13 Most Reliable Used Cars That Are Less Than 5 Years Old

Buying used cars can often feel just as daunting as buying a new one. There are so many options on the market in all segments, and it can quite easily and quickly fry your brain. So, the best strategy is to narrow it down to the last few years.

Specifically, the last five years. Within this range, you can pick up some excellent cars at a great price, with plenty of modern features. Plus, they are likely to be very reliable as well.

This list contains 13 of the most reliable cars produced in the last five years. We will also factor in their value for money and practicality to ensure you get the best bang for your buck.

Mazda Miata MX-5

Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary

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Image Credit: Mazda.

The Mazda MX-5 is an exceptional sports car, and technically, any model year from the current fourth ND generation would be a good choice. But 2019 upwards guarantees you that little bit more reliability, and it was in that year that the car celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Even brand new at around $28,000, the MX-5 is still of great value. Inline-four power is under the hood, and the ND MX-5 can produce up to 181 horsepower. Even against stiffer competition, the MX-5 somehow comes out on top.

Kia Rio

Kia Rio
Image Credit: KIA.

If you want a solid, dependable daily driver, look no further than the Kia Rio. The Rio was last seen on the market in North America in 2023, and it is one of the best daily drivers in recent years. The Rio is economical, with 36 MPG combined, and its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produces 120 horsepower in the 2023 model.

The Rio is also comfortable, making it perfect for daily driving. It can even absorb bumps quite well. Two thousand twenty-three models can be picked up for less than $20,000 and sometimes for as low as $17,000.

Hyundai i20

Hyundai_i20_(BC3)_Facelift_IMG_8594
Image Credit: Alexander-93 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/WikiCommons.

Hyundai has really come into its own over recent years. While it wasn’t sold in the United States, the third-generation i20 is one of the best hatchbacks of recent times. Even more impressive was the i20 N, with its turbocharged 1.6-liter GDi engine producing 204 horsepower.

The regular i20 comes with various engines, including a 1.0-liter inline-three and a 1.5-liter CRDi inline-four diesel. The car also received a facelift in 2024, giving it a slightly more modern and aggressive stance.

Hyundai Accent

Hyundai Accent
Image Credit: Hyundai.

The Hyundai Accent was the North American answer to the i20, and while it isn’t on sale in the USA anymore, you can still pick it up on the second-hand market. The Accent was an impressive sedan, with all models coming with a 120 horsepower four-cylinder engine and a CVT.

Price-wise, a 2022 Accent costs around $17,000, with 2021 models selling for as low as $13,000. The Accent is smooth, comfortable, and economical, with an impressive 36 MPG combined.

Toyota Camry XV50

An all-black Toyota Camry facing the camera, permitting a front-side view in front of a contrasted brick building.
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The Toyota Camry XV50, produced from 2011 to 2019, just sneaked onto this list. It’s an almost bulletproof choice for those who want a comfortable, reliable sedan that won’t let them down.

The Camry XV50 is just as economical and reliable as the latest model. You can pick one up with less than 40,000 miles on the clock. You will also not have to break the bank, with the XV50 regularly selling for below $20,000.

Subaru BRZ

Subaru BRZ
Image Credit: Subaru.

The second generation of the Subaru BRZ has had some notable improvements, and while it is still on sale, used examples of the sports car still represent an excellent option. Under the hood is a 2.4-liter FA24D H4 Boxer engine, producing up to 232 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

The BRZ is a fast, agile, and nippy little sports car that, of course, shares its platform with the Toyota GR86. The 2024 version of the BRZ will cost you $30,195 in the base Premium trim, but if you are lucky, you can find some second-generation models available for less than $25,000.

Honda Accord

Honda Accord
Image Credit: Honda.

When it comes to the Honda Accord, it doesn’t matter what model year from the last five you select. You are going to get a titan of reliability and one of the best four-doors in automobile history. Oh, and don’t forget there is a coupe version to choose from as well.

As the Accord is a mid-sized sedan, it will carry plenty of luggage and passengers without worrying about whether it will break down or not.

Honda Civic

Honda Civic Type R
Image Credit: Honda.

Much like the Honda Accord, any Honda Civic from the last five years is going to put you in good stead for reliable service. This also includes the Type R model, although the latest version is markedly better than the previous generation.

You can, though, pick up 2022 and 2023 editions of the Civic Four between $25,000 and $26,000, which will still save you some money compared to the latest 2024 model. If you fancy the 2019 model, you could pick that up for just over $18,000, which again represents excellent value for money.

Acura MDX

Acura MDX
Image Credit: Acura.

If you fancy splashing a bit more cash on a used car, then you might want to look at the Acura MDX. The MDX is Acura’s current flagship and is likely to remain a part of the range for quite some time.

Acura lists the 2023 MDX at $49,550, and with that, you get a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower. Opt for the Type S 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 version, and you get 355 horsepower.

Kia Stinger

Kia Stinger
Image Credit: Kia.

Depending on the model year, you might have to splash out a little more cash. But you can still get a used Kia Stinger for a brilliant price. The 2019 model, with its six-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, is available for around $24,000 and has less than 60,000 million miles on the clock.

Newer examples of the Stinger will set you back more in some cases, but not all. Edmunds, at the time of writing, has a 2022 Stinger available for $26,990, and it has only done 25,541 miles, which looks like an excellent deal. The Stinger is a fantastic daily driver, with a little bit of sportiness thrown in for good measure.

BMW 3 Series

2023 3 Series 330i
Image Credit: BMW.

The best way to pick up a bargain BMW is to go on the used market, and the 3 Series is an excellent way of getting your hands on a BMW for less than you might expect. A 2023 3 Series 330i could only cost around $30,000, and you get a lot for your money.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower. With mileage as low as 22,000, the 3 Series represents brilliant value for money, and you get that brilliant BMW comfort and luxury, too.

Acura ILX

Acura ILX
Image Credit: Acura.

The Acura ILX is so much more than a dressed-up and posher Honda Civic. While it uses the Civic as its basis, the ILX features excellent luxury and more refinements than its Honda sibling. Plus, the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood provides ample power.

Acura refreshed the ILX in 2019, making many of the previously optional safety features standard. The infotainment system also received an upgrade, and on the used market, one could pick one up for between $18,500 and $22,000.

Chevrolet Volt

Chevrolet Volt 2019
Image Credit: Chevrolet.

The Chevrolet Volt just makes this list. It debuted in 2016, but it was in production in 2019, which was also the final model year for the PHEV. The EPA combined fuel economy figures are impressive, with 106 MPG equivalent and then 42 MPG combined after the 53 miles of all-electric range are used up.

With a used market price of around $19,000-$20,000, the Volt represents a brilliant way to get into the hybrid segment. It’s also one of the sleekest and cleanest-looking hatchbacks of recent years.

Author

Henry Kelsall

Author: Henry Kelsall

Bio:

Henry is a freelance writer, with a love for all things motoring whether it be classic sports cars, or Formula 1 racing. He has freelanced for over eight years now, mostly in automotive matters, but he has also dabbled in other forms of writing too. He has a lot of love for Japanese classics and American muscle cars, in particular the Honda NSX and first-generation Ford Mustang. When not writing, Henry is often found at classic car events or watching motorsports at home, but he also has a curious passion for steam trains and aviation.

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