5 Reliable Used Cars Worth Buying, According to George Kamel
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Youtube personality and personal finance expert George Kamel wants to make sure you are taken for a great ride. Not in the sense that you get shaken down for all your money-no, Kamel created a YouTube video that breaks down his top choices for used cars to buy in 2025, with help from the used cars ranked by MotorTrend for this year.
All of these cars are, in Kamel’s opinion, solid picks that come with high safety ratings, excellent fuel efficiency and an overall good value by being priced at $10,000 or less.
If you are in the market for a vehicle that’s budget friendly, make sure to check out the five reliable used cars worth buying in 2025, according to Kamel.
Volkswagen Jetta
- 2017 to 2021 Models
Kamel liked these Jettas for their roomy trunks and on screen dash displays, as well as a few models that come with a panoramic sunroof and blind spot monitoring. Plus, as Kamel pointed out, all of the Jettas produced within this timespan got five-star safety ratings.
Nissan Altima
- 2017 to 2018 Models
There’s a lot to love about these Altimas, but for Kamel it comes down to the standard rearview camera, remote start and automatic emergency braking in the 2018 model. Nissan is known for zero gravity seats as well, so you and your passengers can feel like they are floating on their drive.
Chevy Sonic
- 2015 to 2018 Models
The features that stand out to Kamel in the Sonic are the heated seats and steering wheel, as well as a push button start. While Kamel points out that Chevy discontinued this line in 2020, he noted that the Sonic overall is not a bad automobile, particularly ones produced during this three year span, making them great used car buys in 2025.
Kia Rio
- 2015 to 2018 Models
The two biggest factors for the Rio making it on Kamel’s list are that these Kia models tend to have lower repair and maintenance costs. Kamel cited a RepairPal statistic from 2025 that found the average maintenance cost of a 2015 Rio to be $482, which is about half of the average repair cost of a new vehicle.
Honda Fit
- 2015 to 2017 Models
The top pick for Kamel when it comes to buying a used car in 2025 is the Honda Fit. That’s because the Fits get up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway, can generate up to 130 horsepower and are equipped with Honda’s Lanewatch Drive-Assist. Hondas last a long time, so Kamel predicted drivers will be on the road with this vehicle for quite some time.
Other Reliable Used Cars Worth Buying In 2025
GOBankingRates asked a few other auto experts for their top reliable used cars that you should consider buying in 2025, especially if you have a more flexible budget. Below are the cars that made the cut.
Toyota Corolla
- 2020 to 2022 Models
According to Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, these Corolla models are selling for as low as $16,000.
“The Corolla has a long lifespan, so it’s a good option to buy used,” Musson said. “It’s small and efficient, so if you’re looking to cut costs because of how expensive life’s necessities have become, the Corolla is one way to do it.”
Mazda3
- 2020 to 2022 Models
Mazda produces underappreciated cars, according to Alex Black, chief marketing officer of EpicVIN. While the Mazda3 models from these years can be on the pricier side, the extra cost is worth it in Black’s opinion.
“The Mazda3 handles more like a more expensive car — good handling, a pleasant interior and high reliability scores,” Black explained. “If you need something more exciting than a Corolla or Civic but extremely reliable, that’s the one.”
More From GOBankingRates
Sources
- George Kamel, “Reliable Used Cars to Buy in 2025.”
- Melanie Musson, AutoInsurance.org.
- Alex Black, EpicVIN.
