7 Used Cars That Are Worth Every Penny (And 6 You Should Stay Away From at All Costs)

Not everyone wants to drive off the lot with zero miles. In fact, approximately 38.6 million used vehicles were sold in the U.S. in 2025, an increase of 1.3 million frokm the previous year, according to the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association. Although buying a used car can save you money upfront, and you can also save money on car insurance, it also forces you to answer several questions.

Did the previous owner care for this vehicle? Is this a good value for my money? And critically, can I rely on this vehicle for years to come?

Unfortunately, you won't get an answer for every question that pesters you. You can, however, use expert opinions and consumer reviews to learn more about a vehicle's reliability.

Are you thinking about buying one of the cars on this list? You'd better make sure it's one of the reliable ones.

Editor's note: Reliability scores come from J.D. Power.

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Reliability score: 90/100

You can buy one of the most reliable used vehicles for about $21,270, according to Kelley Blue Book. That's a good chunk of change, but you get much more than the prestige of owning a Lexus.

Owners love this car's comfort and safety features. It also retains its value well, so you can get a lot of your money back when you're ready for a new car.

The ES is particularly appealing if you want a comfortable daily driver rather than a sporty sedan. Its smooth ride and quiet cabin make longer commutes and highway trips more pleasant. The roomy interior also gives passengers space to stretch out, while the sedan's conventional design makes it relatively easy to live with.

Reliability score: 90/100

Can't afford to shell out $23,000 for a used vehicle? The 2015 Toyota Camry offers the same reliability score as the ES but for about $10,000 less.

Owners give the 2015 Camry a "great" rating for its driving experience. It also has plenty of features that make it safe and fun on the road.

The Camry is a practical choice for drivers who want dependable transportation without paying luxury-car prices. Its comfortable cabin, straightforward controls, and everyday usability make it a good fit for commuting, errands and family trips.

It also has a reputation for being relatively inexpensive to maintain compared with many upscale vehicles. The sedan's passenger space and usable trunk make it more versatile than its modest exterior might suggest.

Reliability score: 90/100

You can get a Lexus for about $16,680, and it's a top-rated option for quality, reliability, and resale value. The RX 350 has fairly mediocre fuel economy (approximately 18 mpg in the city), but it receives praise for its smooth transmission and comfort.

This SUV makes sense for buyers who prioritize a comfortable ride and an upscale interior over fuel savings. Its higher seating position can make getting in and out easier, while the cabin offers a more refined experience than many mainstream SUVs.

It's also a useful option for small families who need passenger room and flexible cargo space for groceries, luggage, or everyday gear. However, fuel costs deserve consideration, especially if you spend a lot of time driving in city traffic.

Reliability score: 89/100

The Kia Sportage is an excellent option if you want a powerful engine that doesn't make a lot of noise. Its technology is also a little ahead of its time, with voice assistance that compares to what you'll find in a newer model. Not bad for $13,050.

The Sportage is worth considering if you want the flexibility of an SUV without moving into a much larger, more expensive vehicle. Its elevated seating position provides a better view of the road, and its rear cargo area is useful for shopping bags, luggage, and other everyday essentials. The relatively quiet engine can also make routine driving less tiring.

However, compare the features on the specific trim you're considering, since equipment can vary.

Reliability score: 85/100

The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata has a smooth transmission and excellent maneuverability that make driving fun. This sporty coupe should only cost about $13,900.

The Miata is a particularly good fit for someone who values driving enjoyment over maximum practicality. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver and park, while its responsive handling gives it an advantage on winding roads. The trade-off is that this is not a family vehicle.

Passenger capacity is limited, and its small trunk leaves little room for bulky shopping trips or luggage. It's also worth remembering that a sporty car may have been driven more aggressively than an ordinary commuter vehicle.

Reliability score: 85/100

If you prefer an SUV, look for a 2018 Acura RDX. It has a high reliability score and a fairly affordable price (around $17,000).

RDX owners say this SUV has comfortable seats and excellent rear visibility. The style's a bit dated, but that's a small cosmetic issue.

The RDX offers a useful middle ground for shoppers who want an upscale SUV without paying the premium for a newer luxury model. Its comfortable seating and visibility can make daily commuting and parking less stressful. There's also enough versatility for errands, road trips, and carrying everyday cargo.

While its styling may not feel as modern as newer competitors, appearance doesn't necessarily affect how well a vehicle performs its basic job.

Reliability score: 82/100

If you're in the market for a powerful truck at an affordable price, check out the 2015 Ford F-150. For about $10,300, you can get strong acceleration and comfortable seats. Plus, the Ford F-150 retains its resale value very well, so you can recoup some of the cost when you want a new model.

The F-150 is a practical option for drivers who need more than a vehicle for commuting. Depending on its configuration, a pickup can handle work equipment, home improvement supplies, recreational gear, and other bulky loads. Its spacious cabin can also make it comfortable enough for everyday use.

However, don't shop by model name alone. Engine, cab, and bed configurations can make a significant difference in capability and practicality. Fuel expenses are another consideration, particularly if you plan to use it primarily for short city trips.

