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While the used car market continues to come back to earth after record highs, the market for affordable used cars is still tough to navigate. However, with any of these five best used cars under $20,000, you can still find some good options. Here, affordability and reliability match to make an excellent overall value.

5. 2020 Honda Civic

A used Honda Civic shows off its four-door car styling on a beach.
A Honda Civic | Honda

From the moment the 2020 Honda Civic hit the road, it became an excellent choice for buyers on a budget. Nimble handling and a comfortable ride make the Civic a perennial favorite for those who love to drive. The trunk space in the Civic puts it near the top of its compact car class as well. Furthermore, the Civic has a legendary reputation for reliability. Not only is the Honda Civic one of the best used cars for under $20,000, but it offers great longevity.

4. 2020 Toyota Corolla

2023 Toyota Corolla
2020 Toyota Corolla XSE | Toyota

We simply couldn’t have a cheap car countdown without the inimitable Toyota Corolla. For this list, we’ve picked out the 2020 version of the Toyota Compact. A wealth of standard safety features means any used 2020 Corolla will come with advanced driver aids that are typically optional. The ‘20 Corolla also packs standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, plus automatic climate control for added comfort. It’s not exactly exciting – the 1.6-liter four-cylinder makes just 141 horsepower – but the 41 mpg highway makes the Corolla an excellent used car for eating up miles.

3. 2019 Hyundai Sonata

A 2015 Hyundai Sonata compact sedan model
Hyundai Sonata sedan | Hyundai Motor America

Perhaps the most luxurious car on this KBB list, the Hyundai Sonata has always stood out. No model is a greater example than the 2019 Hyundai Sonata. For under $20,000 you can get a used car with dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and adaptive cruise control. That’s an impressive list of features for a brand-new car, let alone a used car under $20,000.

2. 2019 Toyota Camry

A Toyota Camry, like this one, is one of the reasons Toyota reliability is comparable to Honda in terms of reliable and affordable car brands.
Toyota Camry | Toyota

The trusty Toyota Camry is always a safe bet, and the 2019 model is one of the best used cars you can find for less than $20,000 these days. Like its compact cousin, the Camry comes complete with a raft of advanced driver assistance features. Plus, the spacious cabin, a combination of 41 mpg highway and 203 horsepower, and a cavernous cargo area make the Camry a competitive cruiser.

1. 2018 Honda Accord

A 2021 Honda Accord shows off its fascia, which looks a lot like the similarly priced 2022 Accord.
Honda Accord | Honda

Beating its main rival for number one on this list of five best used cars for under $20,000 is the 2018 Honda Accord. Yes, you have to go back one additional year to find a used Accord at this price. But you’ll get more punch from the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and plenty of tech. In addition, the sharp styling gives it a gravitas that the Camry can’t match.

Enjoy comfort, efficiency, and value with these 5 best used cars under $20,000

These five top used cars under $20,000 all share a few things in common. They all score high for reliability, standard safety features, efficiency, and comfort. When shopping for affordable used cars that deliver excellent quality, any of these five are sure to hit the mark.

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