Top 5 Used Cars Offering the Best Value in 2025
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If you’re in the market for a new car, you may want to go the used car route these days with prices skyrocketing and the threat of tariffs looming. Car dealerships nationwide are offering “pre-tariff” sales . If you do your homework, you can get a reliable used car that maximizes value.
Mechanics will be the first to tell you that certain cars are worth staying away from . Likewise, there are cars widely praised as the most reliable . Perhaps not surprisingly, these are often Japanese made, as Japan’s auto industry has a strong reputation for reliability. Auto enthusiasts and experts on Quora credit their “superior building process” and reliance on “old and tried systems.”
RELATED: Mechanics Agree These Are the 2 Most Reliable Cars You Can Buy .
So which five cars offer the most value in 2025? Let’s break it down, based on social media recommendations and reviews.
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If reliability is at the top of your list, you can’t go wrong with a Honda Civic to make the most bang for your buck. It’s widely cited for its reputation and performance, per Consumer Reports . The Civic is fuel-efficient with a consistent, proven drivetrain, and it can last for “over 200k miles if taken care of,” according to one Reddit user . Despite redesigns over the years, it remains true to its core and it’s been trusted for generations, dating back to the early 1970s .
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The compact sedan with a sporty touch, Reddit users are quick to praise the Mazda3 (and related, the Mazda6) which gives you an extremely reliable vehicle at a reasonable price that won’t break your budget. Reliability is a word that immediately comes to mind with a Mazda and you’ll also love the driving experience. A car expert known as the “Reliability King” is big on the Mazda3 .
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Toyota is a brand associated with quality and reliability, and the Toyota Camry is widely praised as being a reliable choice for a used car at a great price. This vehicle is known for being low maintenance and it can surpass 300,000 miles . The 2012-2017 Camrys in particular are called by Consumer Reports “a wise used car choice,” combining “improved interior quality” and “a comfortable ride.” One Reddit user didn’t mince words : “one of the most reliable machines on the planet.”
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Scoring high on reliability , the Subaru Legacy is a great choice for colder climates. It’s another vehicle that can last 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance. Some Reddit commenters, however, caution that they’re not quite as reliable as a Honda or Toyota.
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If buying American is important to you, then you might consider a Ford Fusion . Although they are no longer produced ( 2006 to 2020 , as Ford shifted toward SUVs), they are known for being very reliable. One Reddit commenter said , “If you liked your Mazda, you’ll like the Fusion” and another noted that they are “pretty reliable.” All around, it’s a great choice for a used car, per social media and online reviews.
