22 Safe and Reliable Used Cars You Can Get for Under $15,000

Shopping for a car can quickly go from exciting to stressful, especially when you’re sticking to a budget. According to Kelley Blue Book, as of May 2020, a new small car averages $20,000, while the median cost of a new midsize model is $26,000. That’s a hefty price tag. In this economy, such a high cost could send many Americans running for the hills. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend anywhere near that amount to get a great car. The trick is to shift your search to used cars that have proven to be safe and reliable — with plenty of life left in them. 

Using an iSeeCars analysis that found the safest and most reliable used cars dating back to 2011, GOBankingRates compiled a list of the models — SUVs excluded — that you can buy for less than $15,000. These featured automobiles tout a lifespan of over 200,000 miles and have scored at least 4 out of 5 stars in safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), making them ideal cars for families. So, consider these 22 models if you’re looking to buy a car during the pandemic.

Last updated: Oct. 22, 2021

• Average price: $14,911 

Consumer Reports found that the 2015 Toyota Prius gets a striking 44 mpg overall, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road.

• Average price: $14,792 

The 2013 Honda Odyssey topped Consumer Reports’ minivan ratings that year.

• Average price: $14,703         

The 2016 Chevrolet Impala has been praised for its luxury-sedan-like ride and excellent braking.

• Average price: $14,508

Sleek yet spacious, the 2013 Toyota Avalon ranked No. 1 on U.S News & World’s Report’s roundup of best 2013 affordable large cars.

• Average price: $14,274 

The 2012 Toyota Sienna was ranked No. 1 in 2012 minivans by U.S News & World’s Report, and No. 2 in used minivans under $20,000.

• Average price: $14,221

The Toyota Camry is generally considered one of the most reliable models you can buy and has sold millions of units throughout the course of its existence. 

• Average price: $14,186

Kelley Blue Book lauded the 2017 Toyota Corolla for its safety features and fuel efficiency and noted that it might be “the perfect first car.”

• Average price: $13,966

Chic meets durable in the Kia Sedona, which has no shortage of modern luxury features.

• Average price: $13,859

With its roomy cabin and folding seats, the Dodge Grand Caravan is the perfect vehicle for a large family outing or a summer road trip.

• Average price: $13,849

As smooth as it is sturdy and fuel-efficient, the 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid has dazzling reviews. U.S. News & World Report ranked it No. 1 in the “hybrid car” and “affordable midsize car” categories in 2014.

• Average price: $13,759

The 2015 Honda Civic was the highest-rated compact car of 2015, per Kelley Blue Book.

• Average price: $13,484

The 2014 Honda Accord — described as “nice to drive and easy to live with” by Consumer Reports — is both dependable and low-maintenance.

• Average price: $13,432

The Honda Civic sees both its coupe and sedan models on this list. Famously reliable, the Civic was the bestselling car in California last year, according to data from Edmunds.

• Average price: $13,190

J.D. Power and Associates gave the 2014 Nissan Maxima a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, which, as noted by U.S. News and World Report, was one of the highest scores given to any vehicle on the market at the time.

• Average price: $12,969

The Mazda6 has everything you’d want in a traditional sedan — with a sporty, high-tech feel and impressive fuel efficiency.

• Average price: $9,655

At 32 mpg overall, the 2012 Toyota Corolla is impressively fuel-efficient.

• Average price: $9,552

Spacious and comfortable, the 2012 Honda Civic is available in both hybrid and natural gas versions.

• Average price: $9,534

The 2013 Mazda Mazda6 is the most affordable Mazda model on this list.

• Average price: $9,406

If it hasn’t become clear, Honda has a penchant for making safe and reliable cars. Opt for the coupe version of this Civic if you want to save a few more dollars.

• Average price: $9,363

The 2011 Honda Accord has been extolled for its safety, nabbing all five stars from the NHTSA.

• Average price: $9,240

The 2012 Chevrolet Impala is Chevy’s most affordable option on this list and comes equipped with a powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine.

• Average price: $9,076

At 44 mpg overall in Consumer Report’s tests, the 2011 Toyota Prius is, like newer Prius models, a knockout in fuel efficiency.

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GOBankingRates compiled this list of 22 safe and reliable cars under $15,000 using data from an iSeeCars study.

Photo disclaimer: Photos are for illustrative purposes only. As a result, some of the images may not reflect the model, trim and/or year listed in this article.