10 Most Reliable Used Cars under $20,000

Toyota Camry ・ Photo by Toyota

Used cars deliver excellent value with a low total cost of ownership, when chosen carefully. Our list of the 10 most reliable used cars under $20,000 is based upon the J.D. Power 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study, which focuses on 2014 model year vehicles. Inventory and resale values were verified with the Autobytel Used Car Finder. Most of the the selections on this list will be available through manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs. CPO vehicles are thoroughly checked and reconditioned before they’re offered for sale. While they are more expensive than uncertified used vehicles, CPO cars carry generous factory warranties, which deliver significant peace of mind.

Chevrolet Sonic

The subcompact Chevrolet Sonic edged out the Nissan Versa as the most reliable small used car in the J.D. Power 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study. The Sonic also tops its class in rear seat room and cargo capacity. You’ll find an ample supply of 2015 and 2016 4-door sedan and 3-door hatchback Sonics in the Autobytel Used car finder, with prices dipping below $10,000. The LTZ trim level has a perforated leatherette appointed interior, and a peppy 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine under the hood. The 1.4T is rated by the EPA to deliver 40 mpg when mated to the 6-speed manual transmission. The LT is equipped with a cloth interior and fitted with a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine rated at 35 mpg highway.

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Honda Civic

The 2014 Honda Civic was the second-best selling small car in America in 2014, according to goodcarbadcar.net, with over 325,000 units sold. With an excellent reliability record and an ample supply to choose from, the Civic is a best bet, year after year. The 2014 Civic’s EPA fuel economy rating of 30 city/39 highway ensures a low total cost of ownership. You’ll find a healthy selection of 2014 Civics in the Autobytel Used car finder, with prices ranging from $20,000 all the way down to $11,000. The 2014 Civic was offered as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan. Si and Hybrid variants were offered, as well. The Si offers more performance, at the cost of lower fuel economy, with premium fuel recommended.

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Toyota Prius

The compact Toyota Prius ranked above the Buick Verano and Honda Civic in the J.D. Power 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study’s Compact Car category. The 2014 Prius’s exceptional fuel efficiency ensures a low total cost of ownership, with an official EPA rating of 49 city/46 highway. 2014 Toyota Prius are well represented in the Autobytel Used car finder, with prices dipping below $17,000. A Toyota CPO Prius represents an excellent value and they are usually available from the dealer with low factory financing rates. The numerical (Two, Three, Four) trim levels make it easy to shop one Prius against another.

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Lexus ES

While the Lexus ES sedan topped the J.D. Power 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study’s Compact Premium Car category — edging out the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Acura ILX — you’ll need to look for a good deal on a 2012 (or older) Lexus ES to stay under the $20,000 price point. The luxurious 2012 Lexus ES is equipped with a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and is factory rated at 7 seconds in the 0-60 mph sprint, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 19 city/28 highway. Notable factory options include heated and ventilated front seats, as well as a driver’s seat with a power cushion extender. Although the Acura ILX hasn’t been a huge seller, 2014 models can easily be found under $20,000 (often significantly).

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Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a perennial best-seller and you’ll find a huge number of 2014 and 2015 models under our $20,000 target in the Autobytel Used car finder, with many vehicles offered below $15,000. The 2015 model has a refreshed design and when equipped with the 178-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, it’s EPA rated at a very respectable 25 city/35 highway mpg. The XLE and XSE are fitted with a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6. While it’s not surprising that the Toyota Camry earned the top spot in J.D. Power 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study’s Compact Midsize Car category, it’s interesting to note that the runner-up Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata placed higher than the Honda Accord.

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Chevrolet Camaro

The Camaro outscored the Ford Mustang, its long-standing pony car rival, in the J.D. Power 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study’s Sporty Car category. You’ll find a good number of reliable 2014 and 2015 V6 Camaro LS and LTs in the Autobytel Used car finder, at prices under $20,000. While you’ll have to spend a good bit more for a V8-powered Camaro SS, the LS and LT’s 3.6-liter V6 is no slouch at 323 horsepower. LT trim level adds a 7-inch touch screen and power seat adjustment, along with leather upholstery and seat heaters (in the 2LT). Chevrolet introduced a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with the 2016 model year redesign and these vehicles should start dropping into the $20,000 range shortly. 2.3-liter EcoBoost Mustangs have dipped below the $20,000 level.

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Toyota Avalon

The Toyota Avalon sedan nabbed the top spot in the J.D. Power 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study’s Large Car class, outscoring the Buick LaCrosse and Kia Cadenza. While a fraction of Avalon were sold compared to the Camry, it was the third-best selling vehicle in its class in 2014. You’ll find a fair number of 2014 Avalon in the Autobytel Used car finder at prices near our $20,000 target. The 2014 Avalon is EPA rated at 21 city/31 highway mpg. The hybrid model is tougher to find and a bit more expensive, but carries an impressive 40 city/39 highway mpg rating. The Avalon is widely praised for its roomy and nicely trimmed interior, as well as its capacious trunk.

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Volkswagen Tiguan

The slow-selling Volkswagen Tiguan slipped past the Buick Encore and Hyundai Tucson in the J.D. Power 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study’s Small SUV class. A used 2014 Tiguan isn’t as easy to find as the most popular models, as it was one of the least popular small crossovers in 2014, with slightly over 25,000 units sold according to goodcarbadcar.net. Nevertheless, there’s a smattering of 2014 Tiguan in the Autobytel Used car finder at prices near or below our $20,000 target. If you hanker for a clean, reliable Tiguan with a factory warranty, your best bet is Volkswagen’s CPO program. Expect to spend more than $20,000 for a top-of-the-line SEL or R-Line model.

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Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain

The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain earn high marks in the J.D. Power 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study’s Compact SUV class. With over 240,000 Equinox and 105,000 Terrain sold in 2014 (according to goodcarbadcar.net), supply is ample. You’ll find a wide selection of reliable 2014 Equinox and Terrain in the Autobytel Used car finder, at prices well below $20,000. Looking for the lowest price? Late model low mileage Equinox can be found in the US Government GSA Auto Auctions at highly competitive prices. While the Toyota FJ Cruiser earned the highest mark in the Compact SUV class, FJs are relatively rare and hold their value extremely well. You’ll need to settle for a significantly older model to get near the $20,000 mark.

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Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna earned the highest rating in the in the J.D. Power 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study’s Minivan class, slipping past the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. If you need a reliable 3-row cruiser capable of hauling the whole family in comfort, you’ll be happy to note that the Autobytel Used car finder shows a good number of 2014 Sienna in the $20,000 neighborhood. If you spend your afternoons and weekends ferrying the team from one athletic venue to the next, the Sienna is a winner, with an EPA rating of 18 city/25 highway. The 2014 Dodge Caravan represents an excellent value, with many available well under $20,000. You’ll want to check the US Government GSA Auto Auctions for low mileage Caravans at the lowest prices.

Photo by Toyota