Despite SUVs dominating the automotive landscape more than ever, sedans remain a compelling choice for many drivers. If you're hunting for a used sedan as your next vehicle, you're in luck — the market is flush with excellent makes, models, and generations to explore. We'll tackle other body styles like hatchbacks and coupes in separate guides.
As with any used-car purchase, it pays to do your homework on every vehicle you're seriously considering. Look into certified pre-owned (CPO) programs, review EPA-estimated fuel economy figures, dig into Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash-test results, and confirm whether any factory warranty remains.
Use this list of what we consider many of the best used sedans to kick off your search. You'll notice we've left out luxury vehicles and premium-brand sedans from the likes of Volvo, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz — not because those are bad cars, but because certain models simply deliver stronger value on the used market. Let's dive in!
The Best Used Sedans in 2026
- 2018 Toyota Avalon
- 2019 Hyundai Sonata
- 2018 Subaru Legacy
- 2018 Mazda6
- 2017 Honda Accord
- 2018 Mazda3
- 2016 Toyota Corolla
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2018 Toyota Avalon
Best for: Buyers wanting a side of luxury to go with their used sedan
Price range: Under $30,000
Honestly, this entire list could be stacked with used Toyotas alone — but where's the fun in that? What is genuinely enjoyable is picking up a used Toyota Avalon. Toyota's former flagship sedan is sometimes dismissed as a "big Camry," but that label barely scratches the surface of what this upscale full-size sedan has to offer. These are remarkably comfortable, refined, and smooth automobiles — qualities that many luxury brands spend fortunes trying to achieve. The 2018 Avalon once commanded prices deep into the $40,000 range when new, but used examples have since settled comfortably into the mid-$20,000 territory.
That price buys you something that's essentially a Lexus without the badge. The Avalon offered two powertrain choices, both of which are excellent. The hybrid setup pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a combined 200 horsepower, while the conventional 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 hp and 248 pound-feet of torque. Both deliver a serene, polished driving experience, though the V6 is capable of real muscle when you need it. Top trims sweeten the deal further with leather upholstery, navigation, and a host of other premium amenities.
On the safety front, the 2018 Avalon earned a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, backed by a generous standard suite of driver-assistance features including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alerts, automatic high beam headlights, and radar cruise control.
2019 Hyundai Sonata
Best for: Buyers wanting a well-equipped used vehicle with style
Price range: Under $20,000
It's easy to get caught up in the buzz around Toyota and Honda sedans and overlook the many other strong contenders out there — including the Hyundai Sonata. Newer Sonatas have made headlines with bold, futuristic styling and cutting-edge technology, but models from just a few years back offer a wealth of advanced and premium features at a fraction of the price.
For the 2019 model year, Hyundai offered the Sonata with a variety of powertrain options. The standard engine was a 185-hp, 2.4-liter inline-four. Buyers wanting more punch could opt for the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which delivered 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The fuel-focused Sonata Eco used a 178-hp, 1.6-liter turbo-four, while the Sonata Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter inline-four with a pair of electric motors for a total of 154 hp.
Whether you're shopping on a tight budget or looking for something more upscale, the 2019 Sonata has options. Even the base model shipped with a 7-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added leather seating, a power moonroof, and heated and ventilated seats. Sport-oriented trims brought larger alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes for those who want a more dynamic experience.
The 2019 Sonata earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, supported by standard safety features including stability and traction control, a rear-view camera, and a comprehensive airbag system. Optional safety upgrades were affordable and widely adopted, making it easy to find used examples with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
2018 Subaru Legacy
Best for: Buyers wanting the stability and safety of standard all-wheel drive (AWD)
Price range: Under $20,000
Subaru has long prioritized safety and value over outright performance, and the Legacy is one of the clearest examples of that philosophy. The result is a sedan that flies somewhat under the radar compared to juggernauts like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, yet matches or exceeds them in terms of features and technology for the money. The 2018 Legacy hit an impressive sweet spot, balancing a generous equipment list, strong safety credentials, and a confidence-inspiring drive. It also holds a unique distinction in its class: standard all-wheel drive across every trim level.
The base 2018 Legacy arrived with 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth, USB inputs, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Moving up the trim ladder added more features without dramatically increasing the price. The top-of-the-line Limited trim brought genuine luxury touches, including leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and blind-spot monitors. Most Legacy sedans were powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 175 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, though the Limited trim offered an optional 3.6-liter flat-six making 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The larger engine transformed the driving experience, though it came with a noticeable hit to fuel efficiency.
Safety was a clear strength of the 2018 Legacy, which earned a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS. While an advanced safety suite wasn't standard equipment, it was offered at an affordable price when the car was new, meaning used examples with the tech are plentiful. Subaru's EyeSight package bundled adaptive cruise control, active lane control, forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Top trims could also be equipped with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
2018 Mazda6
Best for: Buyers who want an upscale, fun-to-drive sedan at a reasonable price
Price range: Under $20,000
Mazda managed something genuinely impressive with the Mazda6: a sedan that's genuinely engaging to drive, beautifully appointed inside, and still priced accessibly on the used market. Skip past the Nissan Altima or Kia K5 — the midsize Mazda6 offered a driver-focused experience without sacrificing the practicality needed for family road trips. Like Subaru with the Legacy, Mazda never moved Mazda6 units in the same volumes as Toyota and Honda, but that only adds to its appeal as a hidden gem for savvy used-car shoppers.
