8 Used Compact Cars Worth Buying Even With High Mileage

When considering the best new compact cars, prices range from around $25,000 to $34,000+, with several compact luxury cars starting at $50,000 and above. The best alternative? Buying a reliable used vehicle that saves you thousands without having to worry about a high risk of breaking down or ongoing, expensive repairs.

Fortunately, you can find some highly rated options, even if they come with high mileage. To give you a head start, here's our list of eight compact cars that are known to go well past 100,000 miles and keep more cash in your wallet in the long run.

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Honda Civics are renowned for their dependability, long-lasting performance, fuel efficiency, and low-maintenance upkeep. When considering used Civics, there are several "best model years," including the 2020 model or any newer model.

The 2021 model was awarded the highest J.D. Power rating, scoring 84 out of 100, as well as 86 out of 100 for quality and reliability. This model was also chosen as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). With proper maintenance, your Civic can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles, or possibly longer.

The Toyota Corolla remains a top choice for those seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle that is also budget-friendly. Being one of the best-selling car models of all time, it is a go-to pick for many seeking a used vehicle. However, some model years are better than others.

The most reliable in recent years? The 2021 model was awarded an 88 out of 100 for quality and reliability, and the 2022 model received an 85 out of 100 rating for these categories. And for average annual maintenance and repair costs, you're looking at around $362 for both of these years, with a 7% probability of severe repairs (compared to 11% for compact cars).

When it comes to reliability and comfort, the Nissan Sentra is generally considered above average, often receiving high scores for dependability and low ownership costs. Certain model years stand out due to their exceptional safety, performance, and overall owner satisfaction.

The 2020 model remains a standout choice, awarded a score of 94 out of 100 for driving experience. With proper care, your Sentra can hit 300,000 miles. This model year also secured the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s 5-Star Safety Rating, representing the highest level of safety.

The Chevy Cruze ticks all the boxes when seeking an affordable, fuel-efficient compact car. The 2019 model is a top pick known for its spacious interior, user-friendly technology system, and smooth ride.

J.D. Power awarded this model year a rating of 87 out of 100 for quality and reliability. The NHTSA also assigned this model year an overall safety rating of five stars out of five. With proper care and maintenance, your Cruze can easily last from 175,000 to 200,000 miles.

The Subaru Impreza is one of the few compact cars with all-wheel drive (AWD), making it a practical choice for both road-trippers and city dwellers alike. When seeking an affordable yet reliable Subaru in the used market, the Impreza ticks all the most important boxes.

Thanks to this vehicle's excellent safety ratings year after year, insurance premiums are often lower compared to other AWD-equipped vehicles. Many drivers report that their Imprezas last well beyond 200,000 miles.

The Mazda3 offers drivers premium styling, comfort, good handling, reliability, and excellent value, making it a top choice for those seeking a used car they can enjoy and rely on. Models from 2010 onward are known for their improved fuel efficiency, with the best used Mazda3 years generally being those from 2019 to present models.

The 2020 model was rated the second-best compact car for its year class (behind the Nissan Sentra), awarded an 82 out of 100 quality and reliability score. Annual maintenance and repair costs average $462 per year, which is well below the industry average of $652.

When purchasing a used Hyundai Elantra, you'll benefit from a modern design, user-friendly tech features, and good fuel economy. However, choosing the right year is crucial, with the 2019 and 2020 models being praised for their reliability. Both these year models were ranked third for compact cars in J.D. Power's surveys of the most dependable used vehicles.

The average annual repair cost is just $452, with the severity and frequency of repairs being significantly lower than those of other vehicles. Thanks to the Elantra's good safety ratings and low theft rate, it's also a cost-effective option for insurance.

There are several reasons to buy a Toyota Prius, especially if you're interested in a hybrid compact car. You can expect a reliable vehicle that is fuel-efficient and comfortable, and comes with low repair costs. Unlike concerns with some hybrids, the Prius is designed to last, with its system and battery contributing to lifespans of 250,000 miles or more.

The 2016–2022 Toyota Prius models, particularly the fourth generation, are known for their reliability. The 2018 and 2021 models were the highest-rated by J.D. Power, receiving scores of 86 out of 100 and 85 out of 100 for quality and reliability, respectively.

When purchasing a used compact car, set a realistic budget, research the best option for your needs, and then factor in potential repair and insurance costs. The key is finding a high-value, reliable compact car that fits within your budget.

Once you find the car you like, shop around for car insurance to stretch your used car budget even further.