Top picks
Best in class
Minivan
2021–2022 Chrysler Pacifica
$24,000
expect to pay
Spacious minivan with class-leading comfort and strong safety scores.
SUV
2023–2024 Honda CR-V
$28,500
expect to pay
CR-V with hybrid-grade efficiency and top safety ratings.
SUV
2019–2021 Subaru Forester
$19,000
expect to pay
Versatile SUV with confident safety scores and proven reliability.
SUV
2020–2024 Subaru Outback
$24,500
expect to pay
Versatile AWD wagon with class-leading safety and a refined ride.
Wagon
2019–2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country
$28,500
expect to pay
Raised AWD wagon blending Volvo's safety pedigree with cargo-hauling versatility.
Wagon
2018–2020 Volvo V90
$28,000
expect to pay
Premium wagon offering cargo versatility and a refined ride.
Minivan
2021–2024 Toyota Sienna
$38,000
expect to pay
Hybrid-only minivan with class-leading economy and room for the whole family.
SUV
2015–2019 Subaru Outback
$19,800
expect to pay
All-wheel-drive wagon with class-leading safety and proven reliability.
SUV
2013–2018 Toyota RAV4
$17,500
expect to pay
Dependable compact SUV with top safety marks and proven reliability.
Wagon
2017–2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon
$32,000
expect to pay
Premium wagon offering cargo versatility and a refined ride.
Minivan
2018–2024 Honda Odyssey
$30,200
expect to pay
Refined, reliable family hauler with confident handling and a quiet cabin.
Wagon
2015–2017 Volvo V60
$16,000
expect to pay
Dependable wagon balancing cargo space with everyday efficiency.
Sedan
2018–2020 Honda Accord
$18,000
expect to pay
Dependable sedan pairing comfort with strong long-term reliability.
Sedan
2018–2020 Subaru Legacy
$16,000
expect to pay
Comfortable midsize sedan with solid safety and reliability.
Sedan
2018–2024 Toyota Camry
$27,300
expect to pay
Camry with top-tier reliability and the latest safety suite as standard.
SUV
2019–2021 Toyota RAV4
$22,000
expect to pay
Versatile SUV with confident safety scores and proven reliability.
Sedan
2023–2024 Honda Accord
$24,100
expect to pay
Accord pairing near-luxury comfort with rock-solid dependability.
Compact
2020–2025 Toyota Corolla
$22,500
expect to pay
Nearly-new Corolla with the latest safety suite and outstanding economy.
Minivan
2018–2020 Chrysler Pacifica
$18,000
expect to pay
Family-friendly minivan with room for eight and proven reliability.
Minivan
2022–2023 Kia Carnival
$26,000
expect to pay
Spacious minivan with class-leading comfort and strong safety scores.
Minivan
2018–2019 Honda Odyssey
$20,000
expect to pay
Spacious minivan with class-leading comfort and strong safety scores.
Second choice
Worth a look
Compact
2019–2024 Mazda Mazda3
$21,000
expect to pay
Mazda3 with a premium cabin and confident, fun-to-drive handling.
Sedan
2017–2019 Toyota Camry
$16,000
expect to pay
Dependable sedan pairing comfort with strong long-term reliability.
SUV
2017–2022 Honda CR-V
$20,500
expect to pay
Roomy compact SUV with class-leading cargo space and a proven powertrain.
Compact
2016–2021 Honda Civic
$15,200
expect to pay
Reliable commuter with excellent fuel economy and strong safety ratings.
Wagon
2017–2019 Audi A4 Allroad
$24,000
expect to pay
Premium wagon offering cargo versatility and a refined ride.
Wagon
2016–2018 BMW 3 Series Wagon
$22,000
expect to pay
Premium wagon offering cargo versatility and a refined ride.
Compact
2014–2019 Toyota Corolla
$13,900
expect to pay
Dependable compact with low running costs and top reliability scores.
SUV
2018–2020 Kia Sorento
$18,000
expect to pay
Versatile SUV with confident safety scores and proven reliability.
Minivan
2018–2019 Toyota Sienna
$22,000
expect to pay
Spacious minivan with class-leading comfort and strong safety scores.
Truck
2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma
$32,000
expect to pay
Recent-vintage Tacoma pairing legendary reliability with modern tow tech.
Hatchback
2019–2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
$20,500
expect to pay
Cargo-friendly Corolla with hatchback practicality and standout fuel economy.
