Cheap and Reliable Cars: 5 Models to Consider

a white car with a blue roof

If you’re looking for a used car, you don’t want to sacrifice quality. Buying used vehicles is a great way to save money and avoid the hefty vehicle depreciation that occurs when you drive a new car off the lot. Using a website like carshopper.com can be a great way to find the best deals on used cars in reading pa or wherever you’re shopping. You’ll be able to search for used vehicles by make or model, as well as the year the car was made. This can help you narrow down your search as you look for cars that are inexpensive, while still running reliably. Here are five models to consider when you’re if you want to save while getting a car you can count on.

Toyota Echo

Coming in both manual and automatic versions, the Toyota Echo is a subcompact car perfect for those looking for a no-frills way to get around town. It has excellent gas mileage (the manual version gets 42 miles per gallon on the highway), budget-conscious buyers will find a lot to like when purchasing an Echo. Toyota has long been recognized for making vehicles with staying value, making the Echo a great option, despite being manufactured in the early and mid-2000s. Most Toyota Echoes sell for $3500 to $5000, depending on condition, making them a great bang for the buck.

Toyota Corolla

Another car from the Japanese automaker, the Toyota Corolla is a consistently excellent option for buyers interested in driving a sedan. Frequently heralded with great ratings from www.repairpal.com, each year, the Corolla ranks in the top ten most reliable cars. Plus, with Toyota’s trademark reliability and sturdy craftsmanship, it’s possible to purchase an older Corolla to save money while still getting good value on your vehicle. 

Honda Accord

Automaker Honda is also favored by websites such as Repair Pal, which gives the Honda Accord an excellent rating. In assessing how much it costs to maintain an Accord, Repair Pal mentions that the annual repair cost is often no more than $400, meaning that you will continue to get value from your purchase well into the car’s life. 2012 and 2013 models run at or under $10,000, making the Accord a solid choice for someone who doesn’t want to pay full price for their sedan but still wants some newer tech under the hood.

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul might be most known for its distinct, recognizable design, but that’s not all the car has going for it. Given a score 4.5 out of 5 from website Car and Driver, and an 8.4 out of 10 by US News and World Report, the Kia Soul is a reliable hatchback with commendable gas mileage on the highway or city streets. Base models of the 2015 Kia Soul run around $8,000, with newer models hovering at about $10,000, a great deal for shoppers on a budget who need some extra trunk space.

Lexus RX

Even though you might be looking to save some money, that doesn’t mean that you can’t look at luxury vehicles. In terms of reliability, the Lexus RX consistently scores high when tested, year after year. While newer models run as much as $40,000, a used Lexus RX that’s only a few years old could run you almost half that price. Thanks to its top ratings from Consumer Reports, buyers can consider used versions of this popular crossover with confidence. 

From brands like Toyota and Honda to luxury options like Lexus, you can find plenty of car models worth considering when buying used. Plus, when you purchase a vehicle with a high reliability rating, you’ll be able to buy with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that you’re only saving money because of depreciation and not because of faulty manufacturing.