Best Used Cars Under $20k for 2024
The best used cars, trucks, and SUVs under $20k based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
Best Used Cars Under $20k by Vehicle Type
The best used SUV under $20k is the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE with an iSeeCars rating of 8.7 out of 10 and an average used car price of $19,542. The 2018 Honda Civic (coupe) is the best used sedan under $20k with a rating of 9.4 and a used car price of $19,312. The 2019 BMW i3 (electric) is the best used luxury passenger car under $20k; it has an overall score of 6.8 and an average price of $19,518. The best used luxury SUV under $20k is the 2021 Buick Encore with an iSeeCars rating of 8.3 out of 10 and a price of $19,292.
The iSeeCars Rating/Score for each model is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety based on over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Best Used Cars Under $20k
Best Used SUVs Under $20k
Best Used Hybrids Under $20k
Best Used Electrics Under $20k
How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Used Cars Under $20k Rankings are calculated based on the latest research by our data science team and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We analyze data from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with the NHTSA's Safety Ratings to give you an unbiased guide to the best vehicles in each segment.
After being evaluated, vehicles with the highest average scores earn a spot in the iSeeCars Best Car Rankings. (No final score is given to vehicles missing a score in any of the categories, but scores for other categories are still shown.)
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
