Back to GuidesIf you have $15,000 to spend on a new car, you may be surprised how many options you have. With the least expensive new car on the market being more than $17,000, you'll have to look to the used car market, but we guarantee you won't be short of choices.
While $15,000 certainly doesn't go as far as it used to, the $10,000 to $15,000 price range is a sweet spot for used cars, and everything from compact cars to midsize cars to various crossovers and minivans could make their way into your garage.
Best Used Cars Under $15,000 in 2025
1. 2022 Kia Soul
2. 2015 Acura RDX
3. 2017 Subaru Outback
4. 2017 Honda Accord
5. 2018 Mazda Mazda6
6. 2017 Volkswagen GTI
7. 2014 Lexus ES
8. 2020 Toyota Corolla
9. 2018 Buick Regal Sportback
10. 2015 Mazda Mazda5
11. 2015 Jeep Wrangler
12. 2016 Toyota Prius
13. 2020 Ford Fusion
14. 2018 Honda Fit
15. 2017 Chevrolet Traverse
1. 2022 Kia Soul
The 2022 Kia Soul is a great example of a newer used car that's still affordable. Its low price point from new, its relative simplicity, its excellent warranty, and its popularity make it an automotive bargain only three years after it initially left the dealership lot. Most models come with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer, and sub-50,000-mile examples are not hard to find.
Its boxy shape won't appeal to everyone, but that makes the Soul spacious, practical, and versatile. Technically a subcompact crossover, the Soul’s hatchback design and low stance make its 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space easy to access. Fold the rear seats down and 62.1 cubic feet opens up behind the front passengers, and rear-seat passengers get 38.8 cubic feet of legroom.
Most examples come with a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT, but a turbo model with a 201-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder powerplant and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission could also turn up with less than 100,000 miles. Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, as are features suc has an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and six speakers.
Browse used 2022 Kia Soul listings here.
2. 2015 Acura RDX
You don't have to spend an arm and a leg to buy a luxury crossover, and the 2015 Acura RDX is your ticket into the club. It's not as ritzy or as prestigious as competitors from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Volvo, but it has a high-end feel than many other non-luxury crossovers can't match, including the Honda CR-V on which it's based.
Under its hood lies a 273-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is also available, but either way, the RDX’s fuel economy is commendable. FWD models can see as high as 28 MPG on the highway, while AWD models are rated at one MPG less. Base model FWD and AWD models are the likeliest to be on the used market with less than 100,000 miles.
Inside, buyers will find a spacious and inviting interior. Rear-seat passengers have 38.8 inches of legroom at their disposal, 26.1 cubic feet of cargo space is available in the trunk, and good build quality is evident throughout the cabin. Features such as dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, Bluetooth, and leather upholstery make it even more comfortable.
Browse used 2015 Acura RDX listings here.
3. 2017 Subaru Outback
The 2017 Subaru Outback is a unique vehicle. It features a full-time AWD system that's excellent in bad weather, has the elongated body of a station wagon that opens up 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and comes with the higher ground clearance that one would expect of an SUV or crossover.
Most models in our price range feature a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower, 174 lb-ft of torque, and a CVT. This powertrain is able to achieve impressive fuel economy estimates of 25 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, despite its full-time AWD system.
Base, Premium, and Limited trim levels are the most widely available on the used market, many of which can be found with around or fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer. The Outback’s high safety scores complement standard features such as hill descent control, Bluetooth, a 6.2-inch infotainment display, and roof rails.
Browse used 2017 Subaru Outback listings here.
4. 2017 Honda Accord
The Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord are often held in equally high regard, as they should be, but the Accord is arguably the better choice. The styling is a little more interesting, it's slightly larger than its midsize rival, and it's more engaging to drive. Additionally, 2017 marked the final year that a coupe body style was offered as part of the Accord lineup, giving enthusiasts who can't afford a true sports car a sporty looking alternative.
A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower is paired with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive to form the most basic powertrain. A CVT is the more common transmission option and the more fuel-efficient, with a 30 MPG combined fuel economy rating. Sport models get a four-horsepower boost over the standard powertrain, and a 278-horsepower V6 engine is available for those who want the extra push.
LX, Sport, and EX sedan and LX-S and EX coupe models with the four-cylinder powerplant will be the easiest to find with fewer than 100,000 miles. Expect features such as alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and a four-speaker audio system. EX models come more well-equipped with the likes of foglights, a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Browse used 2017 Honda Accord listings here.
5. 2018 Mazda Mazda6
Mazda discontinued the Mazda6 after the 2021 model year, but there are still plenty on the used market. Even though the Mazda3 is the more obvious choice, the Mazda6 is underrated and can be just as good. It's a midsize sedan, so it's bigger than the Mazda3, and one of the most stylish sedans among its rivals. It's also much more engaging to drive than rivals such as the Nissan Altima, the Hyundai Sonata, and the Honda Accord.
