Orange Coast CJDR’s Top 10 Most Reliable Cars Under $20k

If you need to stick to a low budget for a second or third car in the family, or maybe you just don’t have the cash for a new car, you might be searching for used vehicles under $20k. Though you may have to settle for older models, you can find quite a few gems for low prices if you’re willing to do some research. We compiled a list of the top ten vehicles we chose for reliability that fall at or below the $20k price range. If you consider purchasing any of these vehicles, make sure you get a CARFAX report so that you know the history of the car––something that we offer for free with every used vehicle that we sell. Regular maintenance is a key factor in how long a car will last, so you will want to find out how well the previous owner took care of the vehicle you want to buy. Read on to find out Orange Coast CJDR‘s top 10 most reliable cars under $20k!

#1 Toyota Prius

Almost any top ten list of reliable cars is going to have a Toyota Prius on it. Though this hybrid won’t win any races, it’s built to last, and it gets great fuel efficiency. To find a model below $20k, you will need to search for model built before 2018, though you might get lucky and find a newer model if you discover the right car at the right time. One thing buyers can trust about Toyota is the brand’s reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Prius battery packs are generally good for more than 200,000 miles before they need replacing.

#2 Honda Fit

Yet another fuel-efficient vehicle, the Honda Fit, is another bargain for those who come across them in the used car lot. If you want a newer car, this is the way to go. Models as recent as 2018 can be found under $20k, and in 2015 it was given a redesign. The Fit handles very well for such a small car, and the interior has clever cargo solutions like its “magic seat” that folds up to allow for taller items. Honda took the time to make the interior comfortable and stylish, and you could find models with a moonroof, heated seats, and leather upholstery.

#3 Subaru Outback

For buyers who need a more capable vehicle that comes standard with all-wheel drive, the Subaru Outback makes for a great daily driver if you like to head out to the Angeles National Forest or San Bernardino National Forest on the weekends. The Outback can handle adverse terrain almost as well as an off-road vehicle, but it offers the comfort of a family car you can trust on long trips. It also has loads of cargo capacity and great safety ratings. In fact, most years of the Outback have earned Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS, and you will get reasonably good fuel efficiency, too. Subaru builds the Outback to last even through punishing treatment.

#4 Mazda3

Whether you prefer the hatchback or sedan, the Mazda3 is a zippy car to drive with any of its well-tuned four-cylinder engines under the hood. Look for models built prior to 2018 to fall into the $20k range, and enjoy the improved quality of the models that followed the total redesign for the 2014 model year. Mazda is known for its quality interiors that offer both comfort and a little luxury, and of course, they are a great deal of fun to drive with excellent handling and responsiveness. Safety tends to be a plus for the Mazda3 as well, with many models garnering Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS.

#5 Toyota Avalon

If you prefer driving in the comfort of a luxury sedan, the Toyota Avalon has a lot to love with its spacious interior, great gas mileage, and upscale comforts. Like most Toyota vehicles, the Avalon has great reliability ratings, especially for older models that will fall into the $20k purchase pricing. Look for models built prior to 2016, and you could own a vehicle with leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and powered accessories to make even the busiest LA commute a comfortable experience.

#6 Hyundai Elantra

Considered a midsize sedan, the Hyundai Elantra is a good fit for buyers who want something a little more sporty than the usual ho-hum offerings in the segment. Bolstered by good fuel economy and well-sorted driving manners, the Elantra makes for a comfortable and satisfying daily driver. Search for models starting with the 2018 model year and before to find pricing under $20k, and expect to find even entry-level models of that year to have at least Bluetooth and USB ports, while upper trims could come with features like a panoramic sunroof or even a glove compartment that can double as a cooler.

#7 Lexus ES

Virtually everyone knows the Lexus name and its reputation for reliability and quality. Buy the Lexus ES, and you can enjoy the comfort of a hushed interior and insulating suspension, as well as the satisfying power of a V6 engine that will handily tackle any hill and easily pass any slow driver on the San Diego Freeway. Models built prior to 2012 are most likely to fall into our featured price range, and you can expect to discover an award-winning sedan that features standard leather and wood grain trim. Amenities will abound in the Lexus ES, and even in 2012 models you had push-button start and keyless entry.

#8 VW Beetle

Though the Beetle may not be everyone’s idea of a cool car to drive, it certainly is eye-catching. Thanks to VW engineering, the interior is more spacious than you might think from the outside, and it has plenty of spunk for a small car. Best to avoid the diesel options, but the gas engines are satisfying in their output and capability. You can find Beetles between 2012 and 2016 model years in the $20k price point, and the potential for finding a convertible exists. If you plan to ferry adults in your back seat, this may not be the best choice of vehicle, but kids will love it and the fuel efficiency is good enough to serve as a daily driver around Costa Mesa.

#9 Kia Soul

With loads of cargo space and lots of tech, the Kia Soul has a useful interior for carting around a lot of equipment without breaking the bank. This is a small SUV with a lot of personality from both its boxy styling and its bright colors, and it has great fuel efficiency to rival other SUVs in the compact segment. If you look for models starting with the 2016 model year and before, you can easily find a Soul for under $20k. Because this is a Kia, the brand is known for packing features into small packages. You could discover a model with a sunroof, ventilated seats, and even push-button start.

#10 Ford Fusion

If you haven’t ridden in or driven a Ford Fusion, it’s worth a look. The Fusion has a very comfortable interior with supportive front seats that make for a great commuter car. Ford gave the Fusion lots of upscale features like voice recognition even a decade ago, and Bluetooth pairing with your smartphone will let you stream music or use your phone’s navigation as well as any new car. To find a Fusion under $20k, look for models built prior to 2016. Aside from a spacious and comfortable cabin, trunk space is also generous and can be expanded with the split-folding rear seat.

Check out these models and more at Orange Coast CJDR, located in Costa Mesa, CA, and contact us today!