxurious cabin with plush leather seating, an intuitive infotainment system, and a powerful engine lineup. The exterior features a modern and stylish design with a classic Mercedes-Benz grille and sleek curves. The interior offers generous legroom and headroom, along with a host of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. The CLS Class also offers a wide range of trim levels, from the base model to the AMG 63 S which comes with a powerful V8 engine, active suspension, and AMG performance brakes. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable ride or a fast and sporty driving experience, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class is the perfect choice for a used luxury large car.

Best Used Sports Car: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro

• Average Price: $20,011 – $30,148
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Above Average 3.5 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 19/Hwy 28/Comb 23 MPG
• Max Seating: 4
• Horsepower: 335 @ 6800 RPM
• Cargo Space: 9.1 cubic feet

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is an excellent choice for those looking for a used sports car. It is known for its powerful V8 engine, advanced performance technology, and luxurious interior features. The Camaro offers an impressive 6.2L V8 engine that produces 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Its impressive performance technology includes Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management, and Launch Control, making the Camaro an ideal choice for anyone looking to get the most out of their driving experience. The interior of the Camaro is just as impressive. It comes with the MyLink infotainment system, a premium Bose audio system, navigation, an 8-inch touchscreen, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Camaro also has an impressive safety rating, with features like forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and rear vision camera. All of these features make the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro a great choice for anyone looking for a used sports car.

Best Used Luxury Sports Car: 2019 Porsche 911

• Average Price: $84,585 – $301,565
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Below Average 2.0 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 20/Hwy 28/Comb 23 MPG
• Max Seating: 4
• Horsepower: 370 @ 6500 RPM
• Cargo Space: 4.4 cubic feet

The 2019 Porsche 911 is our top pick for the best used luxury sports car. This classic sports car offers an unbeatable combination of performance and luxury, making it a great choice for drivers who want an exhilarating driving experience. With its renowned 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, the Porsche 911 delivers a powerful punch of up to 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. It also features an 8-speed PDK transmission, which provides smooth and responsive shifting. The Porsche 911 also offers a wide range of features and amenities, including an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, power windows and locks, a panoramic sunroof, and an optional 7-speaker Bose audio system. With its sleek design, powerful engine, and luxurious amenities, the 2019 Porsche 911 is the perfect choice for drivers who want a thrilling ride in a luxurious and stylish package.

Best Used Convertible: 2020 Ford Mustang

• Average Price: $25,082 – $70,392
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Above Average 3.5 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 20/Hwy 27/Comb 23 MPG
• Max Seating: 4
• Horsepower: 310 @ 5500 RPM
• Cargo Space: 11.4 cubic feet

The 2020 Ford Mustang is our pick for the best used convertible out there. It’s the ideal blend of performance, style, and value. This car offers impressive power and handling, with a V8 engine that produces 460 horsepower and a top speed of 155 mph. The exterior design is sleek and modern, with a long hood and a wide stance that gives it a commanding presence on the road. Inside, the interior is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of modern amenities and technology. The Mustang also offers a variety of safety features, including advanced airbags, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. If you’re looking for a used convertible that packs a punch, the 2020 Ford Mustang is a perfect choice.

Best Used Luxury Convertible: 2019 Porsche Boxter

• Average Price: $54,765 – $71,504
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Average 2.5 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 21/Hwy 28/Comb 24 MPG
• Max Seating: 2
• Horsepower: 300 @ 6500 RPM
• Cargo Space: 4.4 cubic feet

The 2019 Porsche Boxter is our pick for the best used luxury convertible. This two-seat roadster is a powerful, stylish, and luxurious vehicle that offers an exhilarating ride. This sporty coupe features a mid-engine, flat-four engine, which gives it amazing acceleration and power. The Boxter also has a unique, sporty design that makes it stand out from the crowd. The interior is luxurious, with comfortable leather seats and a host of modern features. It has great handling and is a blast to drive. Purchasing a used Boxter is a great way to get into a luxury convertible without breaking the bank.

Best Used Wagon: 2016 Subaru Outback

• Average Price: $21,404 – $26,287
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Above Average 3.5 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 25/Hwy 33/Comb 28 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 175 @ 5800 RPM
• Cargo Space: 73.3 cubic feet

Our pick for the best used wagon is the 2016 Subaru Outback. This wagon offers superior performance and reliability, making it a great option for those looking for a dependable vehicle. It has a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower, giving it plenty of power for most driving needs. It also features a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for improved fuel economy. The Outback has a comfortable interior space with plenty of storage space and a large cargo area that can store even more items. It has great safety features, including eight airbags and a rearview camera. Additionally, the Subaru Outback has a reputation for being one of the most reliable and durable cars on the market, making it a great choice for those looking for a reliable used wagon.

