The Best Affordable Used Cars for People in a Budget in 2022

-With used car prices near-constantly changing over the past year, it can be hard to find reliable cars that still fit your budget. Fortunately, there are some tried and true vehicles from brands you can trust in dealer’s lots – if you know where to look.

Here are five of the best affordable used cars you can find in 2022.

A Smooth-Riding Midsize Ford Fusion

Ford Fusions, while short-lived, was extraordinary midsized cars that stood the test of time well. For instance, the 2010 Fusion received praise for safety and practicality. Safety recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the Fusion were mostly due to airbags, and the vehicle has sporty handling with a nice 23/34 mpg for the city and the highway, respectively.

These days, it would cost you between $6,000 and $8,000 to get a 2010 Ford Fusion.

The Large, Luxurious Toyota Avalon

With the top spot in the U.S. News Affordable Large Cars list in both 2010 and 2011, the Toyota Avalon combines luxury and safety to a stellar effect. In those two years, the Avalon maintained a high standard of powerful engines, high fuel economy, a near-perfect safety rating, and a generous amount of interior space.

Getting a 2010 Toyota Avalon costs between $8,000 and $11,000, while the 2011 Avalon can cost as much as $17,000 – making it the most expensive of the used cars on this list.

The Ever-Reliable Honda Civic

The Honda Civic reached its peak in the mid-2010s, considered the best compact car in 2012 by U.S. News. With good safety scores and a smooth, quiet riding style, the Honda Civic is an ideal starter vehicle for new drivers or a reasonable choice for an individual in need of a reliable small car.

A 2012 Honda Civic runs between $6,000 and $13,000 today.

Toyota Prius: A Car with Fuel Economy to Die For

The main selling point of the Toyota Prius is its fuel economy – even the exterior of the car was shaped to be more aerodynamic to increase mpg. The 2010 Prius boasted 51 mpg in the city and 48 on the highway.

But interior space and technology integration couldn’t be overlooked in the Prius, either, making it one of the most sought-after used cars of the past few years. You can get one yourself for $7,000 to $12,000 if you search for a 2010 model.

Hard to Find, Easy to Maintain: Hyundai Elantra

In 2009, the new model of the Hyundai Elantra won U.S. News Best Compact Car for the Money award due to its high performance and low maintenance costs. It has less stellar safety ratings than other used cars on this list, but it’s a small price to pay for a still-reliable, affordable vehicle – literally.

A 2009 Hyundai Elantra would only cost $4,000 to $5,000, but it’s harder to find than more-common models on this list.

Now that you know about some of the best, most affordable used cars of 2022, it’s time to find yours at a car dealership online or near you!