Finding a good used car when you have a limited budget can be challenging. With so many options available in the market and a number of sites and dealers to check, it becomes really confusing which options to consider and what cars to screen.
So, if you have a budget under $15,000 then we have prepared a list of most popular used cars that should be considered while selection.
These are some of the best user cars under $15,000 that have received the positive response from the consumers over the years.
The selection is on the basis of Consumer Reports reliability scores to see which cars perform to hold up in daily use.
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1. Mazda 3
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The first car in our list of best used cars under $15,000 is an executive sedan. It is a practical sedan with a sensible handling.
Although you are on a budget restrain, it does not mean that you cannot afford a bit fun to drive car like Mazda 3.
A model from 2010 can be easily bought under the defined budget between $12,000 -$14,000.
The Mazda 3 has received relatively high ratings from Consumer Reports and good crash test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Mazda 3 is available in both sedan and hatchback versions.
2. Subaru Forester
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The ones who are looking to get a vehicle that is reliable and capable of off roading should go for Subaru Forester.
The 2013 model can be bought at a price range between $12,218 – $15,187. The crossover is known for its impressive all-wheel drive system, which makes it leading utilitarian vehicle that can handle any sort of usage quite easily.
It is also nice to drive with its boxer engines and the chassis that is strong and rigid which further adds to the driving pleasure.
The particular generation of the Forester is also available with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can pump out a maximum power of 224 hp and definitely a worth buy in the particular budget.
3. Toyota Prius
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At the third spot in our list is Toyota Prius which is one of the most fuel efficient cars under $15,000 that you can buy in the market.
The ones who wish to have an Eco-friendly drive with a bit of advanced features and comfort should consider Prius of 2012.
The car will be available in a range of $11,500 and $13,500. Toyota Prius is one of the most prolific hybrid cars ever produced, and it combines impressive fuel economy rated at 48 mpg.
With proficient Toyota’s build quality and reliability, the Prius is one of the most impressive hybrid cars to choose from.
Being a fuel-efficient car does not mean it lacks on the practicality front and offers enough space for the 5 occupants and luggage.
The only thing that might be a reason to ponder is its exterior styling that is quite unusual.
4. Nissan 350Z
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You cannot just buy a regular commuter within $15,000, you can also have your hands on some of the much-acclaimed sports cars.
One such legendary car that is currently available in the market is the Nissan’s 350Z which is one of the best used sports cars under $15,000.
The original Datsun 240Z helped the ‘Z’ series of the company to take shape in an effective manner.
Where most of the entry-level sports cars trade power for simplicity and affordability, the 350Z creates a difference.
It is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 unit that is rated at 305 hp. The chassis design also places the engine relatively back behind the front wheels for better weight distribution which makes it one of the most effective sports cars.
You can get a 2008 year model easily under $15,000.
5. BMW 328i
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If you are looking for something luxurious and sporty, BMW 328i is a significant option.
You can easily get a 2011 year model between $11,500 and $13,500. The 3 Series is praised for its enormous space, comfort features and highly responsive engine.
BMW has simply built a better small luxury sedan than its competitors that has managed to rule the hearts of a number of buyers in an effective manner.
The 2011 version was among those models that used to be the first choice of the buyer’s having their eye on a luxury sedan.
So, if you want to experience an unmatched performance then go for BMW 328i that has a smooth running engine that does not put much burden on pocket.
6. Chevrolet Camaro
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The 2010 Chevy Camaro is one of the best used sports cars under $15,000 that is inexpensive and fun to drive.
The sports car features a standard V6 engine that delivers a maximum power output of 304 hp.
The fuel efficiency measures 17 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway which is quite high over the other sports cars in the segment.
The sports car is not only a package of high performance, it is also rated high on safety and reliability.
Though it is a big car in terms of dimensions, the interior is a bit packed and features poor rear visibility. One can get the 2010 model between $13,500 and $14000.
Also Read: 20 Fastest Mustangs Ever Made
7. Honda Odyssey
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When you need a big luxurious car for your big family, Honda Odyssey is the right pick under your budget.
It offers enough space for your luggage and has a fantastic safety rating of 9.8 out of 10 with seating capacity of 8.
If you fold all the three rows of seats then the Honda Odyssey offers a boot space of 150 cubic feet.
The 2008 Odyssey can be purchased between $8,000 and $9,000 which comes with a V6 engine that has enough power to push the car fully loaded in an efficient manner.
8. Honda Fit
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One of the most fuel efficient used cars under $15,000 that you can purchase right now in the market is Honda Fit.
The hatchback is highly practical and comes with calm and reliable engine of Honda.
The 2010 model can be easily purchased at a price tag ranging somewhere between $7,500 and $8,000.
Honda Fit comes with impressive reliability and safety features that makes it one of the hot sellers for the manufacturer.
The roomy interior and magic seat configuration allows you to take luggage in a convenient manner.
Though the 2010 model will be slightly conventional in terms of designing, the engine response will be same as the current generation.
9. Audi A3
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A car that is a combination of sporty handling and utility, Audi A3 is the next car in our list of best used cars under $15,000.
The A3 features the sporty handling of Audi TT that has lead to the success of the sedan over a couple of years.
The 2007 model of A3 can be easily bought at a price ranging between $8,000 and $8,500.
Though the brand new model is quite expensive, a decade old sedan can be bought under $10,000 with decent luxurious interiors, fun performance, and excellent safety rating.
10. Mercury Milan
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If you are looking for a powerful sedan with great reliability and safety ratings, 2010 Mercury Milan is a strong recommendation.
The cabin is spacious, seats are comfortable, and the trunk offers a lot of space to carry a lot of luggage.
