Highlights:
- The Honda Fit is the most reliable 5-year-old used car for the money, with an 11.6-year remaining lifespan and an average list price of $18,336, or a $1,583 price per year
- The Honda Fit is also the most reliable 10-year-old used car for the money, followed by the Volkswagen Passat, Lincoln MKZ, Kia Rio, and Mercedes-Benz CLA
- The average 5-year-old used car costs $26,206 and has an average remaining lifespan of 7.6 years, or $3,426 per year of remaining life
- The average 10-year-old used car costs $15,655 and has an average remaining lifespan of 6 years, or $2,609 a per year of remaining life
- The Toyota Prius is the most reliable 5-year-old used hybrid for the money, while the Tesla Model S is among the most reliable 10-year-old used cars for the money, and the only electric car in the top rankings
Reliability is one of the most important considerations for used car shoppers seeking value for their dollar. The Honda Fit is the most reliable 5-year-old used car for the money, followed by the Volkswagen Passat, and Buick Encore. The average cost for a 5-year-old used car is $26,206, but these three models all cost less than $20,000 while offering between 8.8 and 11.6 years of remaining lifespan. This equates to a per-year price below $2,000 versus a $3,426 price-per-year for the average 5-year-old model. Other high-ranking models include the Toyota Prius as the most reliable hybrid for the money, and the Tesla Model S as the only electric car to rank among the most reliable 10-year-old cars for the money.
iSeeCars analyzed the prices of over 700,000 used cars and the odometer readings of over 368 million used cars from its Longest Lasting Cars Study. The average list price of each model was compared to its expected lifespan (in years) to calculate the list price per year.
“Used car prices have dropped from their COVID-induced record highs, but they remain well above pre-COVID pricing levels,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer, “And with tariff looming it’s possible new and used prices could rise again. To help shoppers maximize their used-car budget we’ve identified the models offering the lowest purchase price and the longest remaining lifespan.”
Most reliable 5-year-old cars for the money
Honda has three models in the top 12 most reliable 5-year-old used cars for the money, followed by Mitsubishi and Toyota with two models and Buick, Infiniti, Kia, and Mazda with one car each. All of these cars offer 6.9 or more years of remaining lifespan while having a price per remaining year below $2,400, a substantial savings over the $3,426 average price per remaining year for 5-year-old used cars.| 12 Best 5-Year-Old Used Cars for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Remaining Lifespan (Years) | Price per Remaining Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Honda Fit | $18,336 | 11.6 | $1,583 | 0.46x |
| 2 | Volkswagen Passat | $17,636 | 9.6 | $1,845 | 0.54x |
| 3 | Buick Encore | $16,633 | 8.8 | $1,897 | 0.55x |
| 4 | Kia Rio 5-Door | $14,037 | 6.9 | $2,023 | 0.59x |
| 5 | Honda Civic | $20,157 | 9.8 | $2,053 | 0.60x |
| 6 | Mazda Mazda3 (hatchback) | $20,262 | 9.8 | $2,073 | 0.61x |
| 7 | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | $15,821 | 7.5 | $2,102 | 0.61x |
| 8 | Toyota Yaris | $16,427 | 7.6 | $2,148 | 0.63x |
| 9 | Toyota Corolla | $17,728 | 8.1 | $2,201 | 0.64x |
| 10 | Infiniti Q50 | $24,000 | 10.6 | $2,261 | 0.66x |
| 11 | Honda CR-V | $24,524 | 10.8 | $2,276 | 0.66x |
| 12 | Mitsubishi Outlander | $17,011 | 7.2 | $2,363 | 0.69x |
| Overall 5-Year-Old Used Car Average | $26,206 | 7.6 | $3,426 | -- | |
Most reliable 10-year-old cars for the money
