10 High-mileage Used Cars That Are Actually Worth Buying

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1999 Toyota Camry parked successful beforehand of a reservoir astatine sunset

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Buying a marque caller car has its merits, but truthful does buying used. When it comes to frugal car purchases, new-car depreciation equates to used-car savings. Typically, these savings summation arsenic nan conveyance ages aliases accrues mileage. With that successful mind, we decided to hone successful connected nan second and compile a database of 10 high-mileage cars that are really worthy buying.

Some folks whitethorn wonderment why we'd urge spending hard-earned dollars connected heavy utilized vehicles. After all, nan savings are null and void if location are large attraction bills aft nan first purchase. This is simply a adjacent point, and it's precisely why immoderate of our choices are robust cars that are known for their semipermanent reliability. Additionally, high-mileage cars assistance entree to luxury aliases capacity that immoderate of america different mightiness not person entree to owed to budgetary constraints.

Before diving in, we should explain a fewer different details. The word "high-mileage" tin beryllium comparative to definite models aliases conveyance types, but successful this lawsuit we'll see thing pinch complete 100,000 miles to beryllium high-mileage. Another caveat is that we're sticking to cars that person a readily disposable proviso pinch cleanable titles. We would besides for illustration to punctual readers that location is an constituent of subjectivity erstwhile it comes to compiling specified lists. 

We understand that frugality isn't nan only logic to acquisition a high-mileage vehicle, however, it's typically nan superior motive successful astir cases. In nan end, buyers should prime nan car that champion suits their needs. With that successful mind, we induce you to deliberation of this database arsenic a reference constituent successful your car shopping venture.

Any high-mileage Honda Accord pinch a manual transmission

White ninth-generation Honda Accord sedan

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If pragmatism and frugality are your main priorities, but you want thing that offers astatine slightest immoderate sentiment of driver engagement, past you'll apt beryllium contented pinch conscionable astir immoderate high-mileage Honda Accord that has a manual transmission.

This nameplate is renowned for its reliability, though we judge that some Accords rank higher than others. Out of each Accord generation, we classed nan ninth-gen exemplary successful fourth, calling it a activity of caller aerial compared to its predecessor. If you agree, past you'll beryllium happy to cognize that we recovered immoderate very affordable examples, including respective beneath nan $5,000 mark. Yes, immoderate person a fewer conflict scars, but these blemishes springiness them character.

Opting for a ninth-gen Accord, which were built for nan 2013 to 2017 exemplary years, gives you options erstwhile it comes to nan powertrain and assemblage style. A functional four-door configuration is available, arsenic is simply a two-door coupe. In summation to nan businesslike 2.4-liter inline-4, a much powerful 3.5-liter V6 tin besides beryllium had. Of course, nan much communal automatic transmission is besides disposable for folks who'd for illustration to not statement their ain gears.

That said, if nan delta betwixt caller car prices and utilized car prices needs to beryllium drastic successful bid to person you that buying utilized is worthwhile — and you're a #savethemanual advocator — past immoderate high-mileage, manual Accord ought to do.

Late '90s Toyota Camry

If we travel nan logic that led america to nan Honda Accord, we'd beryllium remiss to not mention nan Toyota Camry, specifically fourth-generation models. Although neither connection thing successful nan measurement of a due sports car, nan driving dynamics of nan Camry will consciousness a spot much reserved compared to nan Accord, moreover pinch a manual transmission.

Built for nan 1997 done 2001 exemplary years, these sedans beryllium astatine nan intersection of comfort, reliability, and affordability. Despite closing successful connected 30 years of age, these stout sedans still support their beardown estimation arsenic high-mileage vehicles that are still worthy buying. In fact, immoderate opportunity it's nan champion car they've ever bought.

When it comes to powertrain and drivetrain options, nan fourth-gen Camry tin beryllium had pinch either a 2.2-liter inline-4 aliases a 3.0-liter V6 engine. The erstwhile generated 133 horsepower, and nan second made 196 hp. In summation to a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic was besides available. Given nan frugal quality of specified a purchase, we deliberation nan much businesslike four-banger paired pinch an automatic makes nan astir sense. In summation to being nan astir fuel-efficient configuration, it's besides nan astir communal and astir affordable.

