10 Best Used Cars Under $20K, $15K and $10K

Even if you’re car shopping on a budget, you can still find used vehicles that are safe, reliable and provide a positive owner experience.

To find the best used cars for shoppers on a budget, Consumer Reports identified cars that meet several criteria: they are valued under $20,000, they earned Consumer Reports’ Recommendation when tested as new, they are rated above-average for reliability and they come standard with electronic stability control. Here’s a look at the 10 used cars that made the cut.

• Best model years: 2016 to 2019
• Reliability score: 66 out of 100
• Owner satisfaction rating: 1 out of 5

• Best model years: 2017 to 2020
• Reliability score: 73 out of 100
• Owner satisfaction rating: 1 out of 5

• Best model years: 2016 to 2022
• Reliability score: 88 out of 100
• Owner satisfaction rating: 1 out of 5

• Best model years: 2020 to 2024
• Reliability score: 68 out of 100
• Owner satisfaction rating: 3 out of 5

• Best model years: 2017 to 2022
• Reliability score: 80 out of 100
• Owner satisfaction rating: 2 out of 5

• Best model years: 2016 to 2018
• Reliability score: 82 out of 100
• Owner satisfaction rating: 3 out of 5

• Best model years: 2016 to 2023
• Reliability score: 65 out of 100
• Owner satisfaction rating: 4 out of 5

• Best model years: 2016 to 2020
• Reliability score: 72 out of 100
• Owner satisfaction rating: 2 out of 5

• Best model years: 2005 to 2015
• Reliability score: 70 out of 100
• Owner satisfaction rating: 4 out of 5

• Best model years: 2016 to 2024
• Reliability score: 85 out of 100
• Owner satisfaction rating: 5 out of 5

Data is sourced from Consumer Reports and is accurate as of Aug. 27, 2024.