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Consumer Reports Says These Are The Best Used Cars, Trucks And SUVs For Under $20,000

12
Collin Woodard
·8 min read
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Tacoma

When you buy a new car, lemon laws and manufacturer warranties generally protect you from a lot of headaches and potential reliability issues. Unfortunately, a lot of people can’t afford to spend $50,000 on a new car, which often means taking a risk on a used one that’s outside its warranty. What initially seems like a great deal can quickly turn into a maintenance nightmare.

If you’re shopping for a new-to-you car, truck or SUV, our friends at Consumer Reports recently published a list of the 24 best used cars that you should be able to find for less than $20,000. Not all owners treat their cars the same, so you should definitely still get a pre-purchase inspection before buying, regardless of what kind of used car you’re looking for, but these are the best ones to start with.

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Sadly, Honda killed off the Fit, but you should be able to find a 2020 model for less than $20,000 and may even find some in the $16,000 range.

Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a seriously underappreciated compact car that’s stylish and fun to drive. A 2021 model may even be found in the low $16,000s.

Toyota Corolla

The Corolla may not be the most exciting compact car, but it’ll be reliable. A 2017 model should be less than $15,000. If you want the hybrid, you can probably get a 2021 for under $20,000.

Toyota Prius

You can’t get a brand-new Prius in this range, but a 2018 Prius will likely be less than $20,000. Meanwhile, the plug-in-hybrid version with a little more than 20 miles of electric range shouldn’t carry much of a premium, and the larger Prius V can probably be had for less than $15,000 if you go for a 2016 model.

Honda Accord

As far as midsize family sedans go, the Honda Accord has traditionally been one of the more fun-to-drive choices compared to its competitors. You may have a hard time finding a 2017 Accord for less than $15,000, but it shouldn’t be a problem finding one for less than $18,000.

Toyota Avalon

If you want a big, comfortable sedan without paying a luxury premium, consider the Toyota Avalon. You should be able to find a 2017 Avalon for less than $20,000. If you’re willing to go slightly older, you can even afford the more fuel-efficient Avalon Hybrid.

Toyota Camry

It won’t be exciting, but it’s hard to go wrong buying the best Camry your budget allows. A 2017 model may even be less than $15,000, and even the more fuel-efficient Camry Hybrid of a similar age should be less than $20,000.

Acura TLX

If you want a Honda Accord with more luxury features and optional all-wheel drive, the Acura TLX is the answer. It’s not a true sport sedan, but it’s still enjoyable to drive, and you should be able to find a 2016 TLX for less than $18,000.

Lexus ES

If you don’t care about sportiness, the Lexus ES takes everything that people love about the Camry and does it better. You can probably find a 2015 model for around $15,000, and while the hybrid version is more expensive, you should still be able to find one of a similar age for less than $20,000.

Lexus GS

If you do care about sportiness, then consider the Lexus GS. It’ll be more expensive than the Lexus ES, but it’s also a lot more fun to drive. Expect to pay at least $17,000 for a 2015 model.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend many sports cars under $20,000, but it does recommend the Miata. As does Jalopnik, for the record, at least as long as you fit. A 2016 or 2017 Miata should be in the $15,000-ish range.

Toyota Sienna

There’s no beating a minivan for family-hauling duty, and on the used market, the one to get is the Toyota Sienna. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to find a 2016 model for less than $15,000, but you should be able to safely buy one with a $20,000 budget.