It’s fair to say that when in the market for a used car, the best used cars are the ones that are the most dependable and reliable for your money. Foreign brands generally top the lists of Consumer Reports and J.D. Power used car ranking for reliability, and most are great for high mileage, dependability, and affordable repairs. Overall, most cars these days are far more reliable compared to those made more than a decade ago. Still, in terms of reliable cars that last, your best bet is the Japanese automakers and a couple of other surprises. Below, we cover the best used cars that last.
Honda
Hondas are well-known for their reliability, dependability, and durability over rivals. Honda vehicles always score high in J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. With great fuel economy and comfort, they are a top choice for a used car, even if they’ve already covered 100,000 miles or more. These cars last and you’ll get the most for your money. Look for Civics and Accords to get you where you’re going.
Toyota
Toyota has built a reputation for making solid, dependable cars. Drivers can expect good fuel economy, and many miles out of their Toyota car. The simplicity of the manufacturing and the models has made the cars affordable, too. This affordability transfers to repair costs, too, as parts are more common and cheaper to replace or repair. Simplicity also means that there is less that will go wrong with the car. Looking for a particular make? Corollas and Camrys top the list.
Nissan
Nissan makes some of the most dependable cars on the market and have consistently high marks for reliability. Nissan car models are known for their longevity, too. Like Toyota, Nissan makes affordable brands, and hold back on expensive and modern technology found in more luxury brands. This is by no means a bad thing. They are a reliable used car that will continue to perform well over 100,000 miles. Sentras and Altimas are the makes to look for.
Hyundai
Hyundai has come a long way in boosting customer confidence in their cars. The past decade has seen continuing quality makes with longer warranties to back it up. They have emerged as a good value in a crowded marketplace. The Korean automaker earned a 3.5 out of 5 reliability rating from U.S. News—beating out Honda in that category. The Elantra is a perennial bestseller for the automaker, and the Santa Fe is ever-popular.
Mazda
While Mazda may not be the most popular Japanese car manufacturer, they make a very reliable car. The low cost of repairs, very good fuel economy and high road miles have made Mazda a very good choice if you are looking for dependability in a car. The lower the cost to repair a car, the more dependable and reliable it is. Mazda’s are made with affordable and common parts that are easy to find and cheap to replace. Mazda models to shop for: the Mazda3, Mazda6, and the Mazda CX-5.
Buick
If you’re interested in an American car, Buick has always been a very good choice. In fact, if you’re shopping for a car on a tight budget, Buick should be at the top of your list. Older model LeSabres, Park Avenues, and Regals are widely available and are less expensive than most used cars on this list. Still not convinced—Consumer Reports recently placed Buick as the third most reliable car brand. Their reliability rating scored 4 out of 5.
Whatever your car shopping needs, Auto Action can assist you in getting the car that fits your needs and budget. We have many makes and models to choose from. See what car is within your budget at Auto Action.