Reliability score: 65/100

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an EV that costs at least $21,100. Owners say it offers a positive driving experience. However, they don't like its relatively short range (the EPA-estimated range is 211 to 305 miles per charge, but owners of used models complain that it's actually about 90 miles) or complicated controls. It's far from the worst EV you can buy, but you can easily do better.

Range is one of the biggest considerations when shopping for a used electric vehicle. A battery's condition, driving habits, weather, and use of climate controls can all affect how far you can travel between charges.

That makes it especially important to check the battery's health and charging performance before buying this Mach-E. You should also make sure the vehicle's software and infotainment features work properly.

Consider whether you have convenient access to home or public charging, and whether the vehicle's actual driving range would cover your regular commute. A lower purchase price won't feel like much of a bargain if charging limitations make everyday travel inconvenient.

Reliability score: 63/100

Are you looking for an affordable, safe minivan? Don't spend too much time thinking about the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. It gets disappointing reviews from the IIHS, and owners say it has uncomfortable second-row seats.

Even if you get a "deal" on the Pacifica, you'll spend more than $18,400. You can get a used 2020 Honda Odyssey for about the same price, $19,450, and it has a 70/100 reliability rating.

A minivan should make family transportation easier, so comfort and convenience matter just as much as the purchase price. The Pacifica's second-row seating complaints are worth taking seriously if you regularly transport children or adult passengers.

Before buying, test every seat and check that the sliding doors, rear entertainment equipment, climate controls, and other convenience features work as expected. Also review the vehicle's safety ratings and recall history rather than relying on the model's reputation alone.

Reliability score: 62/100

A lot of 2016 Fiat 500X owners say their SUVs have rough rides and quirky transmissions. Perhaps even worse, they don't feel safe behind the wheel.

Those safety concerns might come from the 500X's headlights, which get the IIHS's lowest rating. You can buy this SUV for about $6,600, but it's a risk even at that low price.

A low purchase price can be tempting, especially if you're trying to avoid taking on a large car payment. But the savings may not last if you have to deal with repeated repairs or replace expensive components.

The transmission complaints deserve particular attention, so take any potential purchase on an extended test drive. Pay attention to hesitation, jerking, or unusual noises when accelerating and shifting.

Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before you commit, and check its recall and maintenance history. The headlight concerns are another reason to consider how well the SUV would serve you during nighttime driving.

A cheaper vehicle isn't necessarily a better value if it compromises comfort or confidence on the road.

Reliability score: 61/100

An all-wheel-drive version of the 2017 Volvo XC90 will cost about $20,000. Lower trim levels are closer to $13,000. Regardless, owners say this Volvo is noisy and has a subpar climate-control system. That's a lot of money on a car that gets such disappointing reviews.

The XC90's upscale reputation may make it appealing to shoppers looking for a luxury family SUV, but a premium badge doesn't guarantee a trouble-free ownership experience. Climate-control problems can be particularly frustrating when you're transporting passengers or dealing with extreme temperatures. A noisy cabin can also take away from the comfort you'd expect at this price point.

If you're still considering one, test the heating and air conditioning thoroughly and listen for unusual noises during your drive. Have the electrical systems, suspension, and drivetrain inspected, too. Remember that luxury vehicles can carry higher repair and replacement-part costs, so leave room in your budget for unexpected maintenance.

Reliability score: 60/100

You'll pay about $10,500 for a 2017 Infiniti QX30. That probably seems like a good price when you first see the SUV's stylish interior.

Don't hand over your money yet, though. This QX30 has four recalls and more than two dozen consumer complaints.

Those recalls and complaints are worth investigating before you consider buying this vehicle. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall database using the vehicle identification number (VIN) to see whether all required recall repairs have been completed. An open recall can mean an important safety-related repair still needs attention.

You should also look beyond the attractive cabin and test the vehicle's electronics, transmission, brakes, and climate controls. Ask for maintenance records and have an independent mechanic inspect it. Infiniti is a luxury brand, so replacement parts and specialized repairs may cost more than they would for a mainstream SUV. A low asking price won't necessarily offset those expenses.

Reliability score: 57/100

We've reached the worst of the worst on this list. Owners complain about the poor acceleration, rough ride, and glitchy navigation system of this SUV. You can buy a 2016 Volvo XC60 for a better experience score of 79/100 at a similar price.

The Discovery Sport may appeal to shoppers who like Land Rover's upscale styling and SUV versatility, but those ownership complaints are difficult to overlook. Poor acceleration can make merging and passing less comfortable, while a rough ride can become tiresome during longer trips. Navigation problems are also inconvenient if you rely on the built-in system for everyday driving.

Before considering one, test the engine and transmission under different driving conditions and make sure the infotainment and navigation systems function properly. Ask for a complete service history and arrange a thorough inspection by a mechanic familiar with Land Rover vehicles. Potentially expensive repairs make this a particularly important step.

Buying a used car is a good way to keep more cash in your wallet without making sacrifices on its reliability, performance, or style. You just have to make sure you choose the right model.

Certified pre-owned vehicles are another option. While they can cost 1.8% more than their counterparts, dealer certifications may make the higher price tag worth it.

Regardless of what you buy, you benefit from the car's age. Most cars lose about 10% of their value within one year. Let someone else shoulder that financial burden for you.