Best Used Hybrid Vehicle: 2016 Toyota Prius

• Average Price: $20,415 – $22,095
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Above Average 4.0 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Hybrid
• Fuel Economy: City 54/Hwy 50
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: Horsepower-Combined: 121 @ 5200 RPM
• Cargo Space: 27.4 cubic feet

The 2016 Toyota Prius is our pick for the best used hybrid vehicle. This vehicle has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with a pair of electric motors that draw power from a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. It has a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to optimize the power delivery. The Prius has good fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. The Prius also offers a comfortable ride, and features such as a touchscreen display with navigation, a push-button start, and a rearview camera are available. The interior of the Prius is roomy and comfortable, with plenty of cargo space and plenty of room for five passengers. The exterior of the Prius is stylish and modern, with sharp lines, aerodynamic curves, and an eye-catching design. The Toyota Prius is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable hybrid vehicle.

Other Used Cars to Consider in 2023

We chose one car from each category, but there were other quality used cars worth noting. If you’re shopping for a used car in 2023, these are some additional cars to consider.

2019 Toyota Corolla

• Average Price: $18,043 – 24,223
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Excellent 4.5 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 30/Hwy 40/Comb 34 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 140 @ 6100 RPM
• Cargo Space: 13.0 cubic feet

The 2019 Toyota Corolla is a great car for anyone looking for a reliable, dependable, and fuel-efficient vehicle. With a variety of trim levels and options available, there is sure to be a Corolla that fits any budget. The Corolla offers excellent safety features, such as the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assist technologies, as well as plenty of cargo space, making it perfect for daily errands or weekend road trips. The Corolla also offers great fuel economy, helping you save money at the pump. With all of these great features, it’s no surprise that the Corolla is one of the most popular cars on the market.

2020 Hyundai Elantra

• Average Price: $18,950 – $24,720
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Excellent 4.5 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 31/Hwy 41/Comb 35 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 147 @ 6200 RPM
• Cargo Space: 14.4 cubic feet

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is a great car for those looking for a reliable and affordable vehicle. It offers a great value for its price point, with a range of features that make it a great choice for various drivers. It has a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that offers plenty of power while still maintaining great fuel economy. The interior of the Elantra is comfortable and spacious, with a range of technology features that make for an enjoyable ride. The Elantra also has a host of safety features, such as blind spot detection and lane-keeping assist that can help keep you safe on the road. All in all, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable car.

2018 Hyundai Sonata

• Average Price: $10,995 to $27,599
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Above Average 4.0 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 25/Hwy 36/Comb 29 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 185 @ 6000 RPM
• Cargo Space: 16.3 cubic feet

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata is a great car for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient ride. It offers a smooth, comfortable ride with plenty of power, thanks to its 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata has a great interior that’s loaded with plenty of technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 7-inch touchscreen display. It also offers great safety features, such as forward-collision and lane-departure warnings. The Sonata has great fuel economy, with an EPA estimated 25 city/36 highway mpg. Overall, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable ride.

2018 Kia Rio

• Average Price: $9,471 to $18,998
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Excellent 4.5 out of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 28/Hwy 37/Comb 32 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 130 @ 6300 RPM
• Cargo Space: 13.7 cubic feet

The 2018 Kia Rio is a great car for anyone looking for a reliable, efficient, and affordable ride. It has a powerful 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers a respectable 130 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque. The Rio also offers great fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. It has a comfortable interior with plenty of room for five passengers and plenty of cargo space. The Rio also comes with a generous list of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power windows and locks, and a rearview camera. Its low price tag and great features make the 2018 Kia Rio a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable car.

2015 Buick Verano

• Average Price: $7,599 to $19,995
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: Above Average 4.0 of 5.0
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Fuel Economy: City 21/Hwy 32/Comb 25 MPG
• Max Seating: 5
• Horsepower: 180 @ 6700 RPM
• Cargo Space: 14.3 cubic feet

The 2015 Buick Verano is a great car for those who want a combination of luxury, style, and affordability. The exterior design is sleek and attractive, and the interior is both comfortable and well-equipped. The performance is impressive for its class, with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that gets up to 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. Regarding safety, the Verano comes with a full suite of active safety features like lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, the car has great fuel economy at 21 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway, making it an economical choice. All in all, the 2015 Buick Verano is a great car for those looking for luxury without breaking the bank.

Endurance Warranty Can Help Protect Your Investment

Buying a used car is a great way to help your money go further when it comes to buying a new vehicle, and an extended car warranty or auto protection plan can make sure you’re protected from the financial burden of a mechanical breakdown. Used cars are much more likely to have mechanical issues due to normal wear and tear, and an auto protection plan from Endurance Warranty can provide coverage that can help to cover the cost of repairs should an issue arise. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that any unexpected repairs will be taken care of.

Choose from a selection of customizable coverage plans designed to meet your needs and budget, ranging from basic powertrain coverage to more comprehensive options. With every coverage plan, you’ll also rest easy knowing that help is on the way, with perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and substitute transportation while your vehicle is being repaired.

In addition to the plan’s coverage, you save even more when you activate a year of Endurance Elite Benefits for FREE. This gives you access to various driver benefits, such as tire coverage, key fob substitution, and more, with a small, $29 activation fee.

Call (800) 253-8203 for a free, no-obligation quote from our award-winning customer service team, or shop online today to find a plan that fits your needs. Browse the Endurance blog for answers to more of your frequently asked questions, including extended car warranty comparisons, how-to’s, auto expert tips, and more.