New Report: 10 Used Car Models That Are the Best Buys

New car prices skyrocketed a few years ago, and though they have come down incrementally, interest rates are at historic highs. Inflation and high rates have made it hard to cut car costs and even more so to buy a brand-new car. So where should savvy consumers look for their next ride?

The used car market. Many used vehicles are in great condition, inside and out, and quite a few vehicles hold onto their value and will provide you with years of trouble-free driving. 

If the idea of researching pre-owned cars gives you a migraine, you’re in luck — Iseecars.com recently conducted a massive survey to figure out the best five-year-old used cars on the market. Here are their picks for the ten best five-year-old cars.

Vehicles were evaluated by age and purchase price per 10,000 miles of remaining lifespan. Only cars with at least 100,000 miles of remaining life were included. 

The top ten includes vehicles from Chevrolet, Honda, and Buick, with Ford, Dodge, and Toyota models conspicuously absent though certain models did make appearances farther down the list.

• Price per 10K Miles: $1,442
• Average Price: $17,274
• Remaining Lifespan (Miles): 119,833
• Remaining Lifespan: 64.9%

The Chevrolet Trax is an SUV known for its roomy interior and fuel efficiency. It has a towing capacity of 1,263 pounds, reliable handling, and a modern in-dash infotainment system.

• Price per 10K Miles: $1,473
• Average Price: $19,049
• Average Lifespan (Miles): 123,319
• Remaining Lifespan: 67.7%

The Honda Fit is a roomy subcompact hatchback with front-wheel drive. It has an infotainment system that’s comparable to those found in high-end luxury cars, with an onboard navigation system, USB ports, and Bluetooth capability. The Fit’s software is compatible with both Apple and Android products.

• Price per 10K Miles: $1,485
• Average Price: $22,109
• Average Lifespan (Miles): 148,885
• Remaining Lifespan:68.8%

The Honda Insight is a hybrid compact sedan with zippy acceleration and a comfortable cabin with plenty of storage and fold-down rear seats. It has a touchscreen infotainment system and is compatible with Android and iOS devices.

• Price per 10K Miles: $1,492
• Average Price: $18,632
• Average Lifespan (Miles): 124,853
• Remaining Lifespan: 67.6%

This small SUV has a spacious cabin, upgraded interior, a smooth ride. It’s a reliable choice with an intuitive infotainment system and available turbocharged engine in some models.

• Price per 10K Miles: $1,498
• Average Price: $17,188
• Remaining Lifespan (Miles): 114,789
• Remaining Lifespan: 62.9%

This sturdy SUV offers a plug-in hybrid with third seating not usually seen in SUVs of this size. It is reliable and has been known to last for at least 15 years. It boasts a roomy cargo area and is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market.

• Price per 10K Miles: $1,542
• Average Price: $24,074
• Remaining Lifespan (Miles): 156,146
• Remaining Lifespan: 69.1%

This sleek midsize sedan has long been one of America’s favorite cars. In 1989, it was the best-selling car in the US, a title it held until 1991, and by 2020, an estimated 18 million had been sold. It’s fuel efficient, designed well, and built to last — many Accords boast over 300,000 miles.

• Price per 10K Miles: $1,588
• Average Price: $25,434
• Remaining Lifespan (Miles): 160,207
• Remaining Lifespan: 70.8%

This compact SUV boasts a lot of power for its size. Available in both front and all-wheel models, CRVs are known for their responsiveness, reliable performance, and fuel economy. Some models have a standard wireless charging pad, and the entertainment system is compatible with both Android and IOS systems.

• Price per 10K Miles: $1,647
• Average Price: $30,026
• Remaining Lifespan (Miles): 182,288
• Remaining Lifespan: 71.2%

The Ridgeline is a midsize pickup truck known for its reliability. The interior is plush and has tri-zone automatic climate control, smartphone integration, and no-nonsense fuel economy.

• Price per 10K Miles: $$1,694
• Average Price: $29,118
• Remaining Lifespan (Miles): 171,839
• Remaining Lifespan: 73%

The nicely designed full-size sedan has a roomy, luxurious interior with easy-to-use controls. It offers a smooth ride and has a fuel-saving start/stop mode that automatically shuts off the engine when the car is idling. There are gas and hybrid models available.

• Price per 10K Miles: $1,716
• Average Price: $20,026
• Remaining Lifespan (Miles): 116,728
• Remaining Lifespan: 65.6%

The sporty, subcompact SUV is loaded with safety features and is available in two- and four-wheel drive. It handles well in tight turns and offers ample headroom for a subcompact, but the backseat legroom might be a squeeze for an adult. The dashboard is thoughtfully laid out and interfaces with both Android and iOS devices.

Between inflation and high interest rates, if a new car is off the table, it’s a good idea to look at used cars. Late model used vehicles from Chevrolet, Honda, Jeep, Mitsubishi, and Buick all offer a reasonable sticker price and reliability that you can count on for years to come. 

When you expand your buying options, you can find a good deal on a car or SUV that still has plenty of life left in it and keep more money in your wallet.