Plenty of examples of these Toyota Camrys tin easy beryllium recovered beneath nan $4,000 mark, pinch mileage ranging from beneath 100,000 to good complete 300,000. As pinch immoderate car this old, a pre-purchase inspection is needed to guarantee that everything is arsenic it should be.

2015-2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI

World Rally Blue Subaru WRX STI pinch business background

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The adjacent 1 connected nan database mightiness look for illustration an about-face, but buying immoderate high-mileage conveyance is simply a consequence to immoderate extent. Although we tin already perceive nan comments astir ringing lands and caput gaskets, we still deliberation a high-mileage fourth-generation Subaru WRX STI tin beryllium a coagulated acquisition for enthusiasts aft budget-friendly, year-round capacity — arsenic agelong arsenic they're consenting to support up pinch regular attraction and debar risky modifications.

During our search, we came crossed plentifulness of examples priced beneath $20,000, and respective beneath $15,000. We besides saw our adjacent stock of motor issues and rebuilt titles, but location were still immoderate decent ones, including a 2015 WRX STI Limited on CarGurus pinch a cleanable title, clear history, and conscionable nether 126,000 miles.

As a Limited model, it gets leather seats, a sunroof, and a Harman Kardon sound system. All of that positive Subaru's legendary turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four EJ-series engine, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, and rally-derived all-wheel drivetrain for $13,000 is beautiful appealing if you inquire us. The truth that this is apt nan past non-hybrid aliases non-EV STI that Subaru will ever nutrient makes it each nan much worthwhile. 

It mightiness not beryllium arsenic enticing arsenic nan typical version S209, however, nan astir caller online auction saw 1 of those waste for complete $76,000. Frugal buyers tin acquisition thing akin for little than one-sixth of that price.

Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S / Toyota 86

White Subaru BRZ coupe connected show astatine Brussels Expo

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If nan conception of inexpensive capacity piques your liking but you'd for illustration thing that's much nimble and rear-wheel driven, then nan Subaru BRZ mightiness beryllium much your speed. For those who are unfamiliar, this aforesaid car tin beryllium had nether a fewer different nameplates, including nan Scion FR-S, which was yet replaced by nan Toyota 86. In short, their Porsche-like mannerisms make them very affordable alternatives to somewhat affordable alternatives.

To elaborate, if 1 can't spend a 911, past 1 mightiness see a Boxster aliases a Cayman. If you can't spend 1 of those Porsches, past you whitethorn look astatine a Subaru BRZ (or immoderate of its siblings). If you travel this train of thought each nan measurement to nan cheapest option, past you'll find yourself perusing done listings for high-mileage BRZs, FR-Ses, and 86es.

Like nan aforementioned WRX STI and Porsche models, these sporty coupes are powered by four-cylinder boxer engines sans turbo. In summation to having this similarity to nan German-built sports cars, nan BRZ, FR-S, and 86 besides connection a spot much practicality than nan Mazda Miata, which is revered arsenic 1 of nan champion cars to bargain erstwhile you're successful nan marketplace for affordable fun.

As for nan price, well, you tin surely find much than a fewer examples for little than $10,000. Bumping nan fund up to $15,000 gives you entree to somewhat cleaner coupes, however, nan mean mileage is still correct astir 100,000. If it were our money, we'd woody pinch nan higher mileage and older property that comes pinch nan $10,000 fund and support nan leftover costs astir for attraction and mechanical enhancements.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Golf TDI

When discussing nan taxable of high-mileage vehicles, we'd beryllium remiss if we didn't mention astatine slightest 1 diesel-powered model. Generally, cars pinch diesel engines thin to outlast their petrol-powered counterparts. Take nan Volkswagen Jetta and Golf TDI models. Although location are aggregate generations available, we're going to hone successful connected models that were impacted by the Dieselgate cheating catastrophe since it negatively impacted values for owners, making them bargains for buyers.

As a reminder, nan EPA flagged 2009 done 2015 Jettas and 2010 done 2015 Golfs equipped pinch nan turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 diesel motor for emissions-defeating software. Notably, 2009 done 2014 Jetta SportWagen TDI models and 2015 Golf SportWagen TDI models were besides affected.

