Some automobile industry observers have spent the last decade writing the obituary of the sedan. These self-appointed experts have claimed that drivers just aren’t interested in cars anymore and that the sedan has been supplanted by the SUV and pickup truck. While it is true that drivers don’t buy as many sedans as they once did, there are still many great models being built and sold today.
In addition, as demand has increased for other model types, it has created a situation for folks like you to get a great used vehicle at an even better price. When you go looking for used cars for sale, you are going to find that there are plenty of compact and midsize sedans available that are better priced than used SUVs and pickup trucks. This lets you get behind the wheel of your next vehicle at a very affordable price.
At Ryan Honda, we always have a vast inventory of used models to choose from, including some of the top sedans from the leading brands. This is because we work hard to source the best quality used vehicles, making sure that our customers always have a great selection to choose from. Here are eight of our favorite sedans that you can find on the used market.
#1. Honda Accord
Since its debut in 1976, the Honda Accord has been among the top-selling cars in America. Now in its eleventh generation, the Accord provides drivers with a very sporty and stylish midsize sedan that gets exceptional fuel economy. This is especially true if you choose an Accord Hybrid, which adds an electric motor to the gas engine on your sedan.
For example, while the 2022 Accord with a 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 can get you an EPA-estimated 33 MPG combined, opting for the Accord Hybrid will increase this to an amazing 47 MPG. This hybrid works by having the gas engine power a generator to keep the battery pack charged at lower speeds while the electric motor helps power the vehicle. At higher speeds, your performance will get a blend of the gas and electric motors, helping to reduce fuel consumption. The best part is that you get all of the comfort and convenience that the Accord is known for.
#2. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is literally the car that made Honda. This compact sedan has been going strong since 1972, demonstrating Honda’s expertise with small engines, as well as roomy interiors on compact models. This should come as no surprise since Honda started out by making motorcycles, which require high output from a smaller engine. Like the larger Accord, the Civic will give you exceptional fuel economy, which is why so many commuters and daily drivers choose this model when they are looking for a used sedan. A 2021 Civic with a 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 gas engine can provide an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined.
#3. Hyundai Sonata
Known for style and luxury, the Hyundai Sonata is beloved for offering the latest in safety and infotainment technology. For example, the used 2021 Sonata comes with a suite of Hyundai SmartSense active safety features, as well as passive features like multiple airbags. This will make driving a used Sonata will give you peace of mind that you and your passengers will get to your destination safely.
For example, the standard forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking will let you know if there is an imminent front-end collision so you can take evasive action while the system works the emergency brakes. Technology is also seen in the standard infotainment system on the Sonata, which helps you and your passengers stay connected with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
#4. Nissan Altima
Another venerable midsize sedan is the Nissan Altima, originally introduced in 1993. Now in its sixth generation, the Altima provides you with a great blend of style, performance, and fuel economy. This is why the Altima has always been one of Nissan’s most popular models. If you are looking for performance in an affordably priced used sedan, you can find a 2020 Altima with a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo I-4 gas engine. This will give exceptional speed and acceleration with its turbocharged engine output—a hallmark of many Nissan models.
#5. Kia Rio
If you are a commuter or student who wants exceptional fuel economy in a very affordably priced used sedan, a Kia Rio may be right for you. This subcompact sedan may not have the roominess of larger models, but it is perfect if you have to do most of your driving by yourself for your daily commute. For example, a 2021 Rio will give you an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined. This is the kind of fuel efficiency that will help you save money while you drive. Although Kia discontinued the Rio after the 2023 model year, you can still find great used ones for your next vehicle.
#6. Toyota Camry
Since 1982, Toyota has been selling the Camry, one of its best-selling models over the years. The Toyota Camry is a sporty sedan with plenty of room for up to five passengers. It also features standard Toyota Safety Sense active driver assistance features on all models since 2020. This will help you and your passengers get wherever you are going safely. In addition, you can find multiple engine options on most model years of the Camry.
For example, the 2020 Camry comes with a choice of a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter I-4, a powerful 3.5-liter I-4, and a hybrid powertrain that can give you an EPA-estimated 52 MPG combined. Finally, the Camry is one of the few sedans that offers all-wheel drive. This will give you exceptional traction, especially in inclement weather conditions.
#7. Cadillac CT5
When it comes to luxury sedans, there are few brands to rival Cadillac. Its legacy of luxury models includes names like the Sedan de Ville, Fleetwood, and Eldorado. The CT5 joined these models in 2020, giving drivers who love midsize sedans an elegant option. Buying a used Cadillac CT5 will give you modern tech like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features since 2021. This allows you to link your smartphones to make hands-free calls and texts.
The CT5 is also one of the few used sedans that offers all of its engines with a turbocharger, including a pair of V6 engines on the 2021 model. You can find a used CT5 with either rear-wheel drive for better acceleration and fuel economy or all-wheel drive for solid on-road traction.
#8. BMW 3 Series
Some things are classics, and this is certainly the case with a used BMW 3 Series. BMW began offering the 3 Series in 1975, providing drivers with a high-performance compact sedan. It has proven its value to BMW by becoming the brand’s best-selling model, often accounting for up to 30% of their vehicle sales. This is not surprising since few models can match the BMW 3 Series when it comes to combining luxury and performance.
The 3 Series’s interior has high-quality materials designed to maximize passenger comfort. The exterior has a sporty style to match the exceptional performance found in the various engine options, which include hybrid engine options to boost fuel economy. So, if you are looking for a used one for a daily commute, you should consider one with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain to improve fuel economy.
For example, if you choose a 2020 BMW 3 Series with a 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6, you will get an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined. This increases to 28 MPG with the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 with the plug-in hybrid powertrain.
A Used Sedan Is Always a Great Ride!
If these used models prove anything, it is that the sedan segment is still going strong. From compact and subcompact models that give you great fuel economy to midsize sedans with their luxurious comfort and convenience features, you can see why so many drivers still love getting a great deal on an exceptional used sedan!