Minivan
2014–2016 Honda Odyssey
$13,000
expect to pay
Family-friendly minivan with room for eight and proven reliability.
Minivan
2015–2017 Toyota Sienna
$15,000
expect to pay
Family-friendly minivan with room for eight and proven reliability.
SUV
2017–2024 Mazda CX-5
$16,800
expect to pay
Stylish crossover with a quiet cabin and above-average reliability scores.
Truck
2019–2021 Ram 1500
$28,000
expect to pay
Capable pickup with proven durability and strong resale value.
Wagon
2018–2020 Buick Regal TourX
$16,400
expect to pay
Underrated AWD wagon with European road manners and roomy cargo space.
Hatchback
2019–2024 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback
$17,900
expect to pay
Stylish, fun-to-drive hatchback with a near-luxury cabin for the price.
Wagon
2015–2017 Subaru Impreza Wagon
$11,000
expect to pay
Dependable wagon balancing cargo space with everyday efficiency.
Hatchback
2017–2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback
$13,500
expect to pay
Reliable hatchback pick blending everyday practicality with dependable long-term running costs.
Sedan
2018–2020 Hyundai Sonata
$14,500
expect to pay
Dependable sedan pairing comfort with strong long-term reliability.
Sedan
2019–2021 Nissan Altima
$16,000
expect to pay
Dependable sedan pairing comfort with strong long-term reliability.
Sedan
2017–2019 Ford Fusion
$14,000
expect to pay
Comfortable midsize sedan with solid safety and reliability.
Truck
2017–2018 Honda Ridgeline
$21,000
expect to pay
Dependable midsize truck with car-like comfort and solid towing.
Sedan
2018–2020 Mazda Mazda6
$17,000
expect to pay
Comfortable midsize sedan with solid safety and reliability.
Truck
2017–2024 Honda Ridgeline
$24,600
expect to pay
Car-like ride in a midsize truck with AWD and verified maintenance.
SUV
2019–2021 Nissan Rogue
$17,000
expect to pay
Versatile SUV with confident safety scores and proven reliability.
SUV
2018–2020 Hyundai Tucson
$16,000
expect to pay
Versatile SUV with confident safety scores and proven reliability.
SUV
2019–2021 Honda HR-V
$17,000
expect to pay
Versatile SUV with confident safety scores and proven reliability.
Truck
2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma
$27,500
expect to pay
Legendary-reliability midsize truck with 4WD and strong resale value.
Compact
2014–2018 Mazda Mazda3
$14,500
expect to pay
Sharp-handling compact with upscale interior and strong long-term reliability.
Minivan
2016–2018 Kia Sedona
$14,000
expect to pay
Family-friendly minivan with room for eight and proven reliability.
Wagon
2016–2018 Mini Clubman
$17,000
expect to pay
Dependable wagon balancing cargo space with everyday efficiency.
Sedan
2017–2019 Kia Optima
$13,000
expect to pay
Dependable sedan pairing comfort with strong long-term reliability.
Sedan
2018–2020 Chevrolet Malibu
$13,000
expect to pay
Comfortable midsize sedan with solid safety and reliability.
Sedan
2017–2019 Volkswagen Passat
$14,000
expect to pay
Comfortable midsize sedan with solid safety and reliability.
Truck
2019–2021 Ford Ranger
$22,000
expect to pay
Dependable midsize truck with car-like comfort and solid towing.
Truck
2018–2020 Ford F-150
$28,000
expect to pay
Capable pickup with proven durability and strong resale value.
Compact
2019–2021 Nissan Sentra
$12,500
expect to pay
Frugal compact with low running costs and dependable reliability.
Hatchback
2009–2013 Honda Fit
$8,200
expect to pay
Clever, ultra-reliable hatchback with a magic-folding back seat and standout cargo space.
Compact
2012–2015 Honda Civic
$7,600
expect to pay
Dependable commuter with excellent fuel economy and proven long-term reliability.
Compact
2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra
$11,500
expect to pay
Value-packed sedan with a long warranty tail and frugal running costs.
Truck
2015–2022 Chevrolet Colorado
$21,500
expect to pay
Capable midsize truck with a tidy footprint and reasonable maintenance costs.
Wagon
2015–2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
$13,000
expect to pay
Premium wagon offering cargo versatility and a refined ride.
Minivan
2016–2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
$12,000
expect to pay
Family-friendly minivan with room for eight and proven reliability.
