Prices for newer used cars are still trending high since the pandemic inventory shortages. There are still plenty of safe and reliable used cars available.
Whether you need a commuter car, a family hauler, or something in between, there are many choices for around and under $20,000. Let’s take a look at the top choices in five categories.
Compact Cars – 2018-20 Acura ILX
The Acura ILX is a four-door sedan with seating for five people and its median price is usually between $18,500 and $22,000. As Honda’s luxury brand, the Acura ILX is essentially a more premium Honda Civic. It gets up to 28-29 MPG and offers nimble handling with an upgraded suspension. Compared to the Civic, the ILX has a more luxurious interior and the cabin is quieter in highway driving. The Acura ILX enjoyed a mild refresh in 2019 that gave it more safety features and a better multimedia system.
Other good options in this category include the 2018-19 Chevrolet Volt, the 2019-21 Honda Civic, the 2020-23 Toyota Corolla, and the 2016-18 Volkswagen Beetle.
Electric Cars – 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
If you’re looking for economical used cars in the EV category, it’s hard to beat the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt for value. The median price ranges between $18,000 and $21,000 for a four-door compact hatchback with seating for five. For 2020, the Bolt’s range was extended to 259 miles on a full charge and standard equipment included a 360-degree camera system. If you’re looking for a used Bolt, keep an eye out for the optional DC fast-charging system, which became standard on the 2022 model.
Compact SUVs – 2018-20 Mazda CX-5
The compact SUV category is well-packed with options, and one of the best is the Mazda CX-5. You can usually expect to pay between $20,000 and $23,000 for this model, but it comes with a premium interior and a standard 2.5-liter gas engine. In 2019, a more powerful turbo 2.5-liter engine became available. The CX-5 is fun to drive and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for all 2020 models and 2019 models with specific headlights.
Other top options in this category include the 2015-17 Lexus NX, the 2017-18 Honda CR-V, the 2016-18 Acura RDX, and the 2016-18 Toyota RAV4.
Midsize Cars – 2018-21 Toyota Camry
It’s hard to beat the Toyota Camry in this category as it’s one of the best-selling models in America outside of the Ford F-150. You can expect to pay between $20,000 and $23,000 for a Camry in this model range, but you’ll get a roomy four-door sedan that seats up to five people. The Camry also has impressive fuel economy for its size at up to 34 MPG. Toyota gave the Camry a significant redesign in 2018 that included an upgraded suspension, a new exterior look, and a bundle of safety features.
Other good options in this category include the 2020-21 Hyundai Sonata and the 2018-19 Honda Accord.
Midsize SUVs – 2017-20 Nissan Murano
Another popular category for used cars is the midsize SUV category. There are a reasonable amount of options here as well. The Nissan Murano in the model range listed above can usually be found between $17,500 and $20,500. This is a four-door SUV that seats up to five people. The Murano combines distinctive styling with a classy interior, plenty of cabin space, and a smooth ride. It also comes with a standard V6 and gets decent fuel economy at 23 to 24 MPG.
Other top options in this category include the 2012-14 Toyota 4Runner, the 2018 Mazda CX-9, the 2014-15 Lexus RX, and the 2014-16 Toyota Highlander.
As you can see, there are quite a few models to choose from that are under or around $20,000 in every popular category for used cars.
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