Reliability is essential whether you’re buying cars on a budget or prefer a minimalist lifestyle. But no one likes to sacrifice style, either. So, your best bet is to choose cars that look and serve the part without looking too flashy.
This guide will walk you through the top five reliable and modest cars to help you commute under the radar. We have compiled them to provide budget-friendly, mid-range, and luxury options, so you have more flexibility while choosing a car.
5 Cars To Buy On The Secondary Market
1. Mazda CX-5
Mazda owners swear by this car as it offers outstanding practicality, comfort, and safety features. You might want to check out the CX-5 while scrolling through secondary market listings.
Its spacious and refined interior gives a near-luxe experience. But the best part is that it is reasonably priced and will suit most budgets.
The athletic handling and the quiet engine provide smooth and comfortable rides. Meanwhile, blind-spot monitoring and AEB ensure a safer and more relaxing driving experience.
With a body made of ultra-high tensile strength steel, the CX-5 is lightweight and fast. It has a driving range of 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
While the infotainment system lacks touchscreen features, it makes the car safer as you don’t have to constantly switch focus. The physical buttons are much handier, especially when driving in crowded places and rough terrain.
All things considered, the Mazda CX-5 is one of the most reliable compact SUVs and makes a decent option for a family car.
2. Acura TLX
Sedans with sporty performance give an incredible driving experience. And if you’re looking for a mid-sized luxury car that is compact, sporty, and won’t blow your budget, consider the Acura TLX.
Its four-cylinder supercharged base engine offers outstanding performance with 272 hp white its available V6 engine can run at 355 hp. The car has an average annual repair and maintenance cost of $440, which is very low compared to other luxury cars in the same price range.
Its interior is refined and modern, combining physical buttons and touchscreen features. The upholstery comprises premium leather with contrast stitching, giving it a luxurious appearance.
Driving assistance such as pedestrian detection, collision warning, and braking improves its safety and reliability. As regards mileage, the Acura TLX provides 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Because this car is designed to highlight its sleek appearance, the front seats are roomier and more comfortable than the back seats. So, it works best as a commute vehicle and not a family car.
3. Toyota Prius L Eco
If you like the convenience of electric cars but wish to continue enjoying the thrill of gas-powered engines, a hybrid car will make an excellent option.
The Toyota Prius L Eco is a mid-sized sedan with a hybrid engine that can deliver excellent fuel efficiency compared to most hybrid cars.
It has features such as keyless driver entry and start, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and collision alert, which makes it a very convenient and reliable car. If you buy a 2018 model, you can access touchscreen features.
As regards fuel economy, it provides 58 mpg city and 53 mpg highway. Despite its sleek appearance, the Prius L Eco can be a good option as a family car as it has spacious back seats.
Because the car is reasonably priced, you will find it one of the most reliable cars under $40,000. The Toyota Prius L Eco can be a long-service car with proper handling and maintenance.
4. Volvo S90
This sedan is a masterpiece of Swedish automotive engineering. Try an S90, and you’ll never find Volvos boring again!
This car is perfect for anyone looking for a bold and comfortable mid-sized option that isn’t an SUV. After all, it is the largest sedan by Volvo.
It has a 4-cylinder engine with two power grades, T5 and T6. The former provides 250 hp at 5500 rpm, while the latter provides 316 hp at 5700 rpm.
The S90’s head-up display feature makes excellent driver assistance. It eliminates the need for switching focus while driving, ensuring better safety. Its mileage is 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, so you can say that it has a fairly good performance as regards fuel economy.
One downside to this car is its lack of a spacious trunk. So, if you’re looking for a more trip-friendly option, you might want to consider an SUV; we’ve got one right below.
5. Land Rover Range Rover Velar
The Velar is one of the most reliable Range Rovers. It isn’t gas-guzzling or bulky but is airy and spacious like any other SUV. Velar is a very reliable luxury car but modest in design and appearance.
Its body is 82% aluminum, making it light and comfortable for long drives. This also results in a low center of gravity. The satin finish gives its body a sophisticated look. Meanwhile, the leather upholstery and thick padded dashboard ensure maximum safety.
This compact car has a sporty look and is packed with comfort, practicality, and fuel efficiency. Its supercharged V6 engine provides 380hp with 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Besides, it is designed for all-terrain drives. So, it is an excellent option if you’re looking for a car that will take you through long journeys and off-road drives without draining your energy.
Sometimes, you may find Velar at 60% of its price at secondary markets if you’re lucky, so watch for the market listings. Most sellers offer test drives and delivery services to provide you with a better buying experience.
Since the car comprises more of a digital interface than a physical one, you might want to consider testing the two touchscreen systems before buying it.
Conclusion
Finding reliable cars has become more challenging with the increasing automotive technologies. So, when looking for a car at a secondary market, it’s essential to study the safety features and drive assistance it comes with.
Once you’ve decided on a car, perform a test drive and observe how well it responds to the controls. Also, consider the average maintenance costs of the car before bringing it home.
Above all, ensure that all physical and touch features are convenient and align with your driving preferences, especially if you are switching to an electric car.
