In a world where the price of cars appears to be rising quicker than a sports car on a straightaway, discovering a used car that’s reliable and affordable is like winning the lottery. Some hidden gems in the used market offer incredible value for money: Cars that blend reliability, performance, and style without draining your bank account. Here are 20 used cars that are absolute steals right now:
Honda Civic Si (2017–2020)
The Honda Civic Si is the perfect blend of fun and functionality. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that pumps out 205 horsepower, giving it a peppy drive with a sip of fuel. The 0-60 mph time takes about 6.5 seconds, so it’s fast enough to have fun without laying down rubber. The interior boasts sport seats, red stitching, a 7-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto touchscreen, and a manual transmission that’s a pleasure to shift. The Civic Si is dependable, fun, and now underpriced in the secondary market.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (2016–2019)
Few vehicles embody the joy of driving better than the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 155 horsepower and a 0 to 60 in 6.1 seconds, it’s not the quickest, but its lightness and excellent handling deliver one of the most enjoyable automobiles you can purchase. The inside is plain but classy, with leather upholstery (on upper trims), a 7-inch infotainment display, and a driver-focused design. The Miata’s lasting appeal means it retains its value nicely, but a few bargains remain available.
Toyota 4Runner (2014–2019)
The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged, body-on-frame SUV that’s become legendary for its reliability and off-road prowess. With a 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower, it’s not the quickest (0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds), but it’ll go places most SUVs wouldn’t dare. The interior features durable materials, a touchscreen infotainment system, and plenty of cargo space. Thanks to their bulletproof nature, used 4Runners are climbing in value, but deals still exist.
Lexus GS 350 (2015–2019)
If you want a luxury sedan under the radar, the Lexus GS 350 is a solid choice. Fueled by a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 311 horsepower, it provides upscale performance with a 0-60 mph of around 5.7 seconds. The inside is all about subtle luxury, with top-notch leather upholstery, real wood grain trim, a spacious 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and Lexus’ legendary quiet cabin. Reliable and long-lived, the GS 350 provides a near-luxury feel at non-premium prices.
Ford Mustang GT (2015–2017)
The Ford Mustang GT of this generation introduced modern muscle to the masses. It is fitted with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 435 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The interior has sporty details such as leather-trimmed Recaro seats (optional), a flat-bottom steering wheel, and an 8-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system. With its timeless looks and tire-chewing power, this generation Mustang GT is still a deal on the used lot.
Subaru Outback (2015–2019)
For those who enjoy adventure but require everyday practicality, the Subaru Outback is a perfect used purchase. It’s powered by either a 2.5-liter flat-four or a 3.6-liter flat-six (with 256 horsepower), and it has all-wheel-drive confidence and off-road ability. The 0-60 mph pace isn’t exciting (7.3 seconds with the six-banger). Still, its tough, durable interior featuring heated leather seats and Subaru’s EyeSight safety package qualify it as a family-friendly bargain. Prices are still affordable, but the Outback’s reputation for dependability is increasing demand.
BMW 340i (2016–2018)
The BMW 340i is one of those sleeper sedans that blends luxury, performance, and driving pleasure. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, producing 320 horsepower and accelerating it from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The interior combines sport and luxury with high-end leather seats, brushed aluminum trim, and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. The 340i provides genuine performance for a fraction of its original cost, but as fans discover it, values are rising.
Acura TLX V6 (2015–2020)
The Acura TLX V6 provides an enticing combination of performance, luxury, and Honda-supported reliability. It has a 3.5-liter V6 engine generates 290 horsepower, accelerating from 0-60 mph in approximately 5.7 seconds. The interior boasts Milano leather seats, woodgrain trim, and dual-screen infotainment with navigation and premium audio. The TLX is under the radar but provides a premium experience without the premium price — a hard-to-find gem in the used car market.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2014–2019)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a mix of off-road proficiency and on-road polish, giving it a flexible used purchase. The Grand Cherokee is offered in various engines, the highlight of which is the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 360 horsepower and 0-60 mph of 6.5 seconds. Higher trims get Nappa leather seats, wood trim, an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, and more advanced safety. The luxury-laden and tough Grand Cherokee makes it a bargain before prices increase.
