It seems the era of skyrocketing car prices may be behind us, with used car prices expected to stabilize through 2024. This is excellent news for buyers considering their next vehicle purchase.
Knowing where to look is just as important as timing, and to simplify your search, we’ve curated a list of the best used cars under $30,000.
Our selection includes full-size, midsize, and compact options, with several models offering excellent fuel economy.
1. 2021-2022 Lexus ES: Luxury Midsize Sedan
Pros: The 2022 Lexus ES boasts updates that include a redesigned front fascia, touch-enabled 8.0-inch and optional 12.3-inch infotainment displays, and enhancements to its driver-assist systems.
Both the 2021 and 2022 models provide a luxurious experience, featuring a spacious cabin, premium materials, comfortable seating, and a generously sized trunk.
Cons: While hybrid models deliver exceptional fuel economy, they hold their value better, which is why they fall outside the sub-$30,000 category.
None of the trims, including the F Sport, are particularly sporty, and the ride could benefit from more refinement. If you’re looking for a car with bold character, this might not be the one for you.
Specifications:
- Approximate Price: From $26,000
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Good to Excellent
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 22/32 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 413 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 8.2 seconds
2. 2022 Genesis G70: Luxury Compact Sedan
Pros: The Genesis G70 stands out with its distinctive design and high-quality interior materials. The 2022 model introduces a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, adding modern tech appeal.
Designed with drivers in mind, the G70 combines power and agility, rivaling European luxury sedans, while delivering a smooth and refined ride.
Cons: Fuel efficiency is a drawback for both available powertrains. The base turbo-four engine can feel underpowered, and the trunk is relatively small compared to competitors.
Specifications:
- Approximate Price: From $25,000
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Good
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- Fuel Economy: 21/31 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 379 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 4.6 seconds
3. 2022 Toyota Avalon: Full-Size Sedan
Pros: The Avalon impresses with its spacious interior, expansive trunk, and near-luxury cabin quality. Most trims prioritize comfort, but the Touring trim adds a sportier feel with its adaptive suspension.
Equipped with the V-6 engine, the Avalon offers quick acceleration and a serene highway ride.
Cons: The 2022 Avalon marks the end of its production, and AWD models were discontinued in 2021. The cabin isn’t as quiet as expected for its class, and the oversized grille design may not appeal to everyone.
Specifications:
- Approximate Price: From $24,000
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Good
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 22/31 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 395 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 6.0 seconds* (*Same generation 2019 model)
4. 2020 Volvo S60: Luxury Compact Sedan
Pros: The Volvo S60 base model offers impressive standard features, including a panoramic roof, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights, and a digital instrument cluster. The S60 stands out for its stylish exterior, spacious interior, and excellent visibility. It also delivers a composed and comfortable ride.
Cons: Performance enthusiasts may find the S60 lacking in speed and sportiness unless equipped with the T8 plug-in hybrid, which can behave unpredictably.
Some essential controls are buried within the touchscreen interface, and the car offers fewer standard driver-assist features than expected for a brand renowned for safety innovation.
Specifications:
- Approximate Price: From $22,000
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Excellent
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 23/34 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 392 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 6.8 seconds (est)
5. 2022 Honda Accord: Midsize Sedan
Pros: The 2022 Honda Accord earned the top spot in our midsize sedan rankings for many of the same reasons as the current model. It offers a fun and engaging driving experience, with better dynamics than many competitors in the segment.
The Accord also impresses with generous rear-seat space and cargo capacity, as well as a cabin that comes well-equipped with intuitive technology features.
Cons: Unfortunately, the tech features lack some expected upgrades, such as a larger central touchscreen, which remains 8.0 inches in the 2022 model. Additionally, road noise intrudes into the cabin, detracting from what would otherwise be a refined and comfortable ride.
Specifications:
- Approximate Price: From $21,000
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Good
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 30/38 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 488 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 7.2 seconds (Same generation as 2021 model)
6. 2020 Mazda 3: Compact Car
Pros: The 2020 Mazda 3 has an upscale appearance that belies its price point. The cabin includes premium soft-touch materials and solid switchgear, and the sharp digital displays are visually appealing. It also features well-thought-out driver ergonomics. Additionally, the base trim gained standard driver-assist features for added safety.
Cons: However, the entry-level trim misses out on features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its central display isn’t a touchscreen.
Excessive road noise, limited rear legroom, and restricted visibility in the hatchback’s blind spots are additional downsides. Some drivers may also feel it doesn’t handle as nimbly as previous generations.
Specifications:
- Approximate Price: From $17,500
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Good
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 26/35 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 396 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 7.0 seconds
7. 2021 Honda Civic: Compact Car
Pros: The 2021 Honda Civic stands out as a leader in its segment thanks to its engaging driving experience, commendable fuel economy, and well-designed interior with excellent standard features.
While the two-door coupe body style was discontinued after 2020, the sedan and hatchback versions continued through the car’s 10th generation.
Cons: Base Civic LX trims lack Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and come with a small 5.0-inch infotainment display. Additionally, the 10th-generation design could feel overly styled to some drivers, detracting from its practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Specifications:
- Approximate Price: From $16,000
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Good
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 30-31/38-40 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 409-422 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 7.1 seconds
8. 2020 Subaru Impreza: Compact Car
Pros: Available in both sedan and hatchback versions (considered “wagon” by some buyers), the 2020 Subaru Impreza offers a spacious cabin, solid build quality, and excellent outward visibility. Its ride is more focused on comfort and stability rather than sporty performance, making it a great daily driver.
Cons: Powered by a 152-hp 2.0-liter non-turbo flat-four engine, it struggles to feel energetic or quick. Sport models have a stiffer and noisier ride, and the Impreza lacks much visual appeal. Manual transmission models also miss out on modern driver-assist technology features.
Specifications:
- Approximate Price: From $15,500
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Good
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 28/36 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 409 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 9.0 seconds* (*Same generation as 2017 model)
9. 2020 and 2022 Toyota Corolla: Compact Car
Pros: Available in both sedan and hatchback configurations, this generation of the Toyota Corolla stands out as one of the most attractive models in recent years.
It provides a comfortable ride, solid handling, and impressive fuel economy. Moreover, the standard Toyota Safety Sense suite includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Cons: The base engine struggles with refinement and power. Cabin materials could feel cheaper compared to competitors, and the Corolla’s biggest issue is the competition, particularly the Honda Civic, which manages to edge out the Toyota in several key areas.
Specifications:
- Approximate Price: From $14,000
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Good to Excellent
- Safety Ratings: 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick, 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 30-32/38-41 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 436-462 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 7.8 seconds
This collection of cars offers variety and practicality across multiple categories, providing reliable options that fit different driving needs, preferences, and budgets. Whether you’re seeking performance, comfort, or safety, these compact and midsize sedans are strong contenders.