Everyone loves that new car smell. You know what everyone doesn’t love? That new car price tag. If you want to ride around town in the latest and greatest ride, it’s going to cost you big time. Between the price of the car, the warranty, the insurance, and more, you will be lucky to get out of the dealership with your pants still in place. Buying a new car is expensive, which is why so many people turn to used vehicles as a better option.
What do you picture when you think of a used car? Most likely, you imagine a shady salesman trying to pressure you into a worn-out convertible with a leaky roof and rusty bumpers. Once upon a time, car like this were just about your only option on the used market. Thankfully, times have changed, and there are plenty of great used cars available these days. As an added bonus, many dealers now offer warranties on “certified pre-owned” used cars, meaning you can enjoy some of the same protections you get when you buy new.
cleanfotos / Shutterstock.com
So which models should you look for when you head to the local used lot? Here’s a list of models that have proven to stand the test of time.
Honda Civic
There is nothing flashy about driving a Honda – especially a Civic. This small car won’t necessarily stand out from the crowd, but it’s unlikely to leave you standing on the side of the road, either. Honda has a great reputation for building reliable vehicles, which is exactly what you want to find when buying used. The Civic isn’t going to make you forget about the Porsche 911 anytime soon, but that’s not the point. When getting from point A to point B is your main objective, the Civic should get the job done for years to come.
nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com
Toyota Tacoma
When looking for a used midsize pickup truck, there is the Toyota Tacoma, and then there is – well, more Toyota Tacomas. Like Honda, Toyota has a great reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Tacoma has been a great seller for many years. Since Ford ducked out of the midsize pickup game when they scrapped the Ranger, the Tacoma has been carrying the load in this category (although the Chevy Colorado has recently re-entered the market).
Midsize pickups are attractive because they offer an open bed for hauling while not burning as much gas (or taking up as much road) as a full-size model. If you’re able to get your hands on a well-maintained used Tacoma, you will love everything it can do.
betto rodrigues / Shutterstock.com
Loading ...