If you are planning to buy a second-hand car in the US, in this article you will find a list of the most reliable models. They belong to diverse price segments and have different characteristics.
Today, it is rather possible to buy a reliable second-hand car in fair condition. American customers make good use of “certified pre-owned” (CPO) programs that enable them to purchase used autos stress-free. In this article, you will discover a list of the most popular second-hand vehicles in the US and if you need some help in buying a used vehicle you can visit the VIN decoder. It features cards of all styles, sizes and characteristics. Please mind that it is not a rating and the items are listed in alphabetical order.
Contents
BMW 2-series
This one is faster than the larger 3-series. The cars of this series belong either to the all-wheel-drive or the rear-wheel-drive category and are available either as a convertible or a 2-door coupe. 230i with its 4 cylinders and 240i with 6 cylinders are both turbocharged. You can choose between automatic and manual transmissions. Pay special attention to M2 and M240i — they receive the best expert and customer reviews.
Buick Regal
This midsize sedan is famous for its outstanding reliability. This is the sportiest model within the range of its manufacturer. Its 182-hp 2.4-liter version with a 6-speed automatic transmission typically enjoys the greatest demand. The main shortcoming of this auto consists in the fact that the rear-seat headroom might be too compact — yet the cabin, in general, is comfortable and quiet.
Ford Mustang
People love the rear-wheel-drive Mustang for its speed and vintage design. Both the soft-top convertible and a sleek fastback coupe look outstandingly classy. Both versions are equipped with three engines and allow you to select between the automatic and the manual versions of the transmission. The standard engine has the following characteristics: 3.7-liter V-6 making 300 horsepower. The parameters of the most powerful engine are: 5.0-liter V-8 with 435 horsepower. In 2015, this car underwent a major redesign.
Genesis G80
This rear-wheel-drive sedan can be characterized as the most reliable midsize luxury car. Its standard engine has the following characteristics: 311-hp 3.8-liter V-6. However, a 420-hp V-8 is available too. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. An interesting fact: before 2017, Genesis did not exist as a separate brand and was a part of Hyundai. So the G80 model was initially known as the Hyundai Genesis.
Honda Fit
This small five-door hatchback was last redesigned in 2015. It is famous for its remarkable fuel economy and its rear seat, which folds flat and flips up easily. Even though it is a sports car, it is well suited for cargo transportation — and there is a lot of space in its passenger compartment too.
Lexus ES
This is the best-selling sedan in its manufacturer’s range. This luxury car is equipped with advanced technological solutions, such as automatic emergency braking or active-tech safety systems. You might want to choose between the ES 300h hybrid and ES 350, both released in 2017. The former consumes less fuel while the latter is noticeably faster.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
This compact rear-wheel-drive roadster hit the market in 1990 and quickly turned into one of the most popular sports vehicles in history. By 2016, its manufacturer had already released four generations of Miata, consistently increasing their performance. Miata RF, introduced in 2017, deserves your attention for its advanced power-retractable center roof section. If compared to its predecessors, it is more weather resistant and it is much quieter inside the car. However, tall drivers might dislike it that the manufacturer sacrificed some headspace because of this roof.
Nissan Leaf
The Leaf was released in 2011 and has been the best-selling electric vehicle on a global scale ever since. Even though it cannot compete with Tesla in terms of speed, it enjoys a steady demand. It would be fair to say that the first generation of this model, which ran until 2017, largely shaped the electric vehicles market on an international scale. It will be an optimal choice for eco-conscious consumers who do not want to spend a fortune on their means of transport but still want to drive emissions-free.
Toyota Avalon
This four-door front-wheel-drive vehicle resembles Toyota Camry but is considerably larger. Avalon relies on the same powertrains and platform as the more premium Lexus ES, which contributes a lot to its reliability. But if compared to its pricier counterpart, Avalon’s touchscreen infotainment system is more intuitive and customer-friendly. Also, it can boast of a more spacious trunk and a wider cabin. It is not a full-fledged sports sedan but a worthy car for those whose priority is comfort.
Conclusion
If you want to be sure that the vehicle will last you a long time, you should buy it with a reputable used car dealer and not a private seller — unless it is your friend who you know long ago and can entirely trust. Of course, apart from the vehicles mentioned in this list, you can consider dozens of other models too.