If you have $15,000 to spend, then look to 2018 examples. The exterior was sharpened for that model year, thanks to a mid-cycle refresh, and the vast majority of models within our price range come with a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. The enthusiast's choice of a six-speed manual may even be hiding in a few used examples.
Because the Mazda6 doesn't hold its value as well as the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord, it's quite easy to find 2018 Sport and Touring models with 100,000 miles or less. Standard tech and safety features included an eight-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth, a six-speaker sound system, and blind-spot monitoring. The Toyota Camry may be the typical class leader, but we think the Mazda6 stands up for itself just fine.
Browse used 2018 Mazda Mazda6 listings here.
6. 2017 Volkswagen GTI
The 2017 Volkswagen GTI may not be a hardened rear-wheel drive sports car, but it packs enough punch for your average enthusiast. It's fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 210 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is also available.
When you're not enjoying its excellent handling, the boxy hatchback design, the practical interior, and the spacious back seats transform the GTI into a well-rounded family vehicle. There's 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear passenger seats and you can expect a combined fuel economy of 28 MPG from the manual version.
You can easily find $15,000 S and Sport models from 2017 with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer. Each one comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated front seats, and LED foglights. Be sure to check any GTI model thoroughly, as they are popular tuner cars and may have been driven hard. Find a good one, though, and you'll be thoroughly rewarded.
Browse used 2017 Volkswagen GTI listings here.
7. 2014 Lexus ES
The quick answer for the best-used car at just about any price point is the Toyota Camry, but the Lexus ES is just as good. It's built on the same platform as the Camry, and its status as a midsize luxury car means it's more stylish than the Camry has has smarter features. It's also a very reliable used car, with as stellar a record as its corporate sibling.
It holds its value just as well, too. The base model 2014 ES 350 can be found with fewer than 100,000 miles, but buyers still benefit from features such as xenon headlights, Bluetooth, leatherette upholstery, and a sunroof. The smooth ride is accentuated by comfortable seats and 40 inches of legroom for backseat passengers, more than many affordable used crossovers can provide.
A 3.5-liter V6 engine with 268 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive make up the standard powertrain, while fuel economy estimates of 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway aren't bad for a midsize sedan with a V6 from more than a decade ago.
Browse used 2014 Lexus ES listings here.
8. 2020 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has a reputation for being one of the most reliable used cars you can buy. Nothing about it is fancy, but it's a bit more accessible than a Honda Civic for $15,000, and the 2020 model year hits a great sweet spot between modern technology, affordability, and low mileage that few affordable cars can match.
L and LE sedan from the 2020 model year are the easiest to find within our price range with fewer than 100,000 miles. They come with a 139-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT. Every 2020 Corolla is front-wheel drive and, with a combined fuel economy of 34 MPG, the Corolla makes an excellent commuter car.
LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay are included in the entry-level model. The LE trim adds a few extra luxuries such as an eight-inch touchscreen, larger wheels, and automatic climate control. The Corolla may be basic, but it remains a $15,000 bargain for those looking for straightforward transportation.
Browse used 2020 Toyota Corolla listings here.
9. 2018 Buick Regal Sportback
The 2018 Buick Regal offers a different flavor for those with $15,000 to spend on a used vehicle. It features stately styling, a hatchback trunk for good cargo area accessibility, and a touch of elegance in an affordable package. It's not as refined as luxury cars from Lexus, BMW, or Volvo, but it has a pillow-soft ride that previous Buick owners will find familiar.
Budding Buick owners will be happy to know that used 2018 models can be found on the used car market with fewer than 100,000 miles. Base and Preferred trims are the most abundant, which unlocks the possibility of finding models with anything from blind-spot monitoring to an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay to a heated steering wheel.
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine serves as the heart of the Regal’s powertrain. It delivers 250 horsepower through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive models are rated to return 26 combined MPG, while all-wheel drive versions muster 24 MPG in the city and highway combined.
Browse used 2018 Buick Regal Sportback listings here.
10. 2015 Mazda Mazda5
The Honda Odyssey, the Toyota Sienna, and the Dodge Grand Caravan are excellent used minivans, but the Mazda Mazda5 is often forgotten. Its final model year was 2015, and that's the one you should choose if you want a small minivan with a bit of flair.
It only comes with six seats, lacks power sliding doors, and its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has a mere 157-horsepower, but its small proportions make it more maneuverable, more fuel-efficient, and zipper than many other minivans. Front-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission help it achieve 28 MPG on the highway and its Mazda DNA makes it feel nimble and fun to drive for a people hauler.