We person awesome penetration into what owning a reformed cheater VW diesel is really for illustration acknowledgment to Erin Marquis, who reported an wide positive, money-saving experience. Something to support successful mind, though, are nan attraction costs associated pinch owning a European diesel arsenic good arsenic nan added complaint of moving diesel alternatively of fuel. While diesel utilized to beryllium much economically viable, that is nary longer nan case. 

Second-Generation Saab 9-3

Side floor plan of a grey 2009 Saab 9-3 pinch a neutral background

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If a turbocharged European car piques your liking but you're not peculiarly fond of nan thought of owning a diesel and each that comes pinch it, past possibly you mightiness see a second-generation Saab 9-3. Built from 2003 done nan early 2010s, these Swedish ace saloons were built aft General Motors took power of Saab and make for content-packed bargains successful nan utilized car market.

Although affordable and funky Saabs are still beautiful easy to find, proviso is surely trending downward. To us, this get 'em while you tin facet makes them an moreover much worthwhile purchase. However, we understand that specified a conveyance mightiness not beryllium perfect for everyone.

Sourcing parts for a 9-3 isn't arsenic straightforward arsenic it mightiness beryllium for a Buick Regal aliases Chevy Malibu of nan aforesaid vintage, which some thrust connected Epsilon platforms. Saab had a wont of making mini changes from 1 exemplary twelvemonth to nan next, aliases moreover wrong nan aforesaid exemplary twelvemonth successful immoderate cases, truthful you can't ever trust connected guaranteed-to-fit claims made by online parts retailers. 

That said, if you're good pinch cross-referencing portion numbers past you should beryllium conscionable fine. Your mechanic, connected nan different hand, whitethorn person immoderate objections. For amended aliases for worse, you'll apt request to root a shop that specializes successful Saabs if you take to bargain 1 and are not a DIY mechanic.

Cadillac ATS

Side floor plan of a bluish Cadillac ATS coupe astatine a car show

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If you person a sensation for nan finer things, but would alternatively steer clear of quirky Saabs, past possibly different value-packed proposition from GM's portfolio mightiness beryllium much your velocity — nan Cadillac ATS. 

This was nan luxury marque's entry-level exemplary backmost erstwhile it was produced, meaning it was nan astir affordable Cadillac exemplary astatine nan time. That nickname now rests connected nan shoulders of nan CT4, which has a guidelines MSRP of $37,095 for nan 2026 exemplary year. However, high-mileage ATS models tin connection a akin acquisition for good nether $10,000.

Shoppers should cognize that nan ATS was disposable successful some sedan and coupe form, and pinch either rear-wheel thrust aliases all-wheel drive. For astir of its lifespan, nan modular motor was a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter inline-4 while a turbocharged 2.0-liter was optional. Although nan turbo-four offers overmuch much performance, ATS models equipped pinch this motor aren't needfully much costly successful nan used-car market. This is apt owed to nan truth that nan simpler 2.5-liter is little finicky and tin tally connected cheaper 87 octane, whereas nan turbo-four requires premium fuel.

During our search, we recovered a high-mileage 2013 ATS 2.0T Performance sedan for little than $6,000. If you don't person immoderate qualms astir driving astir successful a car pinch complete 170,000 miles, past you'll get to bask a suite of driver information exertion on pinch different amenities specified arsenic a heated steering instrumentality and a Bose sound system. All of those features are stuffed wrong a good-looking sedan that rides connected nan tin Alpha platform, generates 272 hp, and returns up to 30 miles per gallon connected nan highway. 

Not excessively shabby if you inquire us. Just make judge to do your owed diligence erstwhile it comes to pre-purchase inspections.

First-generation Cadillac CTS-V

Black 2005 Cadillac CTS-V parked pinch wooded background

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For some, nan image of an American luxury sedan is incomplete without 1 cardinal characteristic — a tried and existent push-rod mini artifact V8. If you're personification who abides by nan "no replacement for displacement" mantra, past possibly you mightiness beryllium more satisfied pinch a first-generation Cadillac CTS-V. As nan first-ever V-branded car, buying 1 of these intends you'll ain a portion of automotive history.

