Best Budget-Friendly Used Cars for 2024

Not all used cars are created equal, which makes finding the right vehicle tough. Only the best budget-friendly used cars for 2024 are both affordable and dependable, so choose wisely.

Don’t Sacrifice Reliability for a Low Initial Price Tag

Buying used cars seems risky to some drivers. The good news is that if drivers are careful, they needn’t worry more about unexpected issues and costly breakdowns than they would with new vehicles.

As a general rule, good new cars also make good used ones. However, some brands that are excellent when new develop problems as they age. Drivers can avoid buying them by sticking to the proven winners below.

Mazda3 Sedans and Hatchbacks Offer Good Value

Compact cars are a good choice for budget-conscious drivers who want to get from point A to point B and don’t need much space. The Mazda3 does that admirably while also providing a fun driving experience.

The Mazda3 was only available as a compact sedan in its earliest iteration. In 2007, the automaker added a hatchback option to the lineup. Recent generations feature the 2.5L, 4-cyl engine paired with a manual six-speed or automatic transmission.

Over the years, the Mazda3 has become more fuel efficient and seen the addition of driver assistance and monitoring systems not available when the line was first released. However, all generations are reliable and typically provide a good value for the money.

The Chevy Malibu Is a Solid City Car

The Chevy Malibu is a decent choice for anyone who wants an affordable midsize sedan. These used cars are easy to find in base models that maximize affordability and higher trim levels.

The fuel efficiency of the Malibu is nothing to write home about compared to the Mazda3, but it’s also a larger car. Most used models come with the base 1.5L turbo engine and six-speed automatic transmission, added in the 2016 redesign. They get a combined 29 MPG.

While the Malibu isn’t the kind of gas sipper those on a budget might want in the long run, it’s known for being reliable. Introduced in 1997, some first-generation Chevy Malibus are still on the road today.

The Toyota Corolla Has a Reputation for Longevity

No list of the best-used cars would be complete without mentioning the Toyota Corolla. This compact sedan has a reputation for longevity and is also relatively fuel-efficient, with newer models getting 32-36 mpg overall, depending on the year.

Keep in mind that the line has been around since 1966. When we say Corollas make good used cars, assume we are talking about vehicles from the 2009 redesign year or above. It was the year the Corolla got an upgrade to a quieter, more efficient 1.8L 4-cyl engine.

With that caveat in mind, recent vintage Corollas make good cars for anyone looking for a sensible vehicle with reasonable comfort and performance but little excitement on the road.

One Final Caveat

Every car is a little different. If you plan on buying a used car, consider the advice above but base the final decision on the specifics of the individual vehicle. Take it for a test drive, check out its history, and be sure to buy from a reputable dealer.