Can you buy affordable and reliable used cars now? This is what the data says

Summer is usually a popular time to buy a car, as many shoppers use their tax returns to pay down payments. However, given the current economic situation and the fact that many consumers are still staying at home, car sales have plummeted. Therefore, dealers are looking for ways to sell inventory while still complying with social distancing guidelines.

If you need a new-to-you set of wheels and are financially able to do so, now could be an opportune time to purchase a used vehicle.

What Are Used Cars Selling For Right Now?

What Are The Best Used Cars Under $10,000?

What Are The Best Used SUVs Under $15,000?

Affordable Passenger Vehicles Under $15,000

Can I Get a Truck For Under $20,000?

Best Used SUVs Under $20,000

Best Practices When Car Shopping

What Are Used Cars Selling For Right Now?

For prospective buyers looking to purchase a used vehicle to save money, a recent study by car search engine iSeeCars analyzed millions of used cars to help consumers find the best vehicles for their lifestyle across all budgets and vehicle segments. These cars all display long-term reliability and above-average safety ratings.

According to iSeeCars data, the average price for a used passenger car is $18,404. The average price for a used SUV is $24,096, while a used pickup is $29,705.

If you are in the market for a used vehicle, here are the most affordable ones. We broke them down by category, included reference charts, and listed the average price points.

What Are The Best Used Cars Under $10,000?

If you are looking for a used car under $10,000, the following vehicles are within your price range.

Best Used Cars Under $10,000Based on recent data from iSeeCars.com

Vehicle

Average Used Car Price

2011 Toyota Prius

$9,076

2012 Chevy Impala

$9,240

2011 Honda Accord

$9,363

2012 Honda Civic Coupe

$9,406

2013 Mazda6

$9,534

2012 Honda Civic Sedan

$9,552

2012 Toyota Corolla

$9,655

The list includes multiple vehicles from Toyota and Honda, both automakers with reputations for longevity and safety. Because Toyota and Honda vehicles are likely to exceed the 200,000-mile mark, even these older models have plenty of life left with the proper maintenance and care.

Also making the list are the less ubiquitous Mazda6 and Chevy Impala, which are both reliable and roomy sedans that make good candidates for family vehicles.

Related: Hertz files for bankruptcy and is selling off inventory.

What Are The Best Used SUVs Under $15,000?

If your budget is a little higher at around $15,000, you’ll have some additional models to choose from, including SUVs and crossovers. The most reliable used SUVs that cost less than $15,000 span 2011 through 2013 model years.

Best Used SUVs Under $15,000Based on recent data from iSeeCars.com

Vehicle

Average Used Car Price

2013 Honda CR-V

$13,469

2012 Honda Pilot

$13,925

2012 Ford Expedition

$14,232

2012 Dodge Durango

$15,528

2012 Acura MDX

$14,662

2011 Toyota Highlander

$14,900

Similar to passenger cars, multiple Hondas make the list including the 2013 CR-V and 2012 Pilot. Both boast impressive safety and class-leading cargo space. If you want a little more luxury, you can also buy the premium version of the Pilot, the Acura MDX.

Two more spacious SUVs to make the list include the Dodge Durango and Toyota Highlander. The Durango provides more power than the traditional family SUV, while the Highlander is known for its reliability and longevity.

Also on the list is the 2012 Ford Expedition, which is a tried and true family hauler for those who require more cargo space than what a midsize SUV offers.

Affordable Passenger Vehicles Under $15,000

Eight additional models join newer model year versions of the seven vehicles we featured in the first table (Best Used Cars Under $10,000). If your budget will allow this $5,000 increase, here are your possible options for passenger vehicles.

