Best Car Brands to Buy Used: Reliable Picks That Stand the Test of Time

Buying used can save thousands while still delivering dependable performance. Below, we spotlight the best car brands to buy used, featuring top American makes that routinely earn strong marks for value and long-term reliability.

The Best Used Car Brands for Reliability and Value

Some of the best car brands to buy used hold up better in the real world. Reliability history, typical repair costs, and model-year performance separate the standouts. Our picks below draw on owner-reported reliability data and long-term satisfaction trends, plus our own dealership experience helping customers find the right fit.

How We Evaluated These Brands

• Reliability Ratings: Based on broad national data and owner-satisfaction surveys focused on 5–10-year-old vehicles.

• Common Maintenance Issues: Patterns that affect longevity or cost of ownership.

• Value Over Time: How well brands hold resale value after 5–10 years.

• Typical Used Price Range: What you can expect to pay for well-maintained models (roughly 2020–2022 model years).

• Recommended Age/Mileage: The “sweet spot” for balancing reliability and price—often 3–7 years old and under 100,000 miles.

Economy & Family Vehicles — Reliable and Budget-Friendly Choices

If you’re shopping for reliable, budget-friendly options, these dependable brands combine affordability and practicality.

Chevrolet

• Best for: Families and commuters who want dependable SUVs and crossovers.

• Top Used Models: Equinox, Traverse, Malibu, Silverado 1500.

• Reliability Insight: Consistently mid-to-high in long-term studies, with plentiful parts and easy service access.

• Price Range: $18,000–$35,000 (3–6 years old, under 80k miles).

• Common Issues: Minor electrical/infotainment glitches in some older models.

• Best Age/Mileage Range: 4–7 years, under 100k miles.

Buick

• Best for: Drivers who want near-luxury comfort and a quiet ride without high upkeep costs.

• Top Used Models: Encore, Enclave, Envision.

• Reliability Insight: Above-average owner satisfaction over 5–10 years; comfortable interiors hold up well.

• Price Range: $20,000–$38,000 (˜5 years old, under 70k miles).

• Common Issues: Some earlier-2010s models reported transmission-tuning quibbles.

SUVs & Adventure Brands — Power, Style, and Longevity

For buyers seeking adventure-ready SUVs with proven strength and long-term value, Jeep and GMC lead the pack with rugged durability and strong resale.

Jeep

• Best for: Adventure-seekers and families who want real off-road capability.

• Top Used Models: Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee.

• Reliability Insight: Notable mechanical durability in recent generations (2018+), especially in body-on-frame and updated powertrains.

• Price Range: $24,000–$45,000 depending on model and trim.

• Best Age/Mileage Range: 3–6 years, under 80k miles.

• Common Issues: Older Cherokees can have transmission-sensor concerns—verify service history.

GMC

• Best for: Premium trucks/SUVs with strong towing and upscale cabins.

• Top Used Models: Acadia, Terrain, Sierra 1500.

• Reliability Insight: Similar mechanical track record to Chevrolet, with upgraded interiors and features.

• Price Range: $25,000–$50,000.

• Common Issues: Moderate maintenance costs because of added tech and trim content.

Trucks & Utility Vehicles — Built for Work and Play

Among dependable truck brands, RAM and Ford offer proven strength and longevity for both work and recreation. These two are often recognized as some of the best car brands to buy used for power and capability.

RAM

• Best for: Truck buyers prioritizing comfort, towing, and a smooth ride.

• Top Used Models: RAM 1500, 2500.

• Reliability Insight: 2019+ RAM 1500 earns strong long-term dependability scores thanks to chassis, suspension, and powertrain updates.

• Price Range: $28,000–$55,000 based on trim and mileage.

• Common Issues: Pre-2017 air-suspension components can be pricey—check records.

• Best Age/Mileage Range: 3–5 years, 60k–100k miles.

Ford

• Best for: All-purpose reliability and excellent parts availability.

• Top Used Models: F-150, Escape, Explorer.

• Reliability Insight: F-150 remains a used-truck value leader with strong resale and widespread service support.

• Price Range: $20,000–$45,000 (varies by configuration). Best Age/Mileage Range: 4–8 years, 60k–120k miles.

• Common Issues: Rust on higher-mileage trucks in winter climates—often inexpensive to remediate.

Family Haulers & Versatile Daily Drivers

When it comes to minivans and spacious SUVs, Chrysler and Dodge stand out as dependable family-friendly options.

Chrysler & Dodge

• Best for: Families seeking space, safety, and comfort without a luxury price tag.

• Top Used Models: Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Journey.

• Reliability Insight: Above-average performance for 3–6-year-old minivans/SUVs when maintenance is up-to-date.

• Price Range: $18,000–$35,000.

• Common Issues: Minor electronic-sensor hiccups on some older minivans.

• Best Age/Mileage Range: 3–7 years, under 90k miles.

Tips for Shopping Smart When Buying Used

• Pull a vehicle history report (accidents, title status, ownership).

• Schedule a professional inspection.

• Review maintenance records and recall history.

• Balance mileage, age, and usage with your budget.

• Work with a reputable dealership that stands behind vehicles with clear, written coverage.

Find Your Next Reliable Used Vehicle Today

Buying used is smart when you know which brands deliver lasting value. Vern Laures Auto Center has helped North Iowa drivers for 60+ years with a friendly, no-pressure process—test-drive on your own, fair pricing, and help locating hard-to-find models. Browse our used inventory or tell us what you’re after; we’ll track it down.

Find Your Next Used Car

Best Car Brands to Buy Used FAQ

1. Which brands hold their value best?

Chevrolet, Jeep, and Ford routinely show strong resale value in our market, especially for popular SUVs and half-ton trucks.

2. How many miles is too many?

A well-maintained vehicle with 100,000+ miles can still be a great buy—focus on service history, ownership, and how those miles were driven.

3. Are luxury used cars worth it?

Not always. Mainstream American brands often deliver lower total ownership costs thanks to parts availability and simpler maintenance.

4. What’s the best age range for a used car?

Typically 3–6 years old hits the sweet spot—many modern safety features, predictable reliability, and major depreciation already behind you.