Is there anything more stressful than buying a used car on a budget? It’s not hard to find used cars under $15,000, but most of them are in poor condition, and will probably break down soon after purchase. However, you can protect yourself from that pain and misery by looking at these reliable Japanese cars.
Japanese cars always come out on top when comparing reliability. Whether it’s aToyota, Honda, Acura, or Lexus, you may count on sound build quality to keep you on the move. If you’re worried about outdated technology, there are ways toadd Apple CarPlay to a carwithout breaking the bank. Otherwise, you could wait another couple of years for adepreciated Tesla Model Ywith really cool features.
In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information on vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Please note that we have ranked the following models from least to most reliable.
10 Toyota models you should buy used
Used Toyota’s are very popular because of their quality, reliability, value-for money. Here are our top ten suggestions.
112016 Nissan Maxima
Reliability Score: 81/100
Starting off with a strongJ.D. Powerreliability score of 81/100, the Nissan Maxima is a modern sedan with a nice interior. When all seats are filled, this mid-sized sedan might feel cramped, but it offers a reasonable amount of space and a comfortable ride. A silky-smooth CVT transmission contributes to the ride quality. Surprisingly, the Maxima is the most powerful vehicle on our list, but it’s not quite a used car that cankeep up with a Porsche Taycan.
Reliability
102013 Honda Accord
Reliability Score: 82/100
In 2013, Honda refreshed the popular Accord, giving it more powerful and improved fuel efficiency. An exterior makeover made the Accord look like an executive car, while cutting-edge features impressed on the inside. Noise-canceling technology counteracted wind and road noise, while an updated sound system drowned out everything else. Most importantly, the new Accord became more reliable, earning it a high score of 82.
92009 Honda Civic
Reliability Score: 83/100
A minor refresh was given to the 2009 Honda Civic, changing the front bumper design and steering wheel. Other than that, it was almost identical to the previous year. Why fix what’s not broken, right? The Civic has been a favorite compact sedan for years, thanks to its roomy interior, fun driving dynamics, and a long list of technology.
82015 Nissan Altima
The 2015 Nissan Altima came in a luxurious package, with a touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable seats, and a plethora of safety systems for its time. Higher grades gained automatic climate control functions, including defrost buttons.
The smaller engine is more than enough, and will cost less on repairs and gas.
Buyers had to choose between a 3.5-liter V6 or a more modest 2.5-liter engine, both of which score 83/100 on J.D. Power. Honestly, the V6 will sound nice, but 182 hp from the smaller engine is more than enough, and will cost less on repairs and gas.
10 Honda models you should buy used
These used Honda models have high reliability scores for peace of mind.
72014 Nissan Sentra
Reliability Score: 84/100
Also updated a year prior, the 2014 Nissan Sentra was a modern car boasting class-leading technology. Even though it just had a major overhaul, this model year brought even more changes. The seats were swapped for comfier ones, more noise-reduction materials were implemented, and a new integrated phone app brought the Sentra to the forefront. With used examples under $10,000, this is a perfect small sedan for any commuter.
62012 Acura TL
Reliability Score: 85/100
The 2021 Acura TL is now a luxury bargain at just $8,704. you’re able to relax in a leather-wrapped cabin as you hurtle past traffic with a rumbling V6 engine, churning out 280 hp. A six-speed automatic transmission does the hard work for you, ensuring the correct gear is always selected for optimum performance. It also has a higher reliability score than some new cars at 85/100.
Here’s how much a Honda Pilot depreciates after 5 years
Don’t buy a new Honda Pilot before reading this - it could cost you.
52012 Toyota Camry
Reliability Score: 86/100
You probably already know how good the Toyota Camry is. Even now, theToyota Camry outsells the Corollaby offering a better package of power, space, and comfort. The same can be said for the 2012 model. Don’t take J.D. Power’s word for its reliability; ask any owner, and they’ve likely had a positive experience. Some owners of older Camry models are clocking over 200,000 miles.
42009 Toyota Corolla
Reliability Score: 87/100
Even if the Camry is more popular, it can’t beat the more mature 2009 Toyota Corolla when it comes to reliability. It has stood the test of time and still supplies the goods. The 2009 Corolla doesn’t have the fancy gizmos of newer cars, but it has everything you need and a sprinkle more in a daily driven vehicle. However, if you just want an affordable and reliable car to last, and you’re not fussed about having the latest technology, then the Corolla is an excellent choice.
10 affordable used cars that can keep up with a Porsche Taycan
You don’t need to spend $100k for a fast car. These sedans put Porsche to shame.
22014 Toyota Avalon
Yes, we have another Toyota. The fact that almost half of this list is occupied by them is testament to the automakers' build quality. The 2014 Toyota Avalon is a stylish mid-sized sedan that would be classed as a luxury vehicle if it wore the right badge. It’s spacious, comfortable, efficient, and has all the bells and whistles, like Bluetooth and a CD player. One problem with it is the price. Since the Avalon is great, it has held its value well over the years. That said, we think it’s worth every penny.
