The market for used sedans remains strong in spite of increased attention being paid to SUVs and trucks, and there remain some really great deals to be found when shopping for a used sedan. But that doesn’t mean every sedan out there is going to be incredible, so we’ve put together the following quick guide to some of the best sedans to look for on the used market.
Chevrolet Malibu
A strong seller since day 1, the Malibu offers attractive looks and an inviting interior. It is that inviting interior that is a big part of the Malibu’s success, as it is uncommonly comfortable, and is helped by the smooth ride you also get with a Malibu. It has a 1.5-liter engine that delivers great fuel economy, as well as a brisk 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The interior is spacious, as is the trunk space, and a wide range of trims and appearance packages make it easy to outfit your Malibu to suit your tastes. It comes outfitted with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System, with the 3 Plus system available. This comes with extra features like wireless capability for Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, as well as navigation. To go with this, there is also an available Bose® premium stereo with 9 speakers. The bottom line is that you’re going to have a hard time finding a more comfortable way to go about your daily commute, especially in this price range.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is the best-selling sedan in the US, and has been for a couple of decades. So, in terms of the best selection when shopping used, the Camry will be the number one choice. But that’s far from the only reason why you should take a look at the Camry, after all, it became the best-selling sedan in the US for a reason. It’s offered with a hybrid drivetrain, and it is one of the few mainstream midsize sedans you can buy new today with a V6. The list of trims and other configuration options is extensive, and even includes a performance-oriented TRD version. But those aren’t the only reasons to look at the Camry, Toyota vehicles are legendary for their reliability, and this is by far one of the most desirable qualities that people look for in a used car.
Honda Accord
While the Camry might be the best-selling sedan in the US, the Accord is usually the critics’ favorite. Famously, the Accord has won more Car & Driver 10Best awards than any other vehicle in history, and it’s not a close contest. The entire Toyota brand has fewer wins than the Accord alone. This praise usually focuses on the Accord’s superb driving dynamics, but there are a lot of other reasons to like the Accord. There is a hybrid drivetrain available, which is actually slightly more powerful than the standard gasoline-only drivetrain, so there’s no sacrificing performance for efficiency. The interior is comfortable and extremely well-equipped, with even features like a head-up display and a Bose® premium stereo coming standard on some trims. Last but definitely not least, like the Camry, the Accord enjoys a sterling reputation for excellent reliability, and it sells in large enough quantities that finding one in excellent shape is easy.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata has a lot of desirable qualities that have made it quite popular in recent years. But we first have to talk about how it’s such a smart purchase. For starters, Hyundai offers some of the best warranties in the industry, and finding a used example that still has at least some of its components under warranty is easier than it is with other manufacturers. The Sonata also just got a redesign, which tends to mean that even very recent examples of the old body style will go for lower prices as new body styles are usually seen as more desirable. Not only that, but the Sonata is very reasonably priced when new, and that’s just one more thing contributing to the great deals on used examples. The Sonata offers a good amount of power, and there is a higher-powered N-Line variant as well, and a hybrid version for better fuel economy. The Sonata offers a lot of equipment for the money, and represents one of the best values on the market today.