Older Cars That Are Still Worth the Green
Buying a brand-new car isn't always the smartest choice. It isn’t always the most cost-effective one, either, especially when plenty of older guys exist on the lot that still have plenty to offer. Not every aging vehicle deserves your money, though, so it pays to know which model years have earned a reputation for durability. If you're shopping for something dependable without spending an arm and a leg, these 20 cars from the last decade or so deserve a closer look.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
1. 2016 Toyota Avalon
If you want something comfortable and spacious, you can’t really do better than a 2016 Toyota Avalon. You won’t pay luxury-car prices, and its 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 horsepower, giving you plenty of power for highway driving. It’s also hard not to appreciate the roomy back seats.
Greg Goebel from Loveland CO, USA on Wikimedia
2. 2013 Honda Fit
Don't underestimate the 2013 Honda Fit! Just because it's smaller than most cars on the road doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer. Its clever Magic Seat system gives you everything you could want for everyday storage, and it also comes with excellent fuel economy. Despite what people say, this little hatchback is still a practical option.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima on Wikimedia
3. 2015 Lexus ES 350
Anyone interested in an affordable luxury vehicle should at least look into the 2015 Lexus ES 350. Forget about its attractive exterior for a second—beneath all the frills sits a proven 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the interior offers comfortable leather seating for anyone lucky enough to hop in. Maintenance can cost more than a regular Toyota, but it also has plenty of durability.
U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wikimedia
4. 2016 Mazda6
The 2016 Mazda6 proves that an older family sedan doesn't have to be boring to drive. We’re talking all the good stuff: responsive steering, attractive styling, and an efficient 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine. Everyday commuting just got a little easier.
5. 2014 Toyota Prius
If saving money on gas is your biggest priority, the 2014 Toyota Prius is worth more than a passing glance. This hybrid delivers an EPA-estimated 50 mpg combined, making it way more economical than other sedans of the same age. Just remember to have the hybrid battery and engine inspected before buying, particularly on higher-mileage models.
6. 2016 Honda Accord
There's a reason the Honda Accord continues to wow people! Above all else, you have options, and could easily choose between an efficient four-cylinder engine and a more powerful V6. The spacious interior and comfortable highway manners aren’t anything to sneeze at, either.
7. 2015 Toyota Yaris
You probably won't win any popularity contests driving a 2015 Toyota Yaris, but you'll appreciate its straightforward design nonetheless. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine is economical, yes, but the dimensions make crowded cities a lot easier to manage, too. You also have a comfortable reputation for reliability.
8. 2016 Acura ILX
The 2016 Acura ILX is an underrated option when you want something more refined than an ordinary sedan. But consider this your nudge in its direction! Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 201 horsepower and works with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which gives you lively acceleration for everyday driving. Used examples don't always command the same attention as luxury models, either, so you might just find a well-equipped ILX at a good price.
9. 2015 Toyota Camry
Few midsize sedans have established a reputation quite like the Camry, and the refreshed 2015 version still has bang for your buck. Along with updated styling, it comes fully equipped with a comfortable interior, predictable handling, and a choice of four-cylinder or V6 engines. It’s a win-win for anyone who values dependable transportation over unnecessary extras.
10. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Who says buying an older car means giving up on having fun behind the wheel? Just look at the redesigned 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata! It weighs relatively little, handles beautifully, and offers a responsive 2.0-liter engine paired with an available six-speed manual transmission. Okay, yes, you’ll have to sacrifice passenger space, but it still boasts a fun ride without the usual exotic sports-car expenses.
Greg Goebel from Loveland CO, USA on Wikimedia
11. 2014 Lexus IS 350
If you’re leaning towards a sportier luxury sedan, you need to look at the 2014 Lexus IS 350. Not only does it have a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, but the available F Sport package adds distinctive styling to boot. Lexus also has an excellent reputation for longevity, so you won’t have to part with it anytime soon.
order_242 from Chile on Wikimedia
12. 2016 Subaru Legacy
Challenging road conditions don’t hold a candle to the 2016 Subaru Legacy, so if you brave dicey conditions, this one’s for you. Unlike its midsize sedan competitors, this one includes standard all-wheel drive, a spacious interior, and available EyeSight technology. Just make sure the transmission operates smoothly during your test drive.
13. 2015 Honda Civic
Although the Civic has changed over the years, the 2015 model is still a smart choice for affordable daily transportation. It’s hard not to see the appeal. Its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine delivers respectable fuel economy, and the cabin offers more passenger room than you might expect from a compact car. You also don’t have to tear out your hair fighting with newer tech.
14. 2016 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
A used Lincoln might not be your first thought, but the 2016 MKZ Hybrid has some appealing qualities. We’re not just talking about the gasoline-electric powertrain. We’re also talking about the comfortable seats and quiet interior. Now, you'll want a thorough hybrid-system inspection before pulling the trigger, but that combo of luxury and fuel efficiency is tough to beat.
15. 2015 Scion tC
Toyota's discontinued Scion brand lives on in our hearts, especially the 2015 tC! This affordable little coupe features a 179-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, a huge glass roof, and a practical rear hatch that accommodates more cargo than you’d think. Let’s also not forget that Scion vehicles share much of their engineering with Toyota products, so finding replacement parts is also a breeze.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia on Wikimedia
16. 2016 Toyota Corolla
The 2016 Toyota Corolla won't impress anyone with its acceleration, but that's not what makes it worth buying. Think of everything else you’re getting: an economical 1.8-liter engine, generous rear-seat space, and affordable maintenance costs. Even a basic LE trim has useful conveniences such as a backup camera and Bluetooth connectivity, so you’re not stuck in the Dark Ages.
17. 2013 Acura TSX
The 2013 Acura TSX deserves more attention from anyone looking for a comfortable, well-built sedan. Alright, it may lack some of the newer driver-assistance features, but that’s not enough to detract from its standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Not to mention, the TSX also has excellent interior materials and solid engineering for the money.
InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA on Wikimedia
18. 2015 Toyota Prius c
At the end of the day, not everyone needs a full-size hybrid, and that’s where the smaller 2015 Toyota Prius c comes in. Its compact dimensions make city driving effortless, but an EPA-estimated 50 mpg combined helps keep your fuel expenses manageable, too. The modest acceleration won't excite anyone, but there’s plenty to appreciate if you value affordability and efficiency most.
19. 2016 Chevrolet Impala
Do you want a large American sedan over the usual Japanese alternatives? Look no further than the Impala. Equipped with the available 3.6-liter V6, it produces 305 horsepower and provides plenty of passing power. Best of all, if you enjoy highway driving, its generous trunk and comfortable seats are ideal for road trips.
20. 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Say what you will about it, but the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid combines practicality with better fuel economy. Its gasoline-electric powertrain provides smooth acceleration and an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined in LE trim, making it an attractive option for commuters, too. With documented maintenance and a healthy hybrid battery, this one can still be a worthwhile purchase.