The 2018 Mazda6 came standard with dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Moving up a trim or two unlocked a moonroof, Bose sound system, and navigation. The Mazda6 Sport was also available with a manual transmission, though those examples are increasingly rare on the used market. At the top of the range, the Mazda6 rivaled the best European sedans in feel and refinement — without the steep depreciation or elevated maintenance costs. The standard 2.5-liter inline-four produced 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, while upper trims offered a turbocharged version of the same engine making 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The 2018 Mazda6 earned a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS and posted one of the class's best scores for LATCH system ease of use. A comprehensive advanced safety package was available at a reasonable price, so finding a well-equipped used example is far from difficult.
2017 Honda Accord
Best for: Buyers wanting great selection and solid predicted reliability
Price range: Under $20,000
The Honda Accord is one of those rare vehicles that earns its reputation at every price point. Newer used examples bring efficient hybrid powertrains, modern safety technology, and exceptional everyday comfort, while also delivering enough driving engagement to keep things interesting. The 2017 Accord is a particularly smart pick right now, as prices have dropped to genuinely attractive levels.
The entry-level 2017 Accord LX came equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touchscreen, Pandora audio streaming, and more right out of the box. Top-tier trims added a full suite of driver-assistance technology, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and a premium audio system with real presence. Navigation and leather upholstery were also on the options list. The Accord Hybrid is worth seeking out as well — it can often be found for only a modest premium over the standard model and rewards owners with outstanding fuel economy. The base powertrain was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 185 hp, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The V6 option stepped things up with 278 hp and featured cylinder deactivation to maximize highway fuel efficiency.
Safety has always been a hallmark of the Accord, and 2017 was no different. The car earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS, contingent on the presence of optional safety equipment and upgraded headlights. Given how many Accords were sold that year across all configurations, finding a used example already equipped with those features is quite straightforward.
2018 Mazda3
Best for: Buyers wanting a sporty but premium-feeling small sedan
Price range: Under $20,000
Mazda has been on an impressive run in recent years, consistently producing vehicles that punch well above their price class in terms of design, refinement, and driving enjoyment. The Mazda3 is no exception — it's a compact sedan with sharp, contemporary styling and an interior that feels more upscale than you'd expect from a mainstream brand. While the latest generation is the most polished yet, older models like the 2018 represent exceptional value on the used market.
The 2018 Mazda3 was offered with two engine choices. Base trims used a 155-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while higher trims stepped up to a more energetic 184-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The 2018 model year was also notable for introducing Mazda's i-Activesense safety suite, which brought automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition to the lineup.
The 2018 Mazda3 earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, bolstered by a solid array of both standard and optional safety equipment. Every model came with hill-start assist, a rear-view camera, and a multi-airbag system as standard. Upgraded trims are easy to find on the used market with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and additional driver aids. Best of all, the Mazda3 remains widely available for under $20,000.
2016 Toyota Corolla
Best for: Buyers wanting one of the most popular and solidly rated vehicles on the planet
Price range: Under $15,000
There are reliable cars, and then there is the Toyota Corolla — a category unto itself. Don't expect thrills behind the wheel of Toyota's legendary compact, but do expect years of near-trouble-free ownership, low maintenance costs, and excellent fuel economy. The 2016 Corolla delivered a genuinely impressive level of refinement, equipment, and value for its price, and could even be optioned with a manual transmission for drivers who prefer full control over their gears.
The 2016 Corolla kept things refreshingly straightforward inside, and that simplicity translated directly into day-to-day usability. Even the base L trim came with air conditioning, LED headlights, USB and iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth as standard. Higher trims added a premium audio system, larger wheels, and selectable drive modes. Of course, every Corolla in the lineup was powered by the same 1.8-liter inline-four producing 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. That engine won't set pulses racing, but it does return up to an impressive 42 mpg on the highway.
The 2016 Corolla narrowly missed a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, though it performed well across most crash-test categories. It earned "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness evaluations except for the small overlap front driver-side test, where it received a "Marginal" score.
The Best Used Sedans in 2026 FAQs
What are the best used sedans to buy right now?
Some of the strongest picks on the used sedan market include the 2018 Toyota Avalon, 2017 Honda Accord, 2019 Hyundai Sonata, 2018 Mazda6, and 2018 Subaru Legacy, among others. These models stand out for their reliability, safety credentials, and the sheer amount of car you get for the money compared to buying new. Most can be found for under $20,000, with the Toyota Corolla available for under $15,000.
Are used sedans a good value compared to used SUVs?
Sedans often deliver more refinement, better fuel economy, and lower purchase prices than comparable used SUVs — making them a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a well-equipped vehicle. Models like the 2018 Toyota Avalon, for example, originally sold for deep into the $40,000 range new but can now be found in the mid-$20,000s. For buyers who don't need the extra cargo height or all-wheel drive of an SUV, a used sedan frequently offers stronger overall value.
Which used sedan is the best choice if I want standard all-wheel drive?
The 2018 Subaru Legacy is the standout option here, as it's one of the few sedans in its class to offer standard all-wheel drive across every trim level. That makes it a particularly appealing pick for drivers in snowy or wet climates who want added traction without having to pay extra for it. It also earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and came with an available EyeSight safety suite that bundled adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more.
What should I look for when buying a used sedan?
It's worth checking whether the model you're considering has a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, which can offer added peace of mind through extended warranty coverage. You should also review IIHS crash-test ratings, confirm EPA fuel economy figures, and verify whether any factory warranty is still active on the vehicle. Taking the time to find a used example that was optioned with available safety technology — like blind-spot monitoring or automatic emergency braking — can also make a big difference in both safety and resale value.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car-shopping websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes ours different: In addition to the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts, our best cars guides take into account other factors that we know matter to buyers-real owner experiences and current market value.
Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
We also analyze hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus.com to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners-people who actually live with these cars every day. Our proprietary Best Cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating combining expert scores, user reviews, and the percentage of listings that have earned the Good or Great Deal rating. This multi-pronged approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
