25 Best Used Cars to Buy in 2022

Before you even think about purchasing a car you really need to ask yourself what kind of a car you’re looking for and then add to that the fact that you probably won’t be able to get it fresh out of the dealership simply because of how expensive it is in the first place.

As sad as it may be, the prices have gone up a lot in these last couple of years and the more time passes the more expensive these cars are getting, which is why you really need to bite the bullet and save up for many years if you want to have a chance at buying your dream car.

But, did you know that you can actually buy your dream car for a much cheaper price without having to sell your left kidney in the process?

The solution that we’re hinting at right now is simple, instead of buying a fresh new car from your local dealership you can just get a used one that will run all the same for a much more affordable price.

But even used cars range a lot from being incredible to being below average which is why for today we decided to bring you our very own top 25 of the best used cars that you can buy as of 2022 right now.

But before we can properly start off our list how about we also take a gander at some of the other pros when it comes to buying a used car:

Why You Should Buy a Used Car

Before you even consider going to your local dealership you should get ready and write down what your current budget is so that you don’t end up stargazing and looking over models that you can’t afford yet. 

On top of that, once you reach the used car dealership, we recommend that you downright tell the seller your price range so that they don’t force a car that is twice your budget range down your throat. You can also browse the inventory online for the most part, so you can aptly avoid any of the really expensive and beautiful cars that they have in store for you.

Taking advantage of this fact at your local dealership will save you the pressure of having to choose the right car for you on the spot, and for the most part this will save you a lot of money on the long run.

Another advantage that comes with buying used cars is the option to add a Certified Pre-Owned model to the mix. This refers to a certain bundle of cars, trucks and SUVs that are a lot better equipped for you, including a much-needed warranty coverage to make sure that you’re all set for the future.

With all that being said though, let’s not beat around the bush anymore and instead just hop right into our top 25, starting off with:

25. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

By far one of the best used hybrid luxury cars out there, Lincoln have really outdone themselves with this model simply because there is no real downside to it.

It looks stunning, it drives like a dream come true and it is fairly well priced at less than $39,000 in most shops out there. This is definitely one that you shouldn’t skip out on just because it is previously used.

24. Toyota Prius

This may actually be one of the most popular hybrids out there and for good reason too. This was the model that pretty much paved the way for so many other hybrids that we see on a daily basis and that’s no joke.

Considering its affordable price tag of less than $25,000 you can really get your money’s worth with this purchase especially if you’re looking for a hybrid car and you want to make the safest bet you could make.

23. Tesla Model X

Coming up next, we have Elon Musk’s pride and joy over here, the Model X. Although it may be yet another expensive option that is far out of your price range, if you have a spare $90,000 on you and you’re looking for a great EV then this should definitely top your list for now.

22. Porsche 911

While definitely still an expensive car, costing you as much as an average of $157,000 for a 3-year0old used model, this is still one of the best choices you could make if you’re looking for a used luxury sports car.

The only reason as to why it’s not higher up on our list is the fact that it is so expensive, but if you can handle that price tag we can assure you, you won’t regret it.

21. Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is a very viable choice for anyone that wants a luxury midsize SUV that can really handle the passage of time with ease.

On top of being a very reliable choice it also comes with a lot of cargo space which makes this one of the best options for a family vehicle on this list.

20. Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may very well be one of the most popular JDM sports cars out there and for good reason too.

As a classic two-seater that comes with a ton of different customizable tools you will have a field day simply designing the car of your dreams with this one.

19. Nissan 370Z

The Nissan Z will definitely live on in our hearts, but luckily there is a modern alternative to it that can also be relatively affordable if you get it in used-form and that is the 370Z right here.

Thanks to its 3.7L 6-cylinder engine alongside a 350hp on its rear wheels, the Nissan 370Z is the type of a model that simply flies past its competition in no time.

18. Scion FR-S

What used to be a part of the Toyota GT86 project soon evolved into what many would refer to as one of the best sporty coupes out there and can you blame them?

This is a dream come true for any younger sports car fans and considering how affordable it can be when bought in used-form, this is one model that you shouldn’t ignore anytime soon.

17. Subaru BRZ

It took the brilliant minds behind Subaru and Toyota’s successes to bring you the BRZ and honestly, we can instantly see why because this is by far one of the slickest drives we’ve ever seen out there.

This is also Subaru’s only RWD entry but honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way because this also keeps it away from having one of those fancy sports car price tags.

16. Dodge Challenger

Let’s be honest here, as amazing as the Dodge Challenger is, the price tag that it comes with is not an easy one to swallow. Luckily, you can always opt for a used model which comes down to around $20,000 or so.

This is an amazing deal simply because it is a Dodge Challenger after all, so even with all of it setbacks you’re still getting an absolutely incredible deal right here.

15. Audi TT Coupe

The TT Roadster may very well be one of the best options for you simply because of its incredible 230hp and its overall sporty design choice.

On top of that it features a very luxurious interior and since it is an Audi let’s just say that you won’t have to worry about its quality being down in the slightest.

14. BMW Z4

Let’s be honest here, if you were on the lookout for a good sports car then you already had your eyes all over the BMW Z4 and for good reason too.