Prices connected these elegantly burly brutes aren't rather arsenic debased arsenic they utilized to be, but they tin still beryllium had for little than $20,000. In fact, we managed to find immoderate beneath nan $15,000 mark, pinch 1 higher-mileage illustration listed connected Prime Motors astatine $12,450. With 140,000 connected nan odometer, it's by nary intends nan highest mileage CTS-V we've ever travel across, and we deliberation it still offers a beautiful coagulated bang for your buck.

Cadillac isn't precisely known for having nan astir lavish interiors, and this was particularly existent successful nan early to mid-2000s. In its defense, though, even Porsche 911 interiors from this era time off overmuch to beryllium desired. A 2004 to 2007 CTS-V is nary exception. Still, what it lacks successful interior refinement it much than makes up for pinch engaging performance.

To beryllium clear, these early CTS-Vs are a acold outcry from nan Blackwing models Cadillac sells today. Even so, nan 2004 and 2005 models supply drivers pinch 400 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque from a 5.7-liter LS6 V8, which is mated to a sturdy Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission. These will beryllium nan astir affordable models, arsenic nan much costly 2006 and 2007 feature, amongst different updates, nan 6.0-liter LS2 V8, which provides highest torque a spot earlier successful nan rev range. The LS6 is much than adequate, though.

Fifth-generation Ford Mustang (S197)

Dark bluish Ford Mustang GT broadside floor plan successful municipality environment

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When it comes to American-made V8s, we can't time off retired an icon. Although we deliberation you could make a lawsuit for conscionable astir immoderate utilized Ford Mustang GT pinch a manual transmission, we're partial to nan fifth-generation Ford Mustang, aka nan S197. Built for nan 2005 done 2014 exemplary years, these are a awesome worth proposition for pony car fanatics. They're modern capable to supply livable regular transportation, and inexpensive capable to bargain connected a budget.

Looks are subjective, but nan 2013 and 2014 Mustang GTs are wide regarded arsenic immoderate of nan best-looking modern iterations of nan nameplate. However, owed to request these models travel astatine a premium, and prices commencement to overlap pinch nan newer sixth-gen S550 models unless you limit your hunt to high-mileage examples. Earlier S197 GTs are easier to find successful nan sub-$10,000 value range. This is what landed specified models successful our database of fastest for cheapest vehicles.

If those prices still aren't rather debased enough, buyers tin prevention moreover much if they opt for nan little muscular V6 variant. Although we thin to springiness astir of our attraction to V8 pony cars, it's worthy noting that 2011 and later Mustangs were propelled by nan Cyclone V6 that put retired 305 hp and returned up to 31 miles per gallon connected nan highway. The figures correspond an awesome 95 hp bump complete nan 4.0-liter V6 utilized successful nan 2010 exemplary positive 5 much road miles per gallon. 

While nan V6 whitethorn not sound arsenic cool arsenic nan large bad 5.0-liter V8 — some virtually and figuratively — it still represents a beautiful decent value, and you'll still get to brag astir owning 1 of nan past coagulated axle Mustangs.

Ford Fusion

Dark grey 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan successful a parking lot

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Truth beryllium told, this past slot was a reliable choice. Ultimately, we landed connected providing a solution to buyers who are excessively risk-averse for a performance-oriented instrumentality and would for illustration an American-branded replacement to nan aforementioned Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. For that, we've chosen the discontinued Ford Fusion. 

Its scope of configurations would surely fulfill your needs for basal transportation. For reference, choices see all-wheel and front-wheel drivetrains arsenic good arsenic hybrid, four-cylinder, and six-cylinder powertrains. To clarify, hybrid models are only disposable pinch front-wheel drive.

Frugal individuals will admit nan Fusion's estimation arsenic a reliable workhorse. It won't wow you pinch thrilling driving dynamics nor fascinate you pinch accelerated speeds, but it'll get nan occupation done. During our search, we recovered plentifulness of choices for little than $10,000. Even younger 2018 to 2020 Fusion hybrid sedans, which received an EPA standing of 42 miles per gallon combined, could beryllium had successful that value range. 

If you for illustration nan simplicity of accepted state engines aliases require all-wheel drive, those are moreover easier to find for little money, too. As a reminder, nan Ford Fusion was produced for nan 2006 done 2020 exemplary years. 

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