5 Best Used Cars to Buy under $15,000

Giulia Nigrini
Giulia Nigrini
Vehicle Service Contract Specialist, Traveler, Car Enthusiast
July 5, 2022
5
min. read
side view of a white car

So, you are on the hunt for a car and you want to get the most out of your budget. Taking a newly bought car home is exciting. For many, providing a whole new level of transport freedom. Firstly, congratulations on purchasing a new vehicle. We hope that our suggestions will help you narrow down the selection.

A used or pre-owned car is a great option for people buying on a budget. With some careful searching you can always find a bargain and still find good extended auto protection if the vehicle is no longer under warranty. Now, let’s jump into Chaiz’s 5 best used cars to buy under $15,000.

What to look for in a used car?

When you are out looking for potential vehicles to buy, take some time to check a few things. You want to be sure that what you are buying is worth the asking price and that it will provide you with years of service. Ask the seller a few questions about the car that cover the following topics:

Once you are satisfied with the answers, check the car inside and outside. Make sure that the interior is clean and that there are few scratches on the dashboard and other areas. When checking the exterior, see if you can find indentations or slight paint differences to indicate if bodywork might have been done. Lastly, take the car for a test drive and do not be afraid to drive it around the block a few times. Get a good feel for what you are buying.

What are the best used cars to buy under $15,000?

We came to this list through researching cars that are popular within the US and taking into account reliability ratings and overall availability across the country.

Toyota Camry 2012-2015

The Toyota Camry is a front-wheel-drive midsize car. They are one of the most popular cars in the US. They are comfortable and easy to drive with an automatic transmission which makes them ideal for a daily driver option. They do quite well on long distance trips so you can also look at road trips once in a while.

Honda Civic 2012-2016

Honda is known as a brand to be reliable and offer great features at affordable rates. Honda cars tend to maintain decent resale value and offer many years on the road. Honda Civic came to the US many years ago. The car quickly cemented its place in America as a favorite midsize vehicle. This car has a reliable engine and offers a very comfortable drive in the city as well as the highway.

Honda Accord 2013-2017

The Honda Accord has one of the best ratings for affordable midsize cars in the country. The interior is very roomy. This car is ideal for families, couples, and people with pets that travel. This Honda is also a front-wheel-drive car with good handling while driving. While offering good fuel efficiency for a vehicle in its class.

Subaru Outback 2013-2016

The Subaru Outback is the best car for people who enjoy going on outdoor adventures, road trips, and having a reliable engine. These cars are great for driving off road in groups as it has a spacious interior for cargo and passengers. Lastly, this car has wonderful safety features and ratings.

Ford Fusion 2013-2018

The Ford Fusion can be bought as an all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive version. They are spacious on the inside and have decent space for people and cargo. These cars tend to maintain a good resale value as well. For a comfortable daily driver the Ford Fusion is a fantastic option. Especially for families.

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Think Ahead with an Extended Auto Protection

Extended auto protection is the best way to ensure that your vehicle is covered in the event of a mechanical failure. Chaiz is a comparison marketplace for auto protection plans where you can take your time finding the best plan for you. The plans come in three different tiers which are powertrain, powertrain plus, and most comprehensive.

Most of the plans have a 30-day waiting period at the start of the plan. For this reason we strongly suggest taking out an extended auto protection plan, or vehicle service contact, at least one month before the end of your factory warranty period.

Is an Extended Auto Protection Worth It?

Repair bills can range between $300 and $5,000 depending on the repairs needed and the vehicle you are driving. It is not always possible to be sure that you have this amount of money at the time of a mechanical breakdown. So yes, to keep your car protected in the case of a mechanical breakdown we suggest that you look into a vehicle service contract specifically designed to alleviate the stress of car ownership and cover you for parts and labor. Use the Chaiz search tool to find a vehicle service contract best suited to your car and your driving needs.  

Here at Chaiz, we offer you the chance to comfortably search for extended auto protection that is perfect for your model car and mileage usage. Plus, you will find a plan fit for your budget rather than trying to fit it into your budget.

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