12 Best Used Cars For Under $20,000

Some excellent brand-new cars don’t cost $20,000 (the 2015 Ford Focus and 2015 Subaru Impreza, for example). So that kind of budget for a used car offers a lot of leeway. But what to choose: a lightly used compact car or an older luxury model? It all depends on what’s required — everyone’s needs (and desires) are different.

One aspect worth checking out, though, is certified pre-owned (CPO) cars. Different manufacturers have different programs, but they’re usually up to five years old with no more than 100,000 miles covered. They’ve been inspected, refurbished and come with warranties. They’re almost like new cars, only without that initial hit of depreciation. As for the rest of the used-car world, we’ve listed several different ideas. Happy shopping — spending up to 20k on a car is a nice conundrum to have.

Honda Accord

We could also have said Toyota Camry here. They’re both big-selling cars in the United States. Midsize sedans like these are popular for many reasons. They’re well-built, reliable, affordable to buy and run, can seat up to five in comfort, and their trunks swallow a lot of luggage.

The Accord holds its value well and has the edge over the Camry for driving fun, should that be a consideration. For this budget, we’re looking at a used 2013 model year in EX-L mid-level spec with leather. Or go for something slightly older, like 2012, and that same spec would be available with a V6.

Photo by Honda

Mercedes-Benz R350

The R-Class never really caught on. Which is a mystery, because its styling has weathered well, the cabin is plush, classy and comfortable enough for six occupants, the ride quality is excellent, and there’s even all-wheel drive. But whatever those reservations might be can also work in our favor when seeking a pre-owned example.

A used 2008 R350 is a fine opportunity to have a premium family car with a three-pointed star parked in the driveway for around $14,500.

Mazda3

A brand-new Mazda3 starts at $18,665 (including destination charges), so a well-equipped used CPO example that’s a couple of years old could be just the ticket. Granted, it could be the tail end of the previous generation (the current wave debuted for the 2014 model year), but it’s still a heck of a compact car. Available in sedan or more practical hatchback form, the Mazda3 is one of those few cars that offers a thrill or three along with totally bearable running costs.

A 2012 model in top-level S Grand Touring trim can be acquired for around $18,000. Power is 167 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. And there will still be cash left for insurance premiums. If the size and looks work for you, this is a no-brainer.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Considering the MX-5 is the best-selling two-seater roadster ever, it’s worth mentioning here. Sure, it’s not so practical, but this is one of those cars that owners tend to love, not just like. The driving experience is simultaneously fun yet safe. Many people yearn for a convertible, but a lot of open-top cars are super-pricey.

A new generation has debuted for the 2016 model year, starting just below $26,000. But a previous-generation model could be had in a CPO program for around half that amount. Such as a 2009 version in Grand Touring trim, which includes heated leather seats and a Bose audio system.

BMW 328i

Over six generations, the 3 Series could arguably claim to be one of the best cars in the world. It covers so many bases with style and panache. And you could buy a superb example for 15k. A used 2011 328i, for example. This is the tail end of the fifth generation, but is still fantastic.

The 328i deploys a BMW hallmark inline-six engine. This unit is a 3.0-liter making 200 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque, which should be plenty of push for most people. Convenience features include heated mirrors, power accessories and dual climate control.

Audi A4 2.0 TSFI

Not the least expensive Audi, but a good size and (in some beholders’ eyes, at least) a good-looker too. Buying a used Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz of this kind for $20,000 is an excellent way to move up to a more prestigious bracket without going crazy and incurring super-high running costs down the road.

A 2010 model in Premium Plus trim offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque to play with. This engine is a mainstay of the VW/Audi group, so it’s a well-known quantity. We’re looking at $17,000 or so. Shop around and it’s possible to find a used one with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system for that money. Although this is the outgoing B8 generation (an all-new model is scheduled for 2016), it still looks ultra-modern and has a wonderful cabin.

Lexus LS 460

A 2009 LS 460 squeaks in just under the 20k limit. And that should be the only thing that will squeak. These cars are made so well that it’s worth checking out an older version as long as it’s been looked after. Make sure all the electrics work, that the driver’s seat is in good condition and there’s no uneven tire wear. Get an expert inspection, it’s well worth it.

Every LS is replete with leather and wood, plus heated front seats with memory settings, one-touch windows all around, powered rear sunshade, and a decent stereo system. That smooth 4.6-liter V8 can even return 24 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive is available and there’s a long-wheelbase version as well.

Photo by Lexus

Honda CR-V

crossovers are massively popular and the CR-V is a massively popular crossover because it does so many things so well. Here’s another prime CPO contender, where it’s possible to get a front-drive 2012 model in basic LX trim (rearview camera is standard, though) for $20,000.

Or skew a little older with a few extra miles to get more equipment, like the 2011 in EX-L trim, which brings leather upholstery and heated seats into the cabin. These two examples are still both in the current generation, but before the 2015 facelift.

Ford Explorer

The current Explorer uses the modern unibody construction method (older versions were body-on-frame) and some trim levels offer seating for seven plus a terrain response system where tricky surfaces are tackled with the push of a button. It’s like a less well-off person’s Range Rover, which is no bad thing.

Within our budget, a 2011 in mid-level XLT trim is feasible. Among its many plus points are a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6, rear parking sensors, and seating for seven (although the third row is best for youngsters).

Jeep Grand Cherokee

A Grand Cherokee is possible if it’s a 2011 model in entry level (but still decently equipped, even down to illuminated cup holders) Laredo trim. This model year marked the launch of the current generation, which is a significant improvement over the previous GC in virtually all respects.

Rear-wheel drive is standard and the basic engine is an excellent 3.6-liter V6 churning out 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque linked to a five-speed automatic transmission. With that setup, consumption is estimated at 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.

Photo by Jeep