Click Here for Featured Specials
Click Here for Featured Specials
Randall Reed Family Owned & Operated Since 1992
Buying a used vehicle can be a good idea for multiple reasons. Besides the obvious price advantage, buying a car that's been around the block a few times allows you to make a more informed decision by studying customer satisfaction surveys. You're also doing the planet a favor, as building a new car from scratch is a significant environmental burden. These are some of the highest-ranked vehicles to buy used in 2023.
SUVs — Ford ExplorerThe Explorer has been around for more than three decades and is still popular to this day despite constantly increasing competition in the SUV market. It's also one of the best used SUVs, as its versatility and build quality have helped it retain its value over the years. Its fifth generation was launched in 2011 and lasted until 2020, a testament to its many qualities. Older models can also be reliable choices, but they're usually less comfortable and fun to drive. The fifth generation was the Explorer's transition from a truck-like vehicle to a modern, agile SUV.
This is also a powerful and reasonably economical vehicle, with its standard 3.5-liter engine generating up to 290 horsepower and a combined fuel efficiency of 21 mpg. Besides being able to carry up to seven passengers and fairly comfortable on rough terrains, the Explorer is also a great choice for those who want to tow various items, such as boats or caravans. Its 5,000-pound tow capacity means it can carry heavy loads without breaking a sweat. It was also ahead of its time safety-wise and was a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Sedans are popular with pre-owned car buyers due to their versatility and comfort. The Honda Civic is likely to be an excellent choice if you're in the market for a used sedan. The Toyota Corolla, the Civic's age-old rival, is also a great choice, with the difference being that the latter is probably a bit more fun to drive. Japanese automakers have a stellar reputation regarding reliability, and the Civic is no exception, so even a used one is likely to last many years without any major repairs.
Civics have always been some of the most reliable used cars on the road, so the generation you can go for mostly depends on your budget. Its tenth generation was first launched in 2016 and is an ideal pick for buyers with a budget of $15,000 or less. Its 2.0-liter engine produces a more than respectable 158 horsepower, and the combined city/highway gas consumption is a decent 34 mpg. It's also a very safe vehicle, with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration awarding it a maximum five-star rating.
Like the Ford Explorer, the F-150 has existed since the early 1990s. It built a strong reputation throughout the years as a sturdy work companion that won't let you down when the going gets tough. It also had consistently high reliability scores, making it one of the best used trucks to buy. As with SUVs, driving a relatively new truck is a completely different experience than driving an older model, as they transitioned from uncomfortable work tools to all-around vehicles that can also be used for personal reasons.
A good compromise between modern and inexpensive is choosing a used model from its 13th generation, spanning from 2015 to 2020. You'll get a highly reliable and versatile vehicle with an average fuel consumption of 22 mpg and an impressive 13,200-pound tow rating. It also has a comfortable interior and excellent off-road capability, meaning it's truly a vehicle for all occasions. Safety-wise, its sheer size protects everyone inside, but it also comes with driver aids such as pre-collision assist to help you avoid an accident.
While larger vehicles are undoubtedly more versatile, sometimes you may need a small, agile car to navigate crowded city streets. The Honda Fit has been a hit since its launch in 2007 and is still going strong. Besides being impressively spacious considering its compact frame, the Honda Fit has many other qualities that recommend it as an excellent used buy. Its current generation has been around since 2015, so models up to eight years old are similar to brand-new ones.
It delivers an impressive 35 mpg, but that's something you would expect from a small vehicle built with economy in mind. What you probably wouldn't expect is that its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine can produce up to 130 horsepower, which is more than enough for a car so compact and light. Despite its size, it's also very safe, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarding it a maximum of five stars for safety.
Having an environmentally conscious vehicle is an increasingly important factor for car buyers. The Toyota Prius is one of the oldest hybrid cars on the market and probably the most famous. There are good reasons for that, starting with its impressive fuel consumption, with even older models capable of 50 mpg and even slightly more.
Its fourth generation spans from 2016 until 2022 and offers excellent value for money. While older models are still viable choices, those starting from 2016 are quieter, more comfortable, and have better cargo space. They also have driver aids that are now standard on many cars, such as pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and dynamic cruise control.
Regardless of the type of used vehicle you're after, you're likely to find what you're looking for at Planet Ford Dallas. We offer a wide variety of pre-owned vehicles, including certified pre-owned ones that go through rigorous inspections and come with a warranty. We're constantly updating our inventory, and our sales reps are always happy to answer your questions. Visit us today and check out our used vehicle offers.
