7 Used Cars You Can Rely On (And 6 You Should Steer Clear From)
- - 7 Used Cars You Can Rely On (And 6 You Should Steer Clear From)
Matthew ThompsonNovember 11, 2025 at 11:08 PM
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Not everyone wants to drive off the lot with zero miles. In fact, 2025 used-car sales are forecasted to be up 1.2% from the previous year. Although buying a used car can save you money upfront, and you can also save money on car insurance, it also forces you to answer several questions.
Did the previous owner care for this vehicle? Is this a good value for my money? And critically, can I rely on this vehicle for years to come?
Unfortunately, you won't get an answer for every question that pesters you. You can, however, use expert opinions and consumer reviews to learn more about a vehicle's reliability.
Are you thinking about buying one of the cars on this list? You'd better make sure it's one of the reliable ones.
Editor's note: Reliability scores come from J.D. Power.
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1. Buy: 2018 Lexus ES
Reliability score: 90/100
You can buy one of the most reliable used vehicles for about $23,000. That's a good chunk of change, but you get much more than the prestige of owning a Lexus.
Owners love this car's comfort and safety features. It also retains its value well, so you can get a lot of your money back when you're ready for a new car.
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2. Buy: 2015 Toyota Camry
Reliability score: 90/100
Can't afford to shell out $23,000 for a used vehicle? The 2015 Toyota Camry offers the same reliability score as the ES but for about $10,000 less.
Owners give the 2015 Camry a "great" rating for its driving experience. It also has plenty of features that make it safe and fun on the road.
3. Buy: 2015 Lexus RX 350
Reliability score: 90/100
You can get a Lexus for about $14,000, and it's a top-rated option for quality, reliability, and resale value. The RX 350 has fairly mediocre fuel economy (approximately 18 mpg in the city), but it receives praise for its smooth transmission and comfort.
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4. Buy: 2020 Kia Sportage
Reliability score: 89/100
The Kia Sportage is an excellent option if you want a powerful engine that doesn't make a lot of noise. Its technology is also a little ahead of its time, with voice assistance that compares to what you'll find in a newer model. Not bad for $15,000.
5. Buy: 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Reliability score: 85/100
The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata has a smooth transmission and excellent maneuverability that make driving fun. This sporty coupe should only cost about $12,000.
6. Buy: 2018 Acura RDX
Reliability score: 85/100
If you prefer an SUV, look for a 2018 Acura RDX. It has a high reliability score and a fairly affordable price (around $15,000).
RDX owners say this SUV has comfortable seats and excellent rear visibility. The style's a bit dated, but that's a small cosmetic issue.
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7. Buy: 2015 Ford F-150
Reliability score: 82/100
If you're in the market for a powerful truck at an affordable price, check out the 2015 Ford F-150. For about $12,000, you can get strong acceleration and comfortable seats. Plus, the Ford F-150 retains its resale value very well, so you can recoup some of the cost when you want a new model.
1. Avoid: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Reliability score: 65/100
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an EV that costs at least $23,000. Owners say it offers a positive driving experience. However, they don't like its relatively short range (about 90 miles) or complicated controls. It's far from the worst EV you can buy, but you can easily do better.
2. Avoid: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
Reliability score: 63/100
Are you looking for an affordable, safe minivan? Don't spend too much time thinking about the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. It gets disappointing reviews from the IIHS, and owners say it has uncomfortable second-row seats.
Even if you get a "deal" on the Pacifica, you'll spend more than $21,000. You can get a used 2020 Honda Odyssey for the same price, which has a 70/100 reliability rating.
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3. Avoid: 2016 Fiat 500X
Reliability score: 62/100
A lot of 2016 Fiat 500X owners say their SUVs have rough rides and quirky transmissions. Perhaps even worse, they don't feel safe behind the wheel.
Those safety concerns might come from the 500X's headlights, which get the IIHS's lowest rating. You can buy this SUV for about $6,000, but it's a risk even at that low price.
4. Avoid: 2017 Volvo XC90
Reliability score: 61/100
An all-wheel-drive version of the 2017 Volvo XC90 will cost about $20,000. Lower trim levels are closer to $12,000. Regardless, owners say this Volvo is noisy and has a subpar climate-control system. That's a lot of money on a car that gets such disappointing reviews.
5. Avoid: 2017 Infiniti QX30
Reliability score: 60/100
You'll pay about $10,000 for a 2017 Infiniti QX30. That probably seems like a good price when you first see the SUV's stylish interior.
Don't hand over your money yet, though. This QX30 has four recalls and more than two dozen consumer complaints.
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6. Avoid: 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Reliability score: 57/100
We've reached the worst of the worst on this list. Owners complain about the poor acceleration, rough ride, and glitchy navigation system of this SUV. You can buy a 2016 Volvo XC60 for a better experience score of 79/100 at a similar price.
Bottom line
Buying a used car is a good way to save money shopping for a vehicle without making sacrifices on its reliability, performance, or style. You just have to make sure you choose the right model.
Certified pre-owned vehicles are another option. While they can cost 1.8% more than their counterparts, dealer certifications may make the higher price tag worth it.
Regardless of what you buy, you benefit from the car's age. Most cars lose about 10% of their value within one year. Let someone else shoulder that financial burden for you.
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