Too Good to Toss: The 4 Best Used Car Models for Drivers on a Budget

In today’s economy, purchasing a brand-new vehicle just may not be feasible for many people on the market for a new automobile. Between high price tags and limited supply, a brand-new car might just not be in the cards. But finding a reliable, comfortable, quality vehicle is not reliant on being able to afford a new model. The truth is that there are just as many good vehicles for sale that are used, older models. When in the market for used cars for sale, it pays to be knowledgeable. It’s not just about finding a car that fits your budget; it’s about finding the right car that fits your budget. In order to help you achieve that end, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite used models. We hope it will help you begin your hunt for your next reliable ride on the right foot.

#1 – Nissan Leaf (2018-2021)

If you’re in the market for a used electric car, then you can do no better than the Nissan Leaf. While it may not have the performance of a Tesla, a used Leaf is a good bargain for new owners. The 2018 Leaf marks the start of the second generation, which introduced updated styling and a larger battery pack. If you’re a long-range traveler, then this may not be the best choice for you, but if you’re a short-distance residential driver, then the Nissan Leaf is a perfect vehicle for you. With the capability to travel over 150 miles on a single charge, the Leaf is more than capable of getting you through your average day-to-day activities. Older models are also an option, with the 2016 Leaf offering battery packs with ranges of 84 or 107 miles.

The 2018 Nissan Leaf sports a comfortable and surprisingly roomy interior, with a cabin that feels safe and secure. Its hatchback body style allows for a perfect combination of versatility and function, allowing ample room for both passengers and cargo. The 148-horsepower electric motor is powerful enough to handle almost all daily transit needs, and the revolutionary regenerative braking system aids in maximizing battery life. A dashboard screen helps you easily monitor the vehicle’s energy consumption and available range, while a DC quick charge port is capable of charging your battery up to 80 percent capacity in just 40 minutes. This vehicle saves you money upfront when you buy used and on the back end in terms of fuel costs and maintenance. For someone looking for reliability and function on a budget, the Nissan Leaf should be at the top of their list.

#2 – Toyota Camry (2012-2017)

The 2012 Toyota Camry took everything consumers disliked about the earlier model and fixed it. For a person in the market for a midsize car that offers both fuel efficiency, and won’t break the bank, then we recommend checking out the seventh-generation Camry. Equipped with a 178-horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, coupled to an automatic 6-speed transmission, the 2012 Camry posts a very respectable 34 MPG highway. Though it is an older model, the Camry does integrate reasonably modern technology. With an available touchscreen interface on the dash, it provides the driver with easy access to all of the Camry’s features and attributes.

The 2012 Toyota Camry offers an incredibly smooth ride, and the interior is roomy and comfortable. The trunk has a reasonable 15.4 cubic feet of storage space, and the build of the car, while a bit bulky and shoveled-nosed, does look and feel strong and safe. A layered dashboard with upgraded stitching offers a nice ambiance to the interior. A nice combination of efficiency and comfort makes the 2012 Camry one of the highest-quality used automobiles on the market. The Camry is an optimal choice for someone searching for a cost-effective, fuel-efficient vehicle that doesn’t compromise on comfort and utility.

#3 – Lexus ES (2012-2018)

Buying a brand-new luxury vehicle is an endeavor that is sure to break the bank. If you’re in the market for something that has that luxury appeal, buying a used luxury car may be the perfect compromise. In that case, the 2012 Lexus ES is a perfect option. The vehicle itself feels every bit as luxurious as a buyer would expect. Rear side airbags make it feel safer and more secure. Leather upholstery makes it feel comfortable, luxurious, and pleasing. Bluetooth audio and integrated USB ports make it feel smart and sophisticated. This is truly a masterpiece for those who wish to bridge the gap between affordable and luxury.

Equipped with a V6 engine, the sixth-generation Lexus ES offers a suitable amount of power for those who like to feel the pull of an engine while driving. Conversely, the interior is so well insulated from the noise that drivers will question what they are hearing as the power instilled by the engine is almost completely muffled by the interior design. Features like an automatic sunroof, keyless ignition, dual-zone climate control, and a premium stereo system make every bit of the inside and outside of the Lexus ES look and feel luxurious for a fraction of the cost of a brand-new luxury vehicle.

#4 – Toyota RAV4 (2013-2018)

If you’re in the market for a compact crossover SUV, the best choice in the market in terms of durability, functionality, and cost is the 2013 Toyota RAV4. What’s most impressive about the fourth-generation RAV4 is that it even offers hybrid and full EV versions for above-average fuel efficiency ratings. The 194-horsepower hybrid engine is no Prius, offering a great deal of power, making for an engaging and fuel-sipping ride. The RAV4 is roomy, comfortable, and extremely efficient. Being that these are older models, used versions are also extremely affordable.

One of the biggest selling points of any SUV is versatility. When purchasing a crossover SUV, drivers generally gauge the vehicle on its ability to do multiple things. This is something that the RAV4 excels at. The two rows of seats make it possible to transport up to five people comfortably, but by folding down the rear seats, the RAV4 becomes a pack mule, able to store 73 cubic feet worth of cargo within the available cargo space. This kind of versatility, fuel efficiency, and power is rarely found in a single SUV, which is what makes the 2013 RAV4 so special, and why it lands on the list of our favorite used models.

Affordable and Reliable Used Vehicles Exist!

The used automobile market is full of opportunities and is full of various makes and models traded in by their previous owners in search of something newer, something better. Sometimes it is more a matter of finding a vehicle that is suitable to their specific needs than because the vehicle itself needed replacing. As a result of this, countless high-quality vehicles hit the used resale market every day. As the old saying goes, “one person’s trash is another’s treasure.” Hopefully, this list will become a treasure map that helps lead you to a used vehicle here at Orange Coast that is perfectly suited to your individual needs. We have tons of quality used models just waiting to be discovered!