The 10 Most Reliable Used Cars You Can Buy on a Budget

Shopping for a used car can feel a bit overwhelming since you have so many options available to you. This is one of the reasons that it’s so helpful to have a great team of professionals at a reliable dealership there to help you and work with you to find just the right one. Here at McCluskey Automotive, your used car dealership in Cincinnati, we pride ourselves on working closely with all of our customers so that you drive away with exactly the right car with everything you need.

That being said, we know that a lot of people these days like doing research and shopping around on their own before heading to a dealership. We respect that – a lot of us here at McCluskey Automotive are exactly the same way – so we like to help out whenever we can. Today, we’re going to take you through 10 of our favorite options for highly reliable used cars when you’re shopping on a budget. Your particular budget and needs are going to have a big impact on what model and year are right for you, of course, but this can at least point you in the right direction.

Toyota Camry

One of the most popular sedans on the road, the Camry earns high marks for reliability and customer satisfaction year after year. There have been six generations for the Toyota Camry since the mid-1990s, which means there are a lot of different options and models you’ll find when shopping on the used market. Obviously, more recent models will have more features and advanced technology, but they’ll also have a higher price tag. For a great combination of low cost and impressive options, look for models from 2012 to 2017 – an update in 2015 made those models and the ones that followed particularly popular.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has been around since the 1970s and is one of the main reasons Honda has been so popular here in the US. This is a great vehicle for anyone that needs to get a group of friends around or has a small family and wants a reliable car that’s perfect for road trips or simply running errands. You can find great features on the Accord even if you go back pretty far; the most recent generation started in 2018, so look at models from 2013 to 2017. The generation before that kicked off in 2008, and 2010 and later models are all great picks.

Toyota Corolla

Although the Camry might be more popular with some drivers, others find the impressive dependability and economic pricing of the Corolla more appealing. The Toyota Corolla has been around in the US since the late 1960s, with 12 generations available – so you’ll find a lot of different models and options out there. The most recent generation for the Corolla started with 2020, so we suggest going back to at least 2019 for more budget-friendly options. Looking at models from between 2009 and 2013 could be your best bet for overall affordability.

Honda Civic

If the Accord is a bit larger than what you need, but you like Honda’s reputation for quality and reliability, then take a good look at the Civic. This is a compact model, and it’s been available in the US for nearly 50 years, making it a well-respected option that has proven itself as a great buy. These are also among the most fuel-efficient cars on the road, so if you’re looking at used models for reliability and long-term economy, then the Civic is a terrific option. The most recent generation ran from 2016, so they’ll be a bit pricey. Look at Civics from 2012 to 2015 for a great combination of budget and features – particularly those after the 2013 model update.

Mazda3

While it might not date back as far as some Honda and Toyota models that are still available, the Mazda3 from Mazda is one of the most popular and affordable cars on the road. This has been available for many years as either a sedan or a hatchback, so you’ll not only find different trims and options but also different styles available at your favorite used car dealer. There have been a few generations available over the last decade or so, with the latest one starting in 2019. Models from 2014-2018 or 2010-2013 offer a great selection of options and fair prices.

Kia Soul

For something a little bit bigger than some of the sedans we’ve looked at so far, the Kia Soul is a terrific option that’s been available as a hatchback or a wagon. You can look at the Soul as similar to a sub-compact crossover SUV in terms of functionality and spaciousness. This is a great choice if you have a family and want something with a lot of room inside, without facing the price tag on a lot of SUV models out there. First available here in the US in 2010, there was a redesign for 2014, so keep that in mind while looking at different options.

Ford Fusion

First introduced for the model year 2006, the Fusion might not date back like some other models from Ford, but it quickly became a very popular option. This has often been one of the most affordable midsize sedans on the road, so it’s a great option for families, big groups of friends, or if you just prefer having a lot of functional space. There have been numerous engines available over the years, including hybrids and turbocharged V6s, so you’ll have a lot of options to choose from. The first generation ran through 2012, so look at models from around 2013 for updated styling and features.

Chevy Malibu

If you prefer a midsize sedan from Chevy rather than Ford, then the Malibu is a terrific option that has been available since the 1960s. Production of the Malibu ran through the early 1980s, then went on hiatus until 1997, and it’s been available ever since. The most recent generation for the Malibu kicked off in 2016, so you can go back a bit and still get some great, modern features. If you’re on a tighter budget, then look for models from 2013 to 2015 to save some money while still getting a great midsize sedan.

Kia Optima

Another great option for a midsize sedan, the Kia Optima, has been around for about 20 years now and has been quite popular during that time. There have been four generations available, with a wide range of options and features, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines. The latest generation for the Optima kicked off in 2016, so keep that in mind when looking at models available. You should consider Optimas from between 2011 and 2015 to save money while still getting great, modern features.

Chevy Impala

First introduced in the 1950s, the Impala has been everything from a two-door convertible to a high-performance model powered by a beastly V8. In more recent years, however, it’s been a full-size sedan that delivers plenty of space with an impressive style. As a larger model, this one won’t be quite as budget-friendly as some of the other cars we’ve looked at, but it’s still a great option for reliability and family-friendly design. Look for models from 2014 to find the latest generation – models through 2016 called “Impala Limited” continued the previous generation.

Shop Smart, Shop Used

Whether one of these options seems like the perfect fit for you, or you still have more questions than answers, we can help. Our friendly and knowledgeable salespeople are trained to work closely with you and help you figure out which car is right for what you need. Call or come visit us at McCluskey Automotive today to find out more, and we’ll make sure you find exactly the right used car to drive away happily.