Best Used Cars Under $20,000
307 cars in our catalog fit. These 3 score highest on documented problems, running costs, crash tests, fuel economy and space, each with the model years to shop and the engine to look for.
Refine with your own answersBest match: Toyota Camry
2018-2019 · 8th gen · $16-22k
Toyota Camry
2018-2019 · 8th gen · $16-22k2.5L hybrid · Hybrid LE, SE, XLE, XSE · 208 hp · Sedan
- Among the slowest to depreciate
- Top crash-test results for its era
- Quieter and smoother than most in its class
The Toyota Camry came out ahead. Look for the 2.5L hybrid: 46 mpg combined and about $480 a year in maintenance and typical repairs.
- Typical price
- $16-22k
- MPG combined
- 46
- Upkeep a year
- $480
- Seats
- 5
Documented problems
0
None on file
No recurring failure is documented for this generation and engine.
Price by model year
$16,000-22,000
Typical private-party price for 2018-2019, average miles
2018-2019 are the newest years in your budget with no serious known problems.
Second pick: Toyota Corolla
2020-2022 · 12th gen · $15-21.5kAbout $100 a year less upkeep than the Camry
Toyota Corolla
2020-2022 · 12th gen · $15-21.5kAbout $100 a year less upkeep than the Camry1.8L hybrid · Hybrid · 121 hp · Sedan
- No major documented failure pattern
- Among the slowest to depreciate
- Top crash-test results for its era
- Typical price
- $15-21.5k
- MPG combined
- 52
- Upkeep a year
- $380
- Seats
- 5
Documented problems
0
None on file
No recurring failure is documented for this generation and engine.
Price by model year
$15,000-21,500
Typical private-party price for 2020-2022, average miles
2020-2022 are the newest years in your budget with no serious known problems.
Third pick: Toyota Prius
2019-2021 · 4th gen · $14.5-21.5kAbout $1,000 less than the Camry
Toyota Prius
2019-2021 · 4th gen · $14.5-21.5kAbout $1,000 less than the Camry1.8L hybrid · AWD-e from 2019 · 121 hp · Hatchback
- No major documented failure pattern
- Among the slowest to depreciate
- Top crash-test results for its era
- Typical price
- $14.5-21.5k
- MPG combined
- 52
- Upkeep a year
- $420
- Seats
- 5
Documented problems
0
None on file
No recurring failure is documented for this generation and engine.
Price by model year
$14,500-21,500
Typical private-party price for 2019-2021, average miles
2019-2021 are the newest years in your budget with no serious known problems. 2016-2018 also fit.
More that fit
- Honda Accord
2018-2019 · 10th gen · 2.0L hybrid
$15-21k$500 a year upkeep - Hyundai Elantra
2022-2023 · CN7 · 1.6L 4-cylinder hybrid
$14.5-22.5k$520 a year upkeep - Honda Civic
2020-2021 · 10th gen · 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder
$15-20.5k$430 a year upkeep - Kia K5
2021 · 1st gen · 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder
$16-22k$560 a year upkeep - Tesla Model 3
2018-2019 · 1st gen · Dual motor, all-wheel drive
$15-21.5k$450 a year upkeep - Mazda CX-5
2017-2019 · KF · 2.5L 4-cylinder
$13-23k$540 a year upkeep - Hyundai Sonata
2020-2021 · DN8 · 2.0L 4-cylinder hybrid
$14-22k$580 a year upkeep
Known problems at this budget
- Critical
Acura MDX
2016-2020 · 3.5L V6
Connecting rod bearing recall (engine can seize)
Free at Acura dealers: an inspection, and a new engine if damaged
Problems and prices - Critical
BMW 3 Series
2012-2015 · 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder
Timing chain guides wear and the chain can jump
$3,000-5,000
Problems and prices - Critical
Chevrolet Equinox
2010-2017 · 2.4L 4-cylinder
Burns oil fast enough to run the engine dry between changes
$3,000-5,000 for pistons and rings
Problems and prices
Picks reflect documented patterns and typical prices for these model years. Not a guarantee for any individual vehicle. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.