8 Reliable Used Cars You Should Buy Now Before 2024 Ends

While deals on used cars can certainly be found during the winter months and at holiday sales events, there are several reasons September through December is considered peak buying season. Various factors, including economic conditions, new car release schedules and seasonal trends, can influence used car prices and availability — and these factors might just help you find a reliable used car comfortably in your budget.

One of the best times to buy a used car is shortly after the release of new models in the fall, when dealerships are eager to clear out older inventory to make room for new models. Additionally, because sales targets tend to drive dealerships, discounts are often available at the end of the month or quarter. These incentives typically ramp up at the end of the year, when salespersons are more likely to offer better deals to meet their quotas, giving you more negotiation power.

And getting a deal on a used car doesn’t mean you have to forgo reliability. The following eight vehicles are recommended for their durability and their price, with all of them coming in under $20,000, according to Consumer Reports (CR), Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and CarGurus.

• Price Range: $13,000-$16,000

Despite recent trends, inexpensive small cars are always in demand by people looking for efficient transportation. With the newest base Forte (LX) starting at an already cheap price of $21,145, KBB lists used models from 2020 to 2022 for $13,000-$16,000.

Per the site, a 2022 Kia Forte LXS Sedan 4D has depreciated $7,082 in the last 2 years, has a current resale value of $15,963 and trade-in value of $14,236.

• Starting Price: $18,201

Nissan is often seen as the “also-ran” in most car industry segments, mostly because its models are frequently compared to the two giants of reliability: Toyota and Honda. The Altima in particular is in stiff competition against the Camry, Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5 and Mazda6. It’s a shame though, because Nissans, especially used ones, are good value buys.

• Price Range: $15,250-$18,600

Fit owners breathed a collective sigh of disappointment when Honda announced it was discontinuing the reliable subcompact after the 2020 model year due to declining sales and a desire to increase its focus on the related HR-V.

The Fit was a great daily driver and deceptively spacious interior. A popular value car during its heyday, you should be able to find lots of Fits on the lots.

• Price Range: $16,400-$17,100

If you want a brand new, seventh-generation 2025 ES, you’ll be paying around $43,000. The smarter bet is to go for a more mature model from 2015 or 2016, which will cost you a few thousand under $20,000.

The ES is a comfortable, safe and efficient luxury midsize sedan that rivals prestigious models like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For used buyers looking for reliable elegance, the ES is a great classy-but-not-flashy choice.

• Price Range: $14,725-$21,700

A reliable Tacoma for under $20,000 may prove to be elusive, because they hold their value remarkably. They aren’t the smoothest or quietest of rides, but as a work truck or an off-roader, they are hard to beat.

Toyotas are built to last, and while the price might be right, you’ll probably only be able to buy a decade-old Tacoma, so make sure it passes both a professional’s inspection and your expectations.

• Price Range: $15,925-$19,525

Back-to-back Toyotas. Americans love Toyotas, because they are affordable, reliable and require cheaper replacement parts. The Prius is the least expensive vehicle to maintain over a 10-year period and the third least expensive in the first five years, according to CarEdge.

The world’s first mass produced hybrid vehicle is still winning awards, including the 2024 World Car Design of the Year, the North American Car of the Year Award and the MotorTrend Car of the Year.

• Price Range: $10,625-$15,075

That’s more like it! A used Elantra is a budget-conscious shopper’s dream. CR says you should be able to spend between $10,000 and $15,000 on a used Elantra from 2017-2020, but Autoblog suggests that smart buyers might be able to get one for under $10,000.

Most recently redesigned in 2017, any model between 2014 and 2020 is a good bet for an inexpensive and reliable family compact.

• Price Range: $16,995-$20,000

With Chevy officially confirming a new Bolt EV for 2025, now would be the perfect time to look for a used model. Even though the popular hatchback and SUV weren’t available in 2024, sales grew substantially from 2021 to 2023, when it sold a record 62,044 units, per GoodCarBadCar.

As KBB notes, you should be able to get either the 2021 LT or Premier trim for under $20,000, which has “259 miles of range, one-pedal driving convenience and a spacious hatchback cabin.”

Photo Disclaimer: Please note some photos are for illustrative purposes only and might not feature exact models, base models or the cars’ specific trim levels.