Top 10 Reliable Used Cars
Looking for a reliable used car but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 used cars known for their dependability, so you get the best bang for your buck.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a rockstar in the compact SUV scene. It’s got great fuel efficiency, a roomy interior, and top-notch safety features. Perfect for families and daily commuters. Need more family-friendly options? Check out our guide on best used cars for families.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is the poster child for reliability. It’s cheap to maintain and lasts forever. This compact car is a hit with city folks. Want more city-friendly rides? Explore our list of good used cars for city driving.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that’s built like a tank and rides like a dream. Low maintenance costs and high resale value make it a go-to for anyone needing a trusty car. Looking for budget-friendly options? Visit our list of good used cars under 15000.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is another gem from Honda. It’s efficient, performs well, and is comfy. Commuters and young families love it for its versatility and low ownership costs. Check out our picks for best used cars for young families.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is where style meets reliability. Known for its sharp handling and safety features, this compact SUV is perfect for those who want a good-looking, dependable ride. Planning a road trip? Discover more best used cars for a road trip.
Mazda3
The Mazda3 offers a smooth driving experience. It’s known for its longevity and cool tech. A great pick if you want a reliable and stylish car. For more budget-friendly options, see our list of best cheap used cars.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is the adventurer’s dream. It’s rugged, has all-wheel drive, and can handle any terrain. Perfect for outdoor lovers. Explore more best used cars for the snow.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that balances reliability, comfort, and value. With solid warranties and advanced safety features, it’s a great pick for budget-conscious buyers. For more affordable SUVs, visit our guide on best used cars under 20000.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV with a spacious interior and a bunch of safety features. It’s reliable and comes with a solid warranty, making it a strong contender in the used car market. For more family-friendly options, check out our list of best used cars for large families.
Lexus LX450d
The Lexus LX450d is a luxury SUV that mixes reliability with luxury. Known for its strong performance and high-end features, it’s a top choice for those wanting a dependable yet fancy ride. For more luxury options, explore our guide on best used luxury cars.
| Model | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | Compact SUV | Fuel efficiency, safety |
| Toyota Corolla | Compact Car | Longevity, low maintenance |
| Honda Accord | Midsize Sedan | Smooth ride, high resale value |
| Honda Civic | Compact Car | Efficiency, versatility |
| Mazda CX-5 | Compact SUV | Stylish design, safety |
| Mazda3 | Compact Car | Refined driving, technology |
| Subaru Outback | SUV | Rugged build, all-wheel drive |
| Hyundai Tucson | Compact SUV | Comfort, advanced safety |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | Midsize SUV | Spacious interior, warranties |
| Lexus LX450d | Luxury SUV | Robust performance, high-end |
For more insights on reliable used vehicles, visit our articles on best used cars recommended by mechanics and best used cars for commuting.
What Makes a Used Car Reliable?
When you’re on the hunt for the top 10 used cars for reliability, a few key things can make or break your choice. Let’s break down what you need to keep an eye on to ensure you drive away with a winner.
Brand Reputation
First off, the brand matters—a lot. Some brands have built a rock-solid reputation for making cars that just keep going. Take Toyota and Honda, for example. These brands are like the gold standard for reliability. Models like the Toyota RAV4 and Corolla are famous for their long-lasting quality (Kaizen Auto). Honda’s Accord and Civic are also top picks, thanks to their stellar engineering and low upkeep costs (Kaizen Auto).
Consumer Reports even ranked Toyota and Lexus as the most reliable cars in 2022, which just goes to show how important brand reputation is (Indy Auto Man).
Maintenance History
Next up, check the car’s maintenance history. A car that’s been well taken care of is more likely to be reliable. Ask for service records to see if the previous owner kept up with routine stuff like oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations.
A car with a clean maintenance history is usually a safer bet. It shows the previous owner cared about the car, which means fewer surprises and costly repairs for you. For more tips on what to look for, check out our guide on best used cars recommended by mechanics.
Mileage Matters
Mileage is another biggie. Generally, cars with lower mileage are more reliable because they haven’t been driven as much. But don’t write off high-mileage cars just yet—they can still be dependable if they’ve been well-maintained.
When you’re looking at mileage, think about the average annual mileage, which is around 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. A car with way more miles might have more wear and tear, while one with very low miles might have been sitting around too much, which can cause its own set of problems.
| Car Model | Average Annual Mileage (miles) | Maintenance Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | 12,000 – 15,000 | Every 6 months or 5,000 miles |
| Honda Accord | 12,000 – 15,000 | Every 6 months or 5,000 miles |
| Mazda CX-5 | 12,000 – 15,000 | Every 6 months or 5,000 miles |
For more tips on finding reliable used cars that fit your budget, check out our articles on good used cars for under 10000, best used cars under 20000, and good used cars under 15000.
By keeping an eye on brand reputation, maintenance history, and mileage, you’ll be in a much better position to find a reliable used car that suits your needs. Happy car hunting!
Engine Reliability Insights
When you’re on the hunt for the top 10 used cars for reliability, knowing what’s under the hood is key. Let’s break down three engines that have earned their stripes: the Toyota 2AR-EE, Toyota 1VD-FTV, and Honda R20A.
Toyota 2AR-EE Engine
The Toyota 2AR-EE is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, commonly found in the Toyota RAV4 and Camry. This engine packs a punch with 165-180 hp and needs regular TLC to keep running smoothly (Indy Auto Man).
