If you’re wondering what are the most reliable used cars on the market, then you’re in the right place, my friend. Just because you can’t afford a brand new model doesn’t mean that you should settle for a piece of junk. There are wonderful models available and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t invest your money in them.

We’ll also tell you where to buy reliable used cars so that you don’t have to go through additional trouble. After reading this article you won’t have any excuses for postponing your purchase. Let’s dig deep and list down the most reliable used cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks on the market!

Where to buy reliable used cars?

You have a couple of options if you’re willing to buy a reliable used car. You can go to a certified pre-owned dealership or visit a local dealer you can trust. You can also search for private-party sellers locally or find a good deal online.

Either way, you need to choose a trustworthy seller before figuring out which used cars are the most reliable.

Certified pre-owned dealerships

The best place to buy a reliable used car is certainly the certified pre-owned (CPO) dealership. Also known as a franchised store, this is where you’ll find vehicles that are in perfect condition. Since CPO dealerships sell cars from specific manufacturers, their models are equipped with factory-made parts.

You will have to pay more for CPO vehicles, but if you want something that won’t break apart easily, this is the best dealership you can choose.

Local dealerships

These dealerships are a great option if you want to get a decent deal on your car. Not all of them are as reliable as CPO stores, but you can always check their reputation by reading reviews online. You can also request the relevant documents for the car you want to buy to double-check its history and mileage data.

Private-party sellers

These are probably the least reliable sellers among the rest, but they are worth checking out if you are on a tight budget. Once again, you should examine the vehicle carefully before making the purchase. Be suspicious about the ads placed by private-party sellers if you want to avoid being scammed.

You can find private-party sellers on websites such as Craigslist, eBay Motors, Facebook Marketplace, AutoTrader, etc.

CarMax

CarMax is yet another dealer you can trust. They have numerous stores these days so you can easily find one near your location. You’ll get an unbiased opinion from their salespeople, as well as a reliable used car. Even though you’ll have to pay more for their services, the whole process will be quite enjoyable.

Which used cars are the most reliable?

If you want to know what are the most reliable used cars on the market, then I have a perfect list for you. Below you’ll find some luxury options, as well as “casual” vehicles that will stay by your side for a really long time.

BMW 2-series

BMW 2-series should be your top choice if you’re looking for a luxury experience. Not only is it reliable, but its features will certainly blow you away. It’s a small premium car available as a two-door option or a convertible. You can get a four-cylinder 230i or a six-cylinder 240i. Either way, you’ll get a modern, fast and reliable vehicle.

Ford Mustang

If you want to get a reliable used sports car, then the 2017 Ford Mustang is definitely a great choice. You can get it in a coupe or convertible design without sacrificing any of its specs. The powerful engine is combined with a rear-wheel drive. We all know that you can’t go wrong with Ford Mustang if sports cars are on your radar.

Toyota Avalon

Toyota Avalon offers a lot of space for those who get suffocated in smaller vehicles. It’s an attractive sedan that is powered with 268-horsepower V-6 or 200-horsepower four-cylinder hybrid. It’s an excellent option for everyone who wants to enjoy their city drives.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda MX-5 Miata is the second sports car on this list. You can choose a soft-top convertible to enjoy those sunny summer days to the fullest. Its performance stats will surprise you in the best way possible. It’s a powerful beast that you can rely on no matter what.

Nissan Leaf

If you care about the environment and want to make your contribution, then Nissan Leaf should be your top choice. It’s a fully electric vehicle that will be at your service the moment you take the wheel. You can get older versions quite cheaply these days, so you can still drive an electric car if you’re on a tight budget.

What are some good reliable used cars and SUVs under $10,000?

Now that you know where to buy reliable used cars and which used cars are the most reliable, it’s time to lower the budget slightly. You can still find excellent options even under $10,000, be it a classic sedan or an SUV. Let’s see what we have here:

2009 Hyundai Genesis

2009 Hyundai Genesis is quite modern for its age. Not only does it look luxurious, but it also offers interesting features. Leather interior, Bluetooth connectivity, and radio are just some of the specs on its list. You can get it with 290-horsepower V6 or 368-horsepower V8. Either way, you’ll have a powerful and dependable used car on hand.

2012 Honda Fit

If you’re looking for a newer model for you and your family, then you’ll have a hard time finding a better option than the 2012 Honda Fit. It’s powered by a four-cylinder 117-horsepower engine which is pretty good for the town (it brags with its fuel economy as well). Don’t expect it to rock your world on the highway, though.

2008 Toyota Highlander

2008 Toyota Highlander is an excellent option if you’re looking for a mid-size SUV. Not only can it accommodate 5 people easily, but it will also seat a couple of kids in the third row. Its 270-horsepower V6 engine will provide you with an enjoyable experience no matter where you go.

2010 Audi A6

If you want to get a luxury car for an affordable price, then the 2010 Audi A6 will be hard to beat. You’ll get modern features such as a sunroof, decent audio system, rain-sensing wind wipers, power-adjustable seats, etc. It’s certainly one of the most reliable choices under $10,000.

2007 GMC Yukon

Though it’s hard to find an affordable GMC Yukon, it’s still possible if we go back to 2007. It’s a large SUV with a V8 engine that’s more powerful than you’ll need for day-to-day errands. It’s another great option if you don’t really want to squeeze yourself into a sedan.

What are the most reliable used pickup trucks?

You already know what are the most reliable used cars and SUVs under $10,000. Now we can concentrate our attention on the most dependable used pickup trucks on the market. After all, not everyone can settle for a sedan, coupe, or SUV. Some of us really want a pickup truck.

Toyota Tundra

Even though Toyota Tundra doesn’t offer the most modern looks, it certainly doesn’t have any problems with reliability. Its J.D. Power ratings leave very little to be desired. It’s a larger model that will let you breathe freely when you’re behind the wheel.

Nissan Frontier

Nissan Frontier is yet another model with reliability scores above average. It has proven to be a wonderful vehicle throughout the decades. Its consistency is one of the reasons why it’s such a great option.

Honda Ridgeline

Honda Ridgeline is among the top pickup trucks when it comes to reliability. Be it handling, ride, engine, or other specs – this puppy knows how to deliver. Not to mention the attractive looks that will easily captivate your heart.

Chevrolet Avalanche

If you’re looking for a hybrid between an SUV and a pickup truck, then Chevrolet Avalanche will be the perfect choice for you. You can still transport heavy or long items with it, but its cargo is on the smaller side compared to other models. Nevertheless, it’s still an amazing option.

Cadillac Escalade EXT

Cadillac Escalade EXT is certainly more of a luxury item. It resembles Chevrolet Avalanche with its design, and, similarly, enables you to transport quite a bit of a load in its cargo. Its 2009 and 2011 models had amazing dependability scores, which means it’s among our top picks.

We have picked out these options (and most of the ones discussed above) according to J.D. Power scores. It’s a company that does extensive research to amplify the voice of the customers and help manufacturers improve their flaws.

Conclusion

You know everything there’s to know about dependable vehicles, including where to buy reliable used cars. We’ve discussed so many amazing options that you might have a hard time singling out the best one. But it still won’t be a difficult choice if you consider your budget, needs, and preferences carefully.

We’ve seen which used cars are the most reliable, and we’ve included some of the best SUVs and pickup trucks as well. Now it’s time for you to take matters into your own hands and start shopping for the most trustworthy vehicle. Good luck!