Its simplicity and the lack of some minivan features we now take for granted help make the Mazda5 one of the most affordable used vehicles on our list. Well-kept models with less than 80,000 miles can be found on the used market for less than $15,000. Even fully loaded examples with leather seating, remote start, a rear-seat entertainment system, heated front seats, and xenon headlights can cost closer to $10,000.
Browse used 2015 Mazda Mazda5 listings here.
11. 2015 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic SUV known for its ability to conquer the great outdoors, so why wouldn’t you want one for $15,000? The best chance of securing a two or a four-door Wrangler with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer is reaching back to 2015 for a Sport model. A 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque is standard, as is a six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.
As a rugged, body-on-frame SUV, the Wrangler doesn't have the best road manners, but most people who buy one choose it for its off-road capability. Four-wheel drive is standard on every model, but the plethora of aftermarket products and strong support mean you can upgrade your used Jeep with everything from off-road extras to decals and tech upgrades.
The Wrangler isn't just a unique off-roader, though. Four-door models come with 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity. The two-door models are less expansive, but the Wrangler’s iconic, boxy shape allows for ample passenger headroom.
Browse used 2015 Jeep Wrangler listings here.
12. 2016 Toyota Prius
Until recently, the Toyota Prius was seen as a small eco-friendly commuter car that excelled in the fuel economy department and not much else—and such is the 2016 model. It certainly sets the fuel-efficiency standard, with a combined economy rating of 56 MPG, but it has a few more tricks up its sleeve than saving money at the pump.
For starters, it earns higher-than-average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, a big plus with ever-increasing repair prices. It's also a hatchback, offering a higher level of trunk accessibility and 24.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and, despite its small size, the Prius soaks up bumps quite well.
Two electric motors and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine power the front wheels. Only 121 horsepower is available through a CVT, but the largest draw is its fuel efficiency. For $15,000, you can get a Prius Two with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer. That includes features suc has LED headlights, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and a 6.1-inch infotainment display.
Browse used 2016 Toyota Prius listings here.
13. 2020 Ford Fusion
Ford discontinued the Fusion after the 2020 model year, as sedan sales were falling significantly to crossovers, but the Fusion remains one of the best used cars on the market. It's overshadowed by competitors such as the Toyota Camry, the Hyundai Sonata, the Nissan Altima, and the Honda Accord, but it has a ton to offer those willing to give it a chance.
Lower overall resale values than its competitors mean a used 2020 Ford Fusions in any trim level can be had with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer. A 173-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers the most basic S model, while two turbo options—one a fuel-efficient 1.5-liter unit with 181 horsepower, the other a 245-horsepower 2.0-liter four-banger—power the rest of the lineup. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.
Standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist complement tech features such as Bluetooth, a 4.2-inch center display, and a four-speaker sound system. Better-equipped models can be had with heated front seats, LED headlights, an eight-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay. A stylish exterior, a pleasantly designed interior, and a great balance of handling and comfort highlight some of the other things the Fusion brings to the table.
Browse used 2020 Ford Fusion listings here.
14. 2018 Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback that was discontinued after the 2020 model year. Even though it's no longer available as a new car, 2018 models fit our sub-$15,000 price range nicely. It punches well above its size class, too, offering plenty of rear seat space for adults and 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the back seats folded flat. That's over 10 cubic feet more than the Honda CR-V offers behind its rear seats.
The Fit is powered by a 130-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is the transmission of choice if you want to playfully toss it around every once in a while. If you want to achieve its most fuel-efficient highway rating of 40 MPG, you'll want to go with the CVT. Every Fit comes with front-wheel drive.
Entry-level LX models are the easiest to find with the lowest mileage, but better-equipped Sport, EX, and even EX-L models are also available with 100,000 miles or fewer on the odometer. These models also offer features suc as a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated front seats, and Honda’s LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring system.
Browse used 2018 Honda Fit listings here.
15. 2017 Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevy Traverse competes against other three-row, midsize crossovers, such as the Toyota Highlander, the Honda Pilot, and the Nissan Pathfinder, but it doesn't hold its value as well, so you only need to look back to 2017 to find a used LS or LT model with fewer than 100,000 miles. One year removed from a full redesign, the 2017 Traverse is dated compared to its competitors from that model year, but its ability to be an affordable family hauler today cannot be understated.
Every Traverse is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 281 horsepower, sending it through a six-speed automatic transmission. Front- and all-wheel drive models are available for $15,000, but the FWD models get slightly better gas mileage with a combined 18 MPG rating. The most basic LS model is only offered with front-wheel drive.
Its silky-smooth ride, seating for up to eight passengers, a spacious cabin, 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and its ability to tow more than 5,000 pounds make it an excellent minivan alternative. High safety scores, a 6.5-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth, and automatic headlights further improve the Traverse’s value as an affordable family crossover.
