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10 Best Used Compact Cars

8 Best Used Compact Cars Under $20,000 According to KBB

The used car market is pretty competitive right now due to a lack of new cars being produced. With that said, there are still plenty of good deals to be found. Kelley Blue Book compiled a list of suitable options that have the safety features drivers want, but won’t break the bank. Topping the used …

The used car market is pretty competitive right now due to a lack of new cars being produced. With that said, there are still plenty of good deals to be found. Kelley Blue Book compiled a list of suitable options that have the safety features drivers want, but won’t break the bank.

Topping the used compact car list, the 2018 Toyota Corolla

10 Best Used Compact Cars
10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $20,000, including the 2018 Toyota Corolla | Chesnot/Getty Images

Kelley Blue Book knows a thing or two about reliable cars. This list includes some of the best used compact cars under $20,000. The 2018 Toyota Corolla topped the list. KBB says the Corolla is reliable, holds its value well over the years, and has a good fuel economy. The Corolla received many safety features after the redesign in 2017, so automatic emergency braking is now standard.

One of the sportier used compact cars, the 2018 Mazda3

The 2018 Mazda3 is a pretty fun used compact car that is reasonably priced these days. The Mazda3 is available as a sedan or a hatchback and has a luxurious interior compared to Lexus and Acura. This car also came with various sporty trim levels some of the other options might not have, like the preferred package or the touring option.

A reliable used car pick, 2018 Honda Civic

The 2018 Honda Civic is probably the most popular sedan on this list. It is reliable, fun to drive, and has a nice interior. The Civic, in general, tends to hold its value. If you are looking to spend under $20,000, there should be various options to choose from.

The fuel-efficient 2018 Toyota Prius

Don’t overlook the 2018 Toyota Prius on your search for a new car. The Prius has been on sale for more than two decades now, and the 2018 variety is the fourth generation. It certainly looks different than the other compact cars on this list but in a good way. Drivers can expect more than 50 mpg from the Prius, which makes it a solid choice.

Join the Subaru club, the 2019 Subaru Impreza

The 2019 Subaru Impreza comes with all-wheel-drive standard and has a lot of safety features to keep your passengers safe. It is also offered as a sedan or a hatchback, which adds to the options on the used car market. The hatchback is similar to a compact SUV as opposed to a sedan and gives a lot of extra cargo room.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is one of the newer cars on the list, offering added tech and safety features. Since this model is 2020, you can find a used Elantra with low miles, and even a warranty left over. The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is comfortable and a good value if you can find one.

Don’t overlook the compact 2017 Acura ILX

The 2017 Acura ILX is pretty similar to the Honda Civic since these vehicles share a platform. However, the ILX is like the fancy older cousin of the Civic. Acura has a nice interior but still fits within the compact luxury vehicle budget. Since this one is 2017, you might have to check for higher mileages, but you should be able to stay under $20,000.

A fun option, the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta

If you are looking for a compact sedan that feels more like a midsize sedan, look no further than the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. It has a large back seat, a big trunk, and handles well on the road. If you look hard enough, you might be able to find a GLI Jetta within the budget as well.

Be sure to take these vehicles for a drive to get a feel for each one before driving off the lot. Depending on the year, some of these options might have some warranty left. Getting an inspection on a used car is always a good idea, especially if it is higher mileage.