Ford Escort


 

Let’s be honest – you aren’t going to sit down in a used Ford Escort and think you have gotten into a Mercedes by accident. These cars aren’t meant to be luxurious, which is good, because they aren’t. Yet again, the point here is economy. If you’re buying a used car to save you money while still getting where you need to go, the Escort is an attractive option which usually comes along with a low price tag.

To capture that thrilling motoring experience that so many drivers are looking for, you will want to save up your pennies and buy something else. To get around town effectively in an affordable ride, the Ford Escort will do the job.

Paul Stringer / Shutterstock.com

Paul Stringer / Shutterstock.com

Honda S2000


 

Buying a sporty used car is a dangerous proposition. First, you’re usually dealing with a car that was used by the previous owner for entertainment or excitement – meaning it wasn’t exactly driven with care. Also, sports cars tend to break down more than traditional sedans, so you could be staring at costly repairs soon after you make the purchase. With that said, the S2000 offers you the opportunity to have some fun out on the road without paying full price for a new convertible at the dealership. If you are looking for a “second car” which you can take out on sunny weekend afternoons, looking around for an S2000 is not a bad plan.

Paul Stringer / Shutterstock.com

Paul Stringer / Shutterstock.com

Subaru Outback


 

Often, it’s families who are looking to buy a used car. Having kids is expensive, especially for young couples who have not yet made their way up the corporate ladder. To save money, families with young kids will frequently look for used cars – but they don’t want to sacrifice safety at the same time. A used Subaru Outback is a great way to find seating capacity, safety, and handling at a great price. Most people won’t associate a used Outback with a thrill ride, but you probably aren’t looking for a thrill if you’re shopping wagons in the first place.

Dikiiy / Shutterstock.com

Dikiiy / Shutterstock.com

Honda Odyssey


 

For the third time, a Honda vehicle has made the list. This time it is the Odyssey, which is the dominant minivan on the market for several years running. A used Honda Odyssey will fall into a similar category as the Subaru Outback – not necessarily exciting, but great for family travel. As it is a Honda, you can expect to get reliable performance while saving money over a brand new model.

Ed Aldridge / Shutterstock.com

Ed Aldridge / Shutterstock.com

 

In the end, the best used car is the one that fits your needs perfectly. You need to think about what you’re looking for in terms of cost, performance, style, and more. Are you in a position where you can afford to fix the vehicle if something breaks down, or do you need the safest bet possible? Make a list of the characteristics that you are looking for in a used car prior to hitting the lots with checkbook in hand.

Buying a used car might not be quite as exciting as buying new, but it is still a thrill to bring home a ride that is new to you. Whether you pick from the list above or find your own diamond in the rough, have fun shopping!

This article was worked on by a variety of people from the Autoversed team, including freelancers, editors, and/or other full-time employees.