Most Reliable Used Cars Under $15,000

There are many different factors you should consider when buying a car. You should consider how much space a car offers, whether it fits your lifestyle, and if it has the features you prefer. Reliability and affordability are perhaps the two most important factors to consider when evaluating your options.

In the automotive world, reliability refers to a vehicle’s ability to run consistently without experiencing problems or needing work outside of normal maintenance. Everyone wants a car they can depend on, which is why prioritizing reliability is so important.

Fortunately, you don’t need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to buy a reliable car. If you’re shopping for a used car, a budget of $15,000 is a good place to start. Here’s a look at some of the most reliable used cars under $15,000:

Mazda CX-5

If you are shopping with a $15,000 budget, you may want to consider purchasing a 2013 Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 is a two-row compact crossover SUV that comfortably seats up to five adults. It has a high reliability rating, four-cylinder engine that produces up to 155 horsepower, and good fuel economy, especially for an SUV.

The base model of the Mazda CX-5 does not include a lot of flashy features. However, the Touring trim level has a few features that are worth the upgrade, including leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a navigation system. Both models are also designed with a standard infotainment system that is fairly easy to use regardless of your tech-savviness.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has always been known as one of the most reliable mid-size sedans on the market, but the seventh-generation Camry, which was introduced in 2012, received slightly higher reliability ratings than its predecessor. A  $15,000 budget should allow you to purchase a 2014 Toyota Camry, which is a seventh generation model.

The Toyota Camry is a practical sedan that fits up to five adults. It’s consistently ranked as one of the most family-friendly, affordable, and dependable sedans available. It may not have the bells and whistles of a luxury car, but it is designed with a navigation system, rearview camera, six-speaker audio system, and dual-zone climate control.

The Camry’s fuel economy will vary depending on the engine. There are four-cylinder, V6, or hybrid Toyota Camry models that get 28, 25, and 40 miles per gallon, respectively.

Buick Verano

The Buick Verano is a compact car that was first introduced in 2011. If you are trying to stick to a $15,000 budget, add the 2013 Buick Verano to your list of options. This vehicle gets around 20 miles per gallon in the city and up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Verano has been praised as one of the best upscale small cars and best cars for families. Like many other vehicles manufactured by Buick, the Verano has high reliability and safety scores. Some of its standard features include rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, rearview camera, and an IntelliLink infotainment system.

The engine in the base model does not have a great deal of power, but a turbocharged engine upgrade is available in some models.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

If you are looking for a reliable, eco-friendly, used vehicle under $15,000, look no further than the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. This midsize sedan gets up to 38 miles per gallon on the highway and 35 miles per gallon in the city.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid does not ride as smoothly as some of its competitors, but it has a powerful four-cylinder engine that works with the electric motor to produce up to 199 horsepower. Even if the ride is slightly bumpy, the seating is incredibly comfortable, so you may not notice.

Some of its standard features include heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. A navigation system is also available on some trim levels.

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a compact sedan that has been around for decades. The design of the Civic has changed over the years. The tenth-generation Civic, which was first introduced in 2016, is one of the most popular designs. Luckily, you should be able to afford a model from the tenth generation with a $15,000 budget.

The Honda Civic is designed with many highly sought after features, including a 7-inch infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward automatic emergency braking.

This sedan is also fuel efficient. It gets an average 31 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway, which is impressive when compared to other vehicles of its size.

Chevrolet Impala

If you need more room than a compact sedan can offer, look for a used Chevrolet Impala, which is a full-size sedan that was discontinued in 2020. You may be able to find a 2014 to 2017 Chevrolet Impala for under $15,000.

The Chevrolet Impala has a sleek exterior and spacious cabin with plenty of head and leg room that accommodates up to five adults. The base model comes with a 196-horsepower four-cylinder engine, but upgraded models may have a more powerful V6 engine that produces up to 305 horsepower.

Some of its standard features include an OnStar system, satellite radio, six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth connectivity for in-car phone calls.

Lexus ES

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to purchase a used luxury vehicle for under $15,000. If you’re in the market for a reliable high-end car, the 2013 Lexus ES may be right for you. The ES is a mid-size executive sedan produced by Lexus, which is Toyota’s luxury division.

The 2013 model marked the beginning of the sixth generation of the Lexus ES. Unlike previous models, the 2013 Lexus ES was designed with a bolder, sleeker exterior, powerful engine, and improved fuel efficiency.

The Lexus ES offers a smooth, quiet ride that all passengers can enjoy. The interior is comfortable and packed with high-end, stylish features.

Subaru Outback

Another reliable SUV you can purchase for under $15,000 is the Subaru Outback. To stay within your budget, look for a 2013 to 2016 model of this vehicle. All Subaru Outback models have fairly high reliability ratings, but the models produced during these years have the highest ratings of them all.

The Subaru Outback is a two-row SUV that seats up to five adults. The base model comes with a four-cylinder engine that produces up to 175 horsepower, but if you’re willing to pay more for power, look for a model with a six-cylinder engine instead.

Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee was initially a full-size SUV, but it has evolved into a crossover SUV over the years. If you are shopping with a $15,000 budget, you should be able to find a 2014 or 2015 Jeep Cherokee in your price range.

The Jeep Cherokee is designed with a V6 engine that has a stop-start system to improve fuel efficiency.

Some of the Cherokee’s features include a 5-inch touchscreen, reclining rear seats, and Bluetooth connectivity. It does not have as much cargo space as some of its competitors, but it offers a comfortable ride and a four-wheel drive system, which makes this vehicle perfect for people who are planning on going on off-roading adventures.