Best Used Cars for Less Than $15,000

15 recommended models when buying used

Shopping in the used car market? Well, the first thing to do is going for reliable and better-trimmed cars, that will not disappoint you. Here are some of the best choices.

For less than $15,000, it's rather difficult to find a good used car, especially because of reliability issues and hidden costs. You might dream about buying an iconic sportscar or an older luxury sedan for a small amount of money, but do you really have what it takes to repair and maintain it?

Therefore, if a reasonable and reliable car is what you're searching for, a shortlist of reviews from Consumer Reports, Edmunds and Autotrader might help.

We carefully selected the results, so read this list as a reference. Click on each car to reach its picture gallery and specs.

Best used small cars for less than $15,000

1. Ford Focus (2009-2010)

Ford Focus Mk.2 is a driver's car by excellence. You still have enough space for your small family and whatnot, but you'll also enjoy the car's handling and reliability. Cheap plastic abounds and space at the rear is not so great, but its driving position is fabulous, and the 320-liter boot is absolutely fine for your family. Search for a low-mileage, highly specced car under $10,000.

2. Honda Fit/Jazz (2011-2013)

Honda Fit's second generation (known as the Jazz in Europe) is a very competent little box on wheels that will haul your ass from A to B in comfort and safety. It's also extremely reliable, and revving its small engines will make you feel like you're driving a much more potent car. Its 583-liter standard cargo space is one of the main reasons you'll buy this car and not a wagon or an SUV. Go for a well-trimmed version for under $10,000.

3. Kia Soul (2013)

Kia Soul was launched in 2008 with the main purpose of attracting young urban buyers. It's small, yet very adept at handling urban traffic, even longer commutes. Its 547-liter boot is huge when taking into account the car's compact exterior, and the passengers have all sorts of MPV amenities inside. It's very cheap to buy (under $12,000), so buy only if you want to keep it, as its resale value is not so great.

4. Mazda3 (2011-2012)

Second-generation Mazda3 is the most elegant, yet not expensive used small car you can find, and also one of the most fun to drive. Cheap plastic is an issue, but it has comfortable seats, and boot space stands at a generous 484 liters (17 cubic feet) rating. Oh, and you can get 40 mpg out of if you try really hard. You can find a good one under $12,000.

5. Nissan Leaf (2011-2012)

Nissan Leaf is the first electric car made by a major carmaker and manages to retain some of its value even after several years of use. If you have around $10,000 to spend, choose it for its impressive frugality (106 mpge city / 92 mpge highway) and reliability. Keep in mind that you'll use it mainly in urban driving, though.

Best used sedans for less than $15,000

1. Ford Fusion (2010)

Ford Fusion (Ford Mondeo in Europe) was introduced in the US in 2006 and didn't disappoint. Very good handling, spacious interior, good resale value, nice higher trim levels, and now you can have it all for way below $15,000. Check for transmission problems, but otherwise, you'll be safe.

2. Mazda6 (2010)

If the current Mazda6 is among the best out there, the preceding Mazda6 already was making huge steps forward for the Japanese brand. Amazing handling, good amount of storage space and comfortable seats for up to five adults, not to mention the very good reliability record – all are as many reasons for you to search for one in very good condition, at under $15,000.

3. Buick LaCrosse (2011-2013)

Buick tried a lot with its LaCrosse, and the sedan got people interested due to its elegant interior, good handling, and top safety features. You will appreciate its smooth ride, but not so much its rather limited cargo space (377 liters, or 13.3 cubic feet). Search for a high-spec V6 version; also, the four-cylinder mild hybrid is not bad at all (around 29 mpg according to EPA ratings).

4. Chevrolet Cruze (2011-2015)

Tough as a tank, the Chevrolet Cruze is a decent all-rounder, with a comfortable ride and practical interior. Pricewise, you can find mint-condition models at under $10,000, while for higher-spec ones, you'll have to reach a little deeper in your pocket. Go for the Eco Auto version, and you'll not be disappointed.

5. Kia Optima (2011-2014)

Kia Optima's former generation is an excellent value proposition if you're able to get along with less than stellar handling and a somewhat stiff body. Very practical, with decent mileage and lots of features, it's not a car that will turn heads but has one of the best bang-for-the-buck scores out there.

Best used SUVs and Minivans under $15,000

1. Acura MDX (2006)

Acura MDX is not only one of the best-selling luxury SUVs on the market, but it also has great resale value, especially because it constantly scores high in reliability and customer satisfaction polls. You can find a low-mileage one under $15,000 and a more worn-out MDX for less than $10,000. Buy it for its great V6, but also for its practical interior and modern gizmos.

2. Toyota RAV4 (2008)

Want a less-than-$10,000 SUV from Toyota? Try the third-gen Toyota RAV4, still a sturdy small SUV with a lot to say. It offers very good urban handling, nice fuel economy, and decent offroad capabilities. And the design is not so outdated, one might say. It's the cheapest way to owning a capable and reliable SUV.

3. Kia Sportage (2011-2014)

If you rather want a newer SUV for less than $15,000, try the former Kia Sportage generation. Don't mind the controversial looks, search for the 2.0-liter engine, or even the 2.4-liter one, with its 260 hp. Interior is practical, even if it still displays some cheap plastics, but quality is high, especially for this kind of a price tag.

4. Volvo XC90 (2007-2010)

Want the ultimate family SUV? The Volvo XC90 is the perfect example of what Swedish obsession for safety and practicality means. Comfort is sky-high, you have lots and lots of modern amenities, but its automated transmission is on the slow side, and the V8 engines offer rather low mileage. You'll find decently specced versions around $15,000 or slightly less.

5. Subaru Outback (2010-2011)

The former Subaru Outback was the best car a family could buy. Reliability, excellent engines, quality interior and lots of fun driving on any type of road (or even offroad), these were its main strong points. It really was the best crossover in its class, and you can find one for less than $15,000. It holds its resale value just fine, too, especially if you go for the higher-specced versions.