Best Used Cars for Under $15K

According to Edmunds data, the average price of a 3-year-old used vehicle is more than $30,000. Fortunately, spending about half that can still get you a car with a compelling combination of comfort, reliability, fuel economy, and modern technology. Edmunds experts have identified four small sedans and one midsize sedan, each with a competitive Edmunds score, widespread availability on the used market, and a reliability score of at least 4 out of 5 from RepairPal. Edmunds also notes the latest model years you can expect to find at nationwide retailers such as Carvana and CarMax that meet a $15,000 price cap. A look, via the AP:

• Honda Civic: The Civic delivers excellent fuel economy and peppy acceleration, while its suspension tuning strikes a near-perfect balance between ride quality and athleticism. Although the Civic's center touch screen can be slow and annoying, the Civic otherwise impresses with its roomy back seat and tight construction. Look for: Aim to get a 2016 Civic if you can. It received a full redesign this year that features new styling, a roomier interior, and a new optional turbocharged engine with plenty of power plus high mpg.
• Kia Forte: The Forte's sharp styling, quiet interior, and an extensive list of available features make it feel like a small sedan that's more refined than its price would suggest. It gets good fuel economy and has a large and easy-to-load trunk. The Forte's ride quality can be a bit too firm and uncomfortable over bumps. Look for: The latest generation of the Forte debuted in 2019. Any Forte from this year up to 2021 or so should be pretty easy to find for under $15,000.

• Mazda 3: The Mazda 3 is genuinely fun to drive. Even if performance isn't a priority, this responsiveness can be a valuable asset during emergency maneuvers. The Mazda 3's sharp exterior design also offers a dose of style, while its interior quality exceeds expectations, and its crash test scores put it among the top of its class. Look for: The third-generation Mazda 3 debuted in 2014 and was produced through 2018. Buyers shouldn't have any difficulty finding solid choices from the later years of that production run.
• Toyota Corolla: A long-running staple in the compact sedan class, the Corolla built its reputation on providing no-nonsense transportation with low running costs. The Corolla gets high marks for its comfort and appealing list of advanced driver assist features. It's not as spacious as some rivals, and pokey acceleration keeps the fun factor relatively low, but it's otherwise sensible. Look for: Toyota introduced the 11th-generation Corolla for 2013. You should be able to get a 2015 to 2017 Corolla for under $15,000.
• Chevrolet Malibu: As the only midsize car in this group, the Malibu offers more space for passengers and their cargo than the other sedans on this list, yet it still delivers proven reliability and strong overall value. Look for: The current-generation Malibu arrived in 2016. Any Malibu from this year or newer is a good pick. If you can find one, the 2019 Malibu is worth seeking out for its revised styling and updated infotainment tech.