The 2010 model can be bought at a price range between $8,500 and $9,500 with either a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine coupled to either a manual or automatic transmission.
The 2010 model was specially updated to offer more comfort and support to the occupants by redesigning the shape of the seats.
11. Acura RL
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The price threshold of $15,000 can bring a lot of luxurious options for you. One such name is Acura RL of 2007 that can be purchased between $10,000 and $12,000.
The 2007 RL was the updated version that features latest technology of that time.
Bluetooth, keyless start, and a Bose sound system were standard and a good condition model can give you all these features still intact.
There are some other features in the Technology Package which include voice-activated navigation and real-time traffic update that can be accessed easily.
The sedan also possess high reliability and safety scores which further makes Acura RL a good option in the respective segment.
12. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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The list of best used cars under $15,000 is not limited to hatchbacks, sedans and sporty cars, it has a lot of options from the pickup segment.
One such name is the Chevy Silverado 1500 that is a potent pickup that can take on any terrain with ease.
The 2007 model can be bought at a price range between $7,000 and $9,000, depending on the engine configuration.
The Silverado 1500 was completely redesigned for the 2007 that granted improved design and cabin.
Depending on the configuration picked, the truck can tow up to 10,500 pounds. So, depending on the requirements, choose the trim level wisely.
Also Read: 15 Best Commuter Cars
13. Honda Accord
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Honda Accord is a name that needs no definition.
The car has ranked high in it’s class for a number of years and is one of the favorites. If you are also a die hard fan of this Honda’s creation then you can get your hands on a 2012 model in a price range between $10,000 and $12,000.
There are a number of trims for both the coupe and sedan version with choices including a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder engine.
The Accord has also scored high on the J.D. Power reliability list that further makes it a value for money option in the confined price range.
14. Hyundai Genesis
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Another luxury sedan that can be bought under $15,000 is Hyundai Genesis which is well equipped with advanced features and a potent engine.
The 2009 model is available for sale between $12,300 and $13,000. The sedan is quiet, has a roomy cabin with standard leather seats and improved handling.
The car was known for its dynamic styling and marvelous performance and with its decent maintenance cost, the Genesis is a good pick.
What makes it even more likeable is the 10 out of 10 safety ratings for the year 2009.
15. Ford Fusion Hybrid
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When it comes to most fuel efficient used cars under $15,000, Ford Fusion Hybrid finds its name at the leading position.
With its EPA rating of 36 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, Fusion Hybrid is a perfect blend of efficiency and power.
The Fusion Hybrid stands out among its fuel-efficient classmate by having plenty of interior space for passengers, though the batteries do take up some trunk space.
The 2010 model can be bought between $12,000 and $13000 and was named as the North American Car of the Year at its debut and still holds a top position in the mid-sized used cars under $15000.
16. Chevrolet Volt
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Another highly efficient name in our list of best used cars under $15,000 is Chevy Volt, which made its debut in 2011 and the same model can be bought at a price range between $12,000 and $13,000.
The all-electric version of the Volt has a range of up to 50 miles.
It is backed by a small gasoline engine that allows drivers to do much of their daily driving without any tailpipe emissions.
The Volt makes it one of the most efficient cars in the segment that has exceptional reliability, safety and cost to own scores.
17. Toyota RAV4
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Toyota is known for producing some of the most reliable and efficient cars in the market. Toyota RAV4 is another example of the same.
The mid-size SUV features a number of safety features and high fuel economy that makes RAV4 one of its kind.
The J.D. Power and Associates has awarded the RAV4 for its performance in various aspects than its competitors and offers better dependability.
The 2008 version can be bought between $10,000 and $11,000 that features a V6 unit that is rated at 269 hp.
There is also a 4-cylinder engine that delivers 166 hp and can be bought at even better price. Both the engine options are available with front wheel or four wheel drive.
18. Acura TL
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Another option from the house of Acura is TL whose 2008 model can be bought between $13,900 and $15,000.
It might be at the higher side of the defined range, it is totally worth the price it is available in the market. In terms of reliability of power and other features, Acura TL excels according to J.D. Power and Associates.
It also offer advanced comfort level that is not usual in other cars of the same segment.
The 2008 model features a V6 engine unit that is also high on efficiency with mileage ranging between 18 mpg and 25 mpg.
19. Honda Ridgeline
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A pickup from the house of Honda can be surprising but Ridgeline is one of the most competent pickups of that time.
Ridgeline is only full-sized truck from Honda, which was highly appreciated by the experts for its 2008 model, which demonstrated improved capabilities.
The 2008 version can be bought between a price range of $13,900 and $15,000.
With its V6 unit, the maximum power output is 247 hp and delivers a mileage of 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on highways.
It comes standard with automatic transmission and marks high on both reliability and utility.
Also Read: 15 Fastest Muscle Cars
20. Kia Soul
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The Kia Soul is a sporty and jazzed up option in our list of best used cars under 15000 that is popular due to its better city handling and spacious cabin.
The car is not only versatile, it is also efficient enough to give you an economical commutation option.
Depending on the variant, the Soul features 350-watt music system which is accompanied with 7 speakers. The steering wheel mounted with stereo controls and cruise control further improves the convenience.
Even Bluetooth connectivity option is available in the 2012 model that can be bought between $12,000 and $13,000.
It comes with a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine that delivers 138 hp maximum power and delivers a fuel economy ranging between 26 mpg and 34 mpg.
These are the top 20 best used cars under $15000 that are available in the US market currently.
You can even get a better pricing for the above-mentioned models depending on the area and the condition of the vehicle. Do let us know your pick in the comment section.