If you’re in the market for a used car, reliability is key. No one wants to spend thousands on a vehicle just to watch repair bills pile up or suffer from constant breakdowns. Luckily, a new analysis from iSeeCars has identified the most reliable used cars that offer the best value—vehicles that combine affordable pricing with long-lasting durability.

This study analyzed over 700,000 used car sales and odometer readings from 368 million vehicles, helping us pinpoint which models are worth your hard-earned cash. Today, we’ll break down the top 5-year-old used cars, SUVs, and hybrids that provide the most remaining lifespan per dollar spent—and which ones might be a waste of money.

Best 5-Year-Old Used Cars for the Money

Buying a used car isn’t just about getting a lower price—it’s about getting the most years of use without constant repair headaches. Here are the top 5-year-old used cars that provide the best value for the longest remaining lifespan:

1. Honda Fit – $18,336 – 11.6 years remaining
   • A subcompact that refuses to die, the Honda Fit tops the list with its exceptional reliability, strong fuel efficiency, and surprising cargo space. If you’re looking for an affordable car that will last a decade or more, this is it.
2. Volkswagen Passat – $17,636 – 9.6 years remaining
   • The Passat offers a roomy interior, solid build quality, and a comfortable ride. However, be aware that VW’s reliability record isn’t as spotless as Honda or Toyota.
3. Buick Encore – $16,633 – 8.8 years remaining
   • This small luxury crossover provides a quiet, smooth ride with decent tech features, but watch out for transmission issues that some owners have reported.
4. Kia Rio 5-Door – $14,037 – 6.9 years remaining
   • A budget-friendly hatchback with good fuel economy and a simple, reliable engine, though interior quality and performance are basic at best.
5. Honda Civic – $20,157 – 9.8 years remaining
   • The Civic continues to be a gold standard for reliability, offering efficient performance, a comfortable ride, and great resale value.

Best 5-Year-Old Used SUVs for the Money

SUVs dominate the American car market, but which ones will last without breaking the bank? Here’s what the data says:

1. Buick Encore – $16,633 – 8.8 years remaining
   • A luxury-lite SUV at an affordable price, but be cautious of long-term maintenance costs.
2. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport – $15,821 – 7.5 years remaining
   • Affordable and compact, but Mitsubishi’s resale value and brand reputation aren’t great.
3. Honda CR-V – $24,524 – 10.8 years remaining
   • One of the most reliable compact SUVs ever made. If you find a well-maintained CR-V, buy it.
4. Toyota RAV4 – $24,823 – 10.3 years remaining
   • Toyota’s most popular SUV, known for low ownership costs and bulletproof reliability.
5. Jeep Compass – $18,332 – 7.5 years remaining
   • A wildcard—some owners love it, but others complain about poor build quality and transmission issues.

Best 5-Year-Old Used Hybrids for the Money

Hybrids save on gas, but battery life and long-term maintenance costs can be concerns. Here are the best picks:

1. Toyota Prius – $22,006 – 9 years remaining
   • Still the king of hybrid reliability. If you need a fuel-efficient car that will last forever, the Prius is your best bet.
2. Toyota Camry Hybrid – $23,364 – 9.4 years remaining
   • All the reliability of a regular Camry, but with hybrid fuel savings.
3. Toyota Avalon Hybrid – $28,901 – 10.8 years remaining
   • A luxury hybrid sedan with solid fuel economy and Toyota reliability—just expect higher repair costs down the road.
4. Ford Fusion Hybrid – $17,808 – 5.3 years remaining
   • A decent option if you’re on a budget, but battery replacement costs could make it a risky buy.

Final Thoughts – Should You Buy New or Used?

With used car prices still at record highs, finding a reliable used car that won’t drain your wallet is more important than ever. This iSeeCars study proves that some used cars still offer fantastic value, especially models from Honda, Toyota, and a few solid options from Volkswagen and Buick.

However, don’t assume every used car is a good deal. Make sure to check maintenance history, mileage, and any potential recalls before buying.

And if you want to make sure you’re getting the absolute best deal on a used car—whether it’s a Honda, Toyota, or something else—head over to Quotes.EverymanDriver.com.

• This free search engine allows you to access real-time dealer pricing on both new and used cars, potentially saving you hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
• Thousands of car shoppers use it every day—why not see how much you can save?