Audi S4 (2013–2016)
The Audi S4 is a hidden gem in the used luxury performance market. Powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 cranking out 333 horsepower, it rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, thanks to Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The interior blends sport and sophistication, featuring leather/Alcantara sports seats, carbon fiber or brushed aluminum trim, and Audi’s MMI infotainment system with navigation.
Toyota Tacoma (2016–2019)
The Toyota Tacoma has built a reputation as one of the most reliable midsize trucks on the market. With a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 278 horsepower, it’s not the fastest (0-60 mph in about 7.7 seconds), but it’s nearly unstoppable off-road. Higher trims offer leather seats, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and practical storage options. The Tacoma is still amazingly low-priced, a perennially popular car known for resale.
Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 (2016–2019)
The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 is a low-key performance sedan packing serious power. Its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine puts out an incredible 400 horsepower, accelerating the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The cabin has quilted leather upholstery, carbon fiber or aluminum trim, and a dual-screen infotainment system. Too often ignored in favor of German competition, the Q50 Red Sport is comparable in performance for a fraction of the cost.
Volvo XC90 (2016–2019)
The Volvo XC90 combines Scandinavian luxury with practicality for families. The T6 trim has a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, producing 316 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. On the inside, it has minimalist luxury with Nappa leather seats, open-pore wood trim, and a huge 9-inch Sensus touchscreen. With seven seats, the best safety ratings, and a smooth ride, the XC90 is a luxury SUV bargain that’s still under the radar.
Chevrolet Camaro SS (2016–2019)
Few vehicles can compare to the Chevrolet Camaro SS for raw American muscle. It boasts a 6.2-liter V8 with 455 horsepower, rocketing 0-60 mph in a mere 4.0 seconds. The rough-riding exterior belies an amazingly refined interior with leather-appointed seats, an 8-inch screen, and an optional heads-up display. While Mustangs receive the glory, the Camaro SS is an underappreciated bruiser presently undervalued in the used car market.
Hyundai Genesis G80 (2017–2019)
The Hyundai Genesis G80 was a hidden gem before Genesis became an independent luxury brand. The 3.8-liter V6 delivers 311 horsepower, and there’s a silky-smooth 0-60 mph run in 6.5 seconds. On the inside, the G80 packs more punch than it should with its leather seats, wood accents, Lexicon premium audio system, and hushed, spacious interior. It offers luxury sedan niceness for half the cost of its German rivals, making it one of the best smart used purchases today.
Porsche Macan S (2015-2018)
The Porsche Macan S injects the brand’s sports car pedigree into a small luxury SUV. It’s powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 340 horsepower and can run from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 5.1 seconds. Inside, it provides the traditional Porsche experience with leather upholstery, a driver-oriented cockpit, and upscale materials throughout. The Macan S provides crisp handling, robust performance, and daily practicality, making it a solid luxury SUV deal on the used market today.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015–2019)
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the first hot hatch still holding the benchmark. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 220 horsepower and accelerates 0-60 mph in approximately 5.9 seconds. Famed for its ideal blend of fun and practicality, the GTI provides a refined yet spirited drive. The interior includes plaid sports seats (a GTI tradition), a touchscreen infotainment system, and sound build quality.
Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack (2015–2019)
The Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack is the ultimate bargain if you crave unadulterated muscle with space for five. The engine is a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 churning 485 horsepower, accelerating this full-size sedan from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Inside, you have aggressive styling, performance seats, and Uconnect infotainment with an 8.4-inch screen.
Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC (2017–2018)
Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC is an ideal blend of performance, comfort, and capability in all conditions. It’s driven by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which produces 329 horsepower and propels it to 0-60 mph in only 5.2 seconds. The interior is quintessential Mercedes, replete with luxury materials, lighting, leather-upholstered seating, and the COMAND infotainment system. The E400 is currently a bargain in the used luxury sedan marketplace.
Nissan 370Z (2015–2019)
The Nissan 370Z is a rare, old-school sports car that doesn’t attempt to be anything else. Its 3.7-liter V6 generates 332 horsepower (or 350 in NISMO guise), propelling the car from 0-60 mph in a mere 5.1 seconds. Equipped with a six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive, the 370Z provides a direct, involving driving experience. The interior is plain but practical, with supportive seats and a good infotainment system. As newer sports cars become heavier and more technologically advanced, the 370Z is a back-to-basics deal.
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