Truck
2017–2019 Chevrolet Silverado
$26,000
expect to pay
Capable pickup with proven durability and strong resale value.
Compact
2019–2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$14,500
expect to pay
Frugal compact with low running costs and dependable reliability.
Wagon
2017–2018 Toyota Corolla iM
$11,000
expect to pay
Dependable wagon balancing cargo space with everyday efficiency.
Hatchback
2015–2018 Volkswagen Golf
$12,500
expect to pay
Reliable hatchback pick blending everyday practicality with dependable long-term running costs.
Minivan
2015–2016 Chrysler Town & Country
$10,000
expect to pay
Spacious minivan with class-leading comfort and strong safety scores.
Truck
2007–2021 Toyota Tundra
$29,500
expect to pay
Full-size truck with a reputation for going the distance and holding value.
Truck
2017–2019 GMC Canyon
$20,000
expect to pay
Dependable midsize truck with car-like comfort and solid towing.
Compact
2017–2020 Kia Forte
$10,500
expect to pay
Frugal compact with low running costs and dependable reliability.
Wagon
2013–2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
$9,000
expect to pay
Dependable wagon balancing cargo space with everyday efficiency.
Hatchback
2018–2020 Hyundai Elantra GT
$13,500
expect to pay
Reliable hatchback pick blending everyday practicality with dependable long-term running costs.
Hatchback
2020–2022 Nissan Versa
$11,000
expect to pay
Reliable hatchback pick blending everyday practicality with dependable long-term running costs.
Hatchback
2012–2014 Kia Soul
$7,400
expect to pay
Roomy, boxy hatchback with a tall cabin and easy cargo loading for the price.
Compact
2012–2014 Toyota Yaris
$6,800
expect to pay
No-frills subcompact that sips fuel and keeps maintenance costs low year after year.
Compact
2014–2016 Toyota Corolla
$8,900
expect to pay
Bulletproof compact that runs forever on a budget, with frugal running costs.
Hatchback
2018–2020 Kia Rio
$9,500
expect to pay
Reliable hatchback pick blending everyday practicality with dependable long-term running costs.
Hatchback
2017–2019 Chevrolet Sonic
$9,000
expect to pay
Reliable hatchback pick blending everyday practicality with dependable long-term running costs.
Truck
2017–2019 Nissan Frontier
$15,000
expect to pay
Capable pickup with proven durability and strong resale value.
Hatchback
2013–2014 Toyota Matrix
$8,000
expect to pay
Reliable hatchback pick blending everyday practicality with dependable long-term running costs.
Hatchback
2012–2014 Mazda Mazda2
$7,000
expect to pay
Reliable hatchback pick blending everyday practicality with dependable long-term running costs.
Sedan
1995–2000 Lexus LS400
$6,000
expect to pay
The 400,000-mile legend. Toyota's flagship V8 is famously unkillable, and a used one delivers near-luxury comfort for beater money.
Sedan
1990–1993 Volvo 240
$3,000
expect to pay
A brick-shaped tank with a reputation for half-million-mile lifespans. Boxey, safe for its era, and mechanically simple enough for anyone to keep alive.
Compact
1998–2002 Toyota Corolla
$4,000
expect to pay
The textbook first car: cheap, frugal, and famous for clearing 300,000 miles with basic upkeep. A no-drama commuter that just keeps going.
Sedan
1998–2002 Honda Accord
$4,500
expect to pay
A grown-up Civic: bigger, quieter, and still built to outlive its second owner. A sensible, comfortable beater that shrugs off high mileage.
Wagon
1998–2004 Subaru Legacy
$4,000
expect to pay
Standard all-wheel drive makes it the snow-country beater of choice. Roomy wagon body hauls gear and friends, and the boxer engine goes the distance with regular oil changes.
Sedan
1997–2001 Toyota Camry
$4,500
expect to pay
Roomier than a Corolla and just as indestructible. The four-cylinder Camry is the used-car default for anyone who wants to forget what a mechanic looks like.
Compact
1996–2000 Honda Civic
$3,500
expect to pay
A student favorite for a reason: sips gas, parts are everywhere, and the engines are bulletproof. Look for one with service records and it'll outlast college and beyond.
Compact
2000–2005 Toyota Echo
$3,500
expect to pay
Tiny, featherweight, and absurdly reliable, the Echo returns nearly 40 mpg and runs forever. The ultimate cheap-to-run college car.
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