It is one of the most luxurious models out there, and despite the fact that it is a two-seater it is still a very good and stylish choice for anyone out there especially thanks to its retractable soft and hardtop convertible options.

13. Mini Cooper Roadster

The Mini Cooper may very well be one of the most iconic modern cars on our list and that’s a fact. While it may be a bit more of a niche choice it is still a great choice for anyone out there, especially those that are looking for a more British adaptation of the sporty car niche.

12. Mazda RX-8

The RX-8 may have been discontinued by Mazda but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find any more of them out there, it just means that you’ll have to look harder to find one.

On top of that the prices have also gone down a lot for them which makes this a very good choice for anyone on a tighter budget.

11. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

This may very well be one of the best luxury saloons out there, especially if you want to get it in its used form.

We should also mention the fact that you can easily save up money by getting it too since for the most part, a 3-year-old used model will not cost you more than $20,000 which is a steal for something of this quality level.

10. Subaru Outback

Subaru is known as the type of a brand that always delivers on its promises, and honestly if you want a model that can really withstand the test of time this may very well be one of the best they’ve ever released.

The Subaru name is very popular in the resale community simply because their cars continue to be ranked as the absolute best year after year and the Subaru Outback is a perfect example of this. Not only can it handle the road with ease but it can also handle any off-road terrain like a champ as well.

9. Toyota Highlander

If you’re on the market looking for a three-row SUV then the Highlander should definitely be a top ten choice for you simply because it is widely considered to be one of Toyota’s best models so far.

As far as its practicality is concerned, there aren’t too many models out there that can rival it, but even if you look past that you can clearly see how much effort went into making this the best model on the market simply by its all-wheel-drive mode which is still perfectly functional even when resold.

It is one of the larger models out there but it still handles with ease even so, largely due to its V6 engine and its great hybrid configuration.

8. Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride may be a bit of a newer model but just because it doesn’t have the street reputation that every other model on our list has that shouldn’t deter you from checking it out.

Every now and then you can find a really good model in the used car inventory and when you do, we can promise you that you will instantly fall in love with it.

Just make sure that you also get it as a part of the Certified Pre-Owned label category because that will make this a lot safer of a purchase.

7. Nissan Leaf

This one is the perfect choice for any electric car lovers out there that really want to get the best car that their money could buy then without actually buying something brand new.

The Leaf has been in its second generation ever since 2018 rolled around and on top of that if you’re willing to shill out an extra zero you can actually end up with the 2019 version which is a lot easier to customize.

6. Jeep Wrangler

Do you want to get off-road and just completely go wild on the trails? If that sounds like a dream come true for you then you may very well want to get yourself a Jeep Wrangler because it is one of the best adventure mobiles out there.

The Jeep Wrangler has become a staple of the off-road community and what’s even better about it is that as far as used cars go it may be one of the most popular models in the world so you can easily get your hands on one.

5. Honda CR-V

This one goes out to any of you compact SUV lovers out there as we all know that the CR-V was literally made by the gods for you.

The best part about it is the fact that it handles just like any other car while also giving you the space and practicality of an SUV that we all love to have.

4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

As far as pickup trucks go, Chevy will always be at the top regardless of who you’re asking. They are practically everywhere you look, and that is due to the fact that they are just the most practical and durable models we can think of.

The Silverado series is a very good example of this especially if you go for the Crew Cab configuration. Regardless of the occasion, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s got your back.

3. Lexus IS

Most other used cars out there are not exactly known for their luxury and class, as most buyers are pretty much used to getting something subpar out of the dealership.

But did you know that you can still get a top-quality stunning model as long as you look hard enough for it? That’s right we are talking about the Lexus IS, one of the most compact and sleek models your money could buy you.

Although definitely a bit more expensive than some of the other models on our list, it is well worth the investment because of how absolutely drop-dead gorgeous it looks.

2. Ford F-150

The F-Series has been one of the best-selling cars in America for so many years now that it’s practically become a part of our culture and that’s no simple feat. It practically offers you everything you could ever ask for and more and even with many years behind it it’s still a top-level choice.

You can also get plenty of different models when it comes to this series, including the basic SL and the high-class Limited or even the off-road-centered Raptor. The sky’s the limit but the ground will never be able to stop you again regardless of which model you choose from this lineup.

1. Ford Mustang

Mustang, do we even need to say anything else right now? If you can find yourself a Ford Mustang at any local dealership then just know that this should instantly be the best option for you as long as you can afford it.

While it may look like it’s worth a billion bucks to even look at, the price goes down exponentially when you buy it used which makes it one of the best deals on this list for sure, albeit a bit harder to come by.

Conclusion

There are so many cars out there for you to choose from, so don’t limit yourself simply by only shopping for brand new models.

Sure, there are a lot of risks involved with buying a used car but the pros far outweigh the cons if one of the cons there is the fact that you have to settle for a car that you don’t even want to drive around in to begin with.

So, take your time, research which models are available to you and most of all, don’t be afraid to refuse a deal if you don’t find it a hundred percent acceptable in the first place.