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2025 Subaru Impreza ReviewBest Used Cars Under $20K
Shopping for a used car on a budget? We searched all the national listings and identified great used cars for under $20,000.A Newish Car for Under $20K
Car shopping with a budget of under $20,000 doesn’t mean you’re stuck with ten-year-old models putzing along with well over 100,000 miles on the odometer. You can actually find relatively newer vehicles with low miles and even carryover warranty coverage! We searched all across Carsforsale.com’s millions of national vehicle listings and compiled our picks for the best used car, SUV, and truck options that can be found for under $20,000. Find the right used vehicle for you at the right price!
Best Used Cars Under $20K
Mazda3
Mazda is one of the best premium car brands out there and their compact Mazda3 makes a terrific option for under $20,000. At this price, you can find as new as 2024 models with less than 10,000 miles on the odometer – and that includes some of the model’s higher tier trim levels like the S Carbon Edition. Used Mazda3 models at this price point can be found in either the sedan or hatchback body style and will predominantly carry a naturally aspirated 2.4L inline-four-cylinder engine.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota has long carried a reputation for reliability, so picking up their Toyota Corolla in next to new condition can be a wise investment. You can find the 2024 Toyota Corolla LE sedan with the naturally aspirated 2.0L inline-four-cylinder for under $20,000. While this is the base model, Toyota has installed modern car necessities like a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone mirroring capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity, and a backup camera.
Honda Civic
Honda is another big name that always tops the list when shopping for a great used car, and you can find their eleventh generation Honda Civic for sale in virtually new condition for under $20,000. Not only is this great-looking sedan available for a great price, but you can find various trims and configurations too. The base LX, Sport, and EX trims can all be found at this price in both sedan and hatchback body styles. You can also find either the naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder or the turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder engines under the hood. These Civics are packed with great features, offer great fuel economy, and have a great reputation for going well over that 100,000 mark.
Best Used SUVs Under $20K
Kia Seltos
There are tons of small SUVs available for under $20,000, but one that is worth a look over the rest is the Kia Seltos. This relative newcomer comes with a great design, packed with modern entertainment tech, a good list of advanced safety tech, and a vast majority of used models utilize an all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain. As far as the best bang for your buck, this compact Kia SUV may be your best bet.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox is Chevrolet’s second most popular vehicle. While that stat relies more on its approachable price point than exciting features, it creates a great opportunity once this SUV hits the used market. For under $20,000, you can find plenty of options as new as a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox model. A vast majority of these will be LS and LT trimmed models powered by a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder running the front wheels, but there are some out there with AWD. There aren’t many frills with this option, but it does have an infotainment system, backup camera, and OnStar. If you’re looking for something a little more premium, be sure to check out the Equinox’s GMC cousin, the Terrain, too.
Mazda CX-30
For a more refined compact SUV experience, look towards the Mazda CX-30. This is another newer model line started in 2020 that offers the Mazda’s quality materials and noteworthy handling. You can find as new as 2024 models available in Select Sport trim or fall back a couple years to access higher trims featuring the turbocharged variant of the CX-30’s 2.5L four-cylinder engine. Regardless of year, you’ll have great tech options on hand, a terrifically appointed interior, and one of the more fun driving experiences when it comes to compact SUVs.
Best Used Trucks Under $20K
Toyota Tacoma
If you’re looking to get a truck just for the utility of the bed and maybe some light towing, then check out the Toyota Tacoma. You can find five-year-old Tacomas in SR trim for under $20,000. These trucks were typically fleet vehicles prior and are predominantly outfitted with Access Cabs with the 6.1ft beds. You’ll also only find a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and 4×2 drivetrain, leaving these trucks to a max tow capacity of 3,500 pounds. They make nice little work trucks and have the backing of a brand like Toyota behind them.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is another great mid-sized truck option for under $20,000, but there are more to choose from and in different configurations. The majority of Colorados at this price will be LT or Work Truck trimmed models from 2022 or older, but you can find extended or crew cab versions at least to fit your needs. While a 4×4 drivetrain or 3.6L V6 engine isn’t out of the question, they are harder to come by for under $20,000. Most of what you’ll find will be the 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with 4×2 which at most can tow 3,500 pounds.
Ram 1500 Classic – Tradesman
The Ram 1500 Classic may just be a continuation of the previous generation Ram 1500, but it makes for a great budget full-size truck regardless. For under $20,000, you can find 2022 and older versions of this truck in a variety of different configurations. Regular cab, crew cab, and quad cab can be found to fit your number of passengers. Under the hood is either a 3.6L V6 or a powerful 5.7L Hemi V8 engine. Either of which can be found mated to a 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain. The infotainment system in these 1500 Classic models will be dated compared to more modern trucks, but it’s an at least somewhat functional display and still shows the review camera view.
