As soon as your drive off the lot, your new car loses significant value. That’s why there has been a rise in used car sales over the last 8 years. Some of the most reliable vehicles on the road get a second life as being sold as used and certified pre-owned cars.
Used vehicles that are at least 5 years old are typically the best bargain, with most of the vehicles on this list being resold for less than 50% of their original price.
Best Used Vehicles to Buy
1. 2010 Acura RDX
This 5-passenger RDX was the U.S. News and World Report top-ranked luxury compact SUV in 2010.
With a perfect reliability rating from J.D. Power & Associates, the RDX comes equipped with leather seats, bluetooth, and satellite radio.
The 2010 model earned a 9.4 score for safety and resells for an average of $17,726.
2. 2009 BMW X3

The BMW X3 was the top-ranked compact SUV in 2009 and earned 5/5 reliability ranking from J.D. Power & Associates.
The sporty exterior is paired with a luxury interior with a panoramic sunroof, but some features like Bluetooth, were considered add-ons at the time. The powerful engine still holds up 8 years later against newer models.
The resale value of the X3 averages $15,847 and was scored a perfect 10 safety rating.
3. 2012 Cadillac CTS

Nearing the top of the 2012 Upscale Midsize Cars, this powerful 3.6L V6 received a 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating from J.D. Power & Associates.
The CTS comes standard with features like leather interior and Bluetooth.
Selling at half its original price at $21,798, the 2012 CTS was scored a near-perfect 9.7 for safety.
4. 2009 Ford Fusion

This sedan was the No. 1 Affordable Midsize Car in 2009.
With a perfect reliability score from J.D. Power & Associates, the 2009 Fusions comes standard with traction control, optional stability control, and 5-speed automatic transmission.
Reselling for only a fraction of the original price at an average of $8,777, it was given a 9.6 safety score in the evaluation of used cars.
5. 2010 Lexus ES

Topping the charts of upscale midsize cars in 2009, it was given a perfect 5 out of 5 ranking from J.D. Power & Associates.
This luxurious sedan comes standard with leather seats, power sunroof, and an 8-speaker stereo.
Selling for just a fraction of the original price, you can purchase a 2010 ES for just $12,060 (compared to the original price in the mid-$30,000s). The 2010 model scored a 9.4 safety rating.
6. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

This 5-passenger, luxurious sedan earned a perfect reliability score from J.D. Power & Associates.
This Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan comes standard with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and navigation system.
The E-Class average resale price runs around $26,302, which is about half of the original price. This sedan was awarded a perfect safety score.
7. 2011 Toyota Avalon

In 2011, the Toyota Avalon was the top-ranked of the most affordable large cars. Like most Toyotas, J.D. Power & Associates awarded the Avalon with a perfect reliability score.
The 5-passenger sedan features a sleek exterior, updated dashboard, bluetooth and USB connectivity, as well as a power sunroof and leather seats.
The 2011 model scored a 9.7 safety rating and resells for an average of $17,447.