It’s not just new cars that people are after. The used car market is full of good cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans that are available at prices far lower than a brand new car.
iSeeCars, a car search engine, analyzed over 6.1 million cars from model years 2011 and newer to determine the used cars that demonstrated long-term reliability and have an average safety rating of at least 4 stars out of 5 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Shoppers with a budget of $15,000 can purchase the following reliable SUVs that are less than 10 years old.
2013 Honda CR-V
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Average Used Price: $13,469
Honda redesigned the CR-V for the 2014 model year. The fourth-gen model got fresh styling, improved fuel economy, and a long list of standard and available features. It was named an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK and earned a NHTSA 5-star Overall Vehicle Score.
2012 Honda Pilot
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Average Used Price: $13,925
Honda refreshed the Pilot for the 2012 model year. It got a new face, a redesigned center stack, simplified climate control layout, and new available infotainment technology. The 2012 Pilot is also more fuel efficient than the 2011 model.
2012 Ford Expedition
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Average Used Price: $14,232
The 2012 Ford Expedition is powered by a standard 5.4-liter V8 that achieves 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. It can tow up to 9,200 pounds when properly equipped. A voice-activated SYNC infotainment and navigation system and automatic 4×4 drive mode was available when new.
2012 Dodge Durango
Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
Average Used Price: $14,528
The Dodge Durango was redesigned for the 2011 model year and it’s mostly a carryover for 2012. It’s powered by either a 290-horsepower V6 or 360-horsepower V8. The Durango came standard with a front-passenger fold-flat seat, steering wheel audio controls, a tilting/telescoping wheel, SiriusXM satellite radio, an audio jack, six-speaker sound system, and trailer sway control.
2012 Acura MDX
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Average Used Price: $14,662
The 2012 Acura MDX was mostly carried over from the 2011 edition, bringing with it a strong powertrain and sleek (for its time) looks. It has a flat load floor with its seats stowed, making it easy to carry cargo, and a list of high tech features that includes Bluetooth, tri-zone climate control with humidity control, navigation with voice recognition, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and a rear entertainment system.
2011 Toyota Highlander
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.
Average Used Price: $14,900
Toyota upgraded the Highlander for the 2011 model year, giving it revised front and rear fascia, hood, and fenders. It also now came standard with three rows of seating and rear climate controls. When new, the Highlander was offered with either a four-cylinder or V6 powertrain. It also got tech upgrades for 2011 including a standard USB port, SiriusXM radio capability, and Bluetooth connectivity.