Best Used Passenger Vehicles Under $15,000Based on recent data from iSeeCars.com

Vehicle

Average Used Car Price

2015 Mazda6

$12,969

2014 Nissan Maxima

$13,190

2015 Honda Civic Sedan

$13,432

2014 Honda Accord

$13,484

2015 Honda Civic Coupe

$13,759

2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid

$13,894

2016 Dodge Grand Caravan

$13,859

2015 Kia Sedona

$13,966

2017 Toyota Corolla

$14,186

2015 Toyota Camry

$14,221

2012 Toyota Sienna

$14,271

2013 Toyota Avalon

$14,508

2016 Chevy Impala

$14,703

2013 Honda Odyssey

$14,792

2015 Toyota Prius

$14,911

You can find deals on Toyota vehicles across multiple vehicle types that all boast stellar safety and reliability ratings. These include the Camry and its hybrid counterpart, the larger and more premium Avalon, and the Sienna minivan.

If you have your sights set on a reliable family hauler, three additional minivans can be found for under $15,000. These include the 2013 Honda Odyssey, which has earned multiple distinctions including the “Best Minivan for Families” according to U.S News and World Report as well as the 2015 Kia Sedona and 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan.

2013 Honda Odyssey. Photo: Honda North America.

Can I Get a Truck For Under $20,000?

On average, consumers pay almost $30,000 for a used truck. However, it is possible to find a reliable used pickup for under $20,000.

Best Used Trucks Under $20,000Based on recent data from iSeeCars.com

Vehicle

Average Used Car Price

2012 Toyota Tacoma

$18,963

2011 Toyota Tundra

$19,064

2013 Chevy Silverado 1500

$19,937

When looking at reliable used trucks priced under $20,000, the smartest buys include the 2012 Toyota Tacoma, the 2011 Toyota Tundra, and the 2013 Chevy Silverado. Given the durability of Toyota trucks, both the compact Tacoma and the full-size Tundra are smart buys. Those who want something different can opt for the slightly newer Chevy Silverado.

Best Used SUVs Under $20,000

Similar to trucks, buyers who do their research and shop around might be able to find one of these SUVs for under $20,000.

Best Used SUVs Under $20,000Based on recent data from iSeeCars.com

Vehicle

Average Used Car Price

2013 Acura MDX

$17,138

2013 Ford Expedition

$17,175

2013 Toyota Highlander

$18,239

2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$18,270

2014 Dodge Durango

$18,494

2014 Honda Pilot

$18,591

2012 Chevy Suburban

$18,794

2016 Honda CR-V

$19,061

2011 Cadillac Escalade

$19,472

2012 Chevy Tahoe

$19,529

2012 GMC Yukon

$19,801

Top used SUVs here include the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the 2012 Chevy Suburban and Tahoe, the 2011 Cadillac Escalade, and the 2012 GMC Yukon.

If you are tempted to buy an SUV but worry about fuel efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid could be the vehicle you’re looking for. On the contrary, some of the others sacrifice efficiency for cargo room and hauling capabilities. Last year, iSeeCars.com conducted a study on the vehicles most likely to reach 200,000 miles. The Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, and Highlander Hybrid all made that list.

Best Practices When Car Shopping

If you are in the market for a new-to-you vehicle, there are lots of safe and reliable options available to suit your budget. In these times, you’ll want to do as much research as possible to limit the time you’ll need to spend at the dealership. Or, if you don’t want to leave the house, there are online car buying services available that can bring a vehicle to you.

Whatever car buying method you decide, you’ll want to compare the vehicle to similar models to make sure you are getting the best deal. Since these are older vehicles, be sure to keep an eye on mileage and give priority to vehicles that have only had one owner.

It’s also a good idea to consider an extended warranty with any used car purchase. There are third-party companies like CARCHEX and Endurance that offer extended warranties for new and pre-owned cars. Recently, we performed an extensive comparison between the two companies and the warranties they offer. If you are looking at a used vehicle with higher mileage, these five warranty providers offer the best coverage based on our research.

And before you buy any used vehicle, have a trusted mechanic inspect it first.

Julie Blackley is the communications manager of iSeeCars.com, an online car search engine powered by big data analysis, helping by providing key insights and valuable resources such as the iSeeCars VIN report Consumers find the best car deal. When she is not writing about cars, she is likely to quarrel with three young children in or outside of her car.