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Range | 165-180 hp |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 6,000 miles |
| Engine Lifespan | Over 200,000 miles |
While it’s generally a champ, it can sometimes get a bit noisy on cold starts due to the variable valve timing system, and you might see the occasional coolant pump leak. Stick to regular oil changes and maintenance to keep these hiccups at bay.
Toyota 1VD-FTV Engine
The Toyota 1VD-FTV is a beastly 8-cylinder 4.5-liter diesel engine, powering SUVs like the Lexus LX450d and Toyota Land Cruiser 200. With a power range of 202-286 hp and a cast iron cylinder block, this engine is built to last (Indy Auto Man).
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Range | 202-286 hp |
| Engine Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Engine Lifespan | Over 250,000 miles |
Keep up with routine servicing, and this engine will go the distance, making it a solid pick for your SUV adventures.
Honda R20A Engine
The Honda R20A is a 2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, found in models like the Civic, Accord, and CR-V. Since its debut in 2006, it’s been known for its durability and reliability (Indy Auto Man).
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2-liter naturally aspirated |
| Special Features | Single camshaft, i-VTEC system |
| Engine Lifespan | Over 120,000 miles |
This engine features a single camshaft and the i-VTEC system, which helps with efficiency and performance. Regular maintenance will keep it purring, making it a great fit for sedans and compact SUVs.
For more tips on reliable used cars, check out our articles on good used cars for under 10000 and the best used cars for commuting.
Best Used Cars Under $10,000
Looking for a solid ride without breaking the bank? Here are five used cars under $10,000 that pack a punch in reliability, performance, and value.
2013 Buick Verano
The 2013 Buick Verano is a gem in the used car market. With a J.D. Power reliability score of 91 out of 100, this compact sedan offers a smooth ride, a classy interior, and plenty of standard features. It’s perfect for those who want a touch of luxury without the hefty price tag.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| J.D. Power Reliability Score | 91/100 |
| Engine | 2.4L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 180 hp |
| MPG | 21 city / 32 highway |
2013 Honda Fit
The 2013 Honda Fit is a small car with big potential. Scoring 85/100 in J.D. Power reliability, it’s known for its versatile interior and impressive cargo space. Whether you’re zipping through city streets or hitting the open road, the Fit delivers performance and comfort in a compact package.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| J.D. Power Reliability Score | 85/100 |
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 117 hp |
| MPG | 27 city / 33 highway |
2013 Hyundai Sonata
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata is a top pick for families and commuters. With a reliability score of 84/100, it offers a spacious interior, smooth ride, and strong safety features. This midsize car is all about comfort and reliability.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| J.D. Power Reliability Score | 84/100 |
| Engine | 2.4L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 198 hp |
| MPG | 24 city / 35 highway |
2013 Kia Forte
The 2013 Kia Forte is a standout in the compact car category. With a reliability score of 84/100, it provides ample head- and legroom along with attractive standard features. It’s a reliable choice for those on a budget.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| J.D. Power Reliability Score | 84/100 |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 156 hp |
| MPG | 25 city / 34 highway |
2013 Hyundai Accent
The 2013 Hyundai Accent is a top-ranking subcompact car with a reliability score of 83/100. It offers smooth handling, a comfortable ride, and plenty of cargo space, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| J.D. Power Reliability Score | 83/100 |
| Engine | 1.6L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 138 hp |
| MPG | 28 city / 37 highway |
These cars not only offer reliability but also great value for your money. Want more options? Check out our guide on good used cars for under $10,000. Got a bit more to spend? Look at best used cars under $20,000 and good used cars under $15,000.
J.D. Power Reliability Ratings
Looking for a dependable used car? J.D. Power’s reliability ratings are your go-to guide. These ratings come from three key studies: the Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), and the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. Each one gives you a different angle on how reliable and enjoyable a car can be, making your decision a whole lot easier.
Initial Quality Study (IQS)
The Initial Quality Study (IQS) checks out how many problems pop up per 100 vehicles (PP100) in the first 90 days of owning a car. It looks at design flaws, defects, and malfunctions. Lower scores mean fewer problems and better initial quality.
| Year | Make | Model | PP100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Hyundai | Tucson | 68 |
| 2022 | Lexus | LX450d | 72 |
| 2022 | Toyota | Corolla | 75 |
Need more tips? Check out our guides on best used cars for families or best used cars under 25k.
Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS)
The Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) looks at cars that were new three years ago and rates them based on the number of complaints per 100 vehicles (PP100). This gives you a long-term view of a car’s reliability.
| Year | Make | Model | PP100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Honda | Accord | 84 |
| 2019 | Subaru | Outback | 90 |
| 2019 | Toyota | RAV4 | 85 |
Want more on dependable rides? Check out our sections on good used cars for gas mileage and best used cars recommended by mechanics.
Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study
The Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study measures how much owners love their cars. It covers 37 attributes, from how comfy the driver’s seat is to the thrill of hitting the gas.
| Year | Make | Model | APEAL Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Mazda | CX-5 | 850 |
| 2022 | Honda | Civic | 830 |
| 2022 | Hyundai | Santa Fe | 820 |
For more on cars that score high in this study, see our articles on best used cars for a road trip and best used luxury cars.
By getting a grip on these J.D. Power reliability ratings, you can pick a car that fits your needs and keeps you happy. These studies give you the lowdown on finding a ride that won’t let you down. Check out our list of the top 10 used cars for reliability to get started.
