Buying a used vehicle that has been driven for a significant number of miles and has had multiple owners over the years is a common occurrence. However, buying used vehicles in today’s economy is a profitable decision. Where even the most basic sedans and SUVs across popular brands cost upwards of $40,000 on average, a used car is available for almost half the cost. Here are the top 5 picks among used cars to buy today.

Dodge
Dodge is one of the premier automobile brands that stood the test of time with reliable trims that are still in demand. The Dodge Charger is a popular 4-door sedan that even got featured in action and racing movies. The car boasts a sporty 6.2L Hemi V8 engine capable of 712 HP, making it one of the popular picks for used cars to buy for a base price of approximately $21,000 for the 2018 lineup. Dodge even dominated the pickup truck segment when the brand introduced a powerful midsize production truck featuring a 4.7L Magnum V8 engine. The Dodge Dakota was launched as a competitor for Ford and Chevrolet’s truck series. But one of the key highlights is Dakota’s 7000 lbs. towing capacity which made this truck make a comeback year after year. A used Dodge Dakota will cost you no more than $7,000 for the 2007 trims. To this day, loyal customers of the brand also consider a premium upgrade with the Dodge RAM series that boasts an even bigger engine with the 6.7L Turbocharged Cummins Engine. A used Dodge RAM 2017 trim can be bought for an approximate price of $29,995 from local vendors.

Jeep
Jeep is a name that is synonymous with off-roading, with several of the car’s production series designed for adventure driving. And it’s one of the popular brands for patrons interested in used cars to buy for off-roading but at an affordable price. The 2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4WD is a popular pick priced at a very affordable $25,499. Even with a V6 271 HP engine, this SUV boasts some cool adventure driving capabilities thanks to a 4-wheel drive and 9-speed automatic transmission. For a pure off-roading experience, consider the 2020 Jeep Wrangler trims with a base price of $32,116. Though slightly on the premium side, the price point justifies what the vehicle offers in terms of performance, comfort, and agility in driving across rugged terrain. The Wrangler is designed for a decent off-roading ride with a 285 HP V6 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. So, you have complete control over the vehicle’s throttle and braking response, which feels much better to drive when compared to the automatic trims.

Chevrolet
Chevrolet is another top brand that has been in contention with Ford, Dodge, and even GM. They offer a diverse selection of vehicles that continue to be popular choices for used car purchases in 2023. The Chevy Silverado Series, one of the longest-running trims with its first launch in 1996, remains a popular choice among pickup trucks to buy for an affordable price. Recent trims of the Silverado boast powerful engines and a stunning, comfortable interior that makes the pickup quite comfortable to drive. Even with a 5.3L V8 engine setup, the more recent trims of the Silverado 1500 and 2500 series ensure better fuel economy and affordable upgrades for a very lucrative price point. It’s also the main reason why many people prefer to buy a used Chevy 1500 or 2500 series. The base price of a used 2020 Silverado 1500 series starts at $28,998, and the base price of a 2019 Silverado 2500 work truck starts at $33,998.

Subaru
When it comes to used SUVs, the Subaru Forester 2019 to 2022 production year trims are the top models in demand. And for good reason too! This low-cost and low-maintenance SUV checks across the board for performance, comfort, and design for urban driving. Fuel economy is one of the main perks of the Subaru Forester SUV, ensuring a decent mileage of 29 miles per gallon so you don’t necessarily end up going bankrupt paying for rising fuel costs. The 2.5L four-cylinder engine is small, so don’t expect any crazy off-roading or adventure thrills. However, in city driving, and interstate journeys, the car delivers on its promise of comfort and efficient driving. Another key feature is the all-wheel drive that ensures better handling, throttle control, and braking response while driving at high speeds. And finally, the biggest selling feature is the competitive price of $21,300 for the base trims of the Subaru Forester in the used car segment.

Honda
Consider switching to a sedan suitable for city driving and short-distance hauls. Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Kia, and Chevrolet are some of the top choices in sedans for sale, among other used cars to buy this year. The affordable price point of a used 2020 or 2021 Honda Accord makes it a popular choice among car owners looking for a slightly more premium upgrade. In fact, the ninth and tenth-generation Honda Accord comes highly recommended by Consumer Reports every year. You can check out deals and current prices on the Sedan LX, Sedan Sport, Sedan EX, Sedan EX-L, and Sedan Touring. Each trim has a unique feature that makes the sedan worthy of buying from local vendors and even certified pre-owned dealerships owned by the brand. In addition, the low maintenance and fuel economy savings make the Honda Accord an affordable pick, with base trims priced at just under 24,998 for the 2020 series.

When buying a used car, it’s important to take into account various factors like driving conditions, daily requirements, personal preferences, and even the driving styles of family members. Avoid making impulsive decisions based solely on a cheap price or an enticing deal. It’s crucial to assess your needs first and then make a wise and informed decision.