The Honda Fit, Volkswagen Passat, and Kia Rio 5 hatchback remain at the top of the list for 10-year-old most reliable used cars for the money. The average price per year for a 10-year-old car is $15,655, or more than $10,000 lower than a 5-year-old used car. Yet predicted remaining lifespan only drops from 7.6 to 6 years. This illustrates the potential value to be found in buying older used models, though the need for a pre-purchase inspection is also more important when buying an older vehicle.| 17 Best 10-Year-Old Used Cars for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Remaining Lifespan (Years) | Price per Remaining Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Honda Fit | $12,169 | 9.0 | $1,358 | 0.52x |
| 2 | Volkswagen Passat | $9,912 | 7.0 | $1,424 | 0.55x |
| 3 | Lincoln MKZ | $12,298 | 7.6 | $1,625 | 0.62x |
| 4 | Kia Rio 5 Door | $9,059 | 5.6 | $1,626 | 0.62x |
| 5 | Mercedes-Benz CLA | $13,885 | 8.5 | $1,643 | 0.63x |
| 6 | Kia Rio | $8,051 | 4.8 | $1,666 | 0.64x |
| 7 | Honda Civic | $13,097 | 7.9 | $1,668 | 0.64x |
| 8 | Buick Encore | $11,018 | 6.5 | $1,703 | 0.65x |
| 9 | Jeep Compass | $9,832 | 5.7 | $1,713 | 0.66x |
| 10 | Nissan Versa | $7,638 | 4.5 | $1,716 | 0.66x |
| 11 | Toyota Avalon | $15,876 | 9.0 | $1,760 | 0.67x |
| 12 | Mazda CX-9 | $11,474 | 6.5 | $1,771 | 0.68x |
| 13 | Hyundai Elantra | $9,603 | 5.3 | $1,798 | 0.69x |
| 14 | Tesla Model S | $18,960 | 10.5 | $1,800 | 0.69x |
| 15 | Ford Fusion Energi | $10,118 | 5.6 | $1,804 | 0.69x |
| 16 | Infiniti QX60 | $12,518 | 6.9 | $1,805 | 0.69x |
| 17 | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | $9,954 | 5.5 | $1,811 | 0.69x |
| Overall 10-Year-Old Used Car Average | $15,655 | 6.0 | $2,609 | -- | |
Most reliable 5-year-old trucks for the money
Trucks are all about durability, which gives them the longest remaining lifespan of any vehicle type in our study. The Nissan Frontier leads the rankings, followed by the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma. The Tacoma actually has the longest predicted remaining lifespan in the category, but its high value on the used market pushes its ranking to the fourth slot.| Best 5-Year-Old Used Trucks for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Remaining Lifespan (Years) | Price per Remaining Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Nissan Frontier | $23,801 | 9.0 | $2,640 | 0.68x |
| 2 | Chevrolet Colorado | $23,299 | 8.8 | $2,645 | 0.68x |
| 3 | GMC Canyon | $28,149 | 10.6 | $2,657 | 0.68x |
| 4 | Toyota Tacoma | $31,519 | 11.7 | $2,695 | 0.69x |
| 5 | Honda Ridgeline | $28,558 | 10.4 | $2,742 | 0.71x |
| 6 | Ford Ranger | $27,157 | 9.9 | $2,750 | 0.71x |
| 7 | Toyota Tundra | $38,433 | 11.3 | $3,413 | 0.88x |
| 8 | Nissan Titan | $31,938 | 9.0 | $3,532 | 0.91x |
| 5-Year-Old Used Truck Average | $32,477 | 8.4 | $3,889 | -- | |
| 9 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $32,515 | 8.3 | $3,895 | 1.0x |
| 10 | GMC Sierra 1500 | $38,114 | 8.6 | $4,425 | 1.14x |
| 11 | Ford F-150 | $32,794 | 7.2 | $4,543 | 1.17x |
| 12 | Ram 1500 | $33,350 | 7.3 | $4,600 | 1.18x |
Most reliable 10-year-old trucks for the money
Midsize models remain at the top of the rankings for 10-year-old trucks, while the lower market value of Nissan’s Titan lets it slip ahead of Toyota’s Tundra in the full-size rankings. The Tacoma continues to offer the highest predicted remaining lifespan in this segment, with another 9.3 years left to go.| Best 10-Year-Old Used Trucks for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Remaining Lifespan (Years) | Price per Remaining Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Nissan Frontier | $15,394 | 6.9 | $2,216 | 0.70x |
| 2 | GMC Canyon | $19,510 | 8.3 | $2,349 | 0.74x |
| 3 | Toyota Tacoma | $21,807 | 9.3 | $2,353 | 0.74x |
| 4 | Chevrolet Colorado | $18,075 | 7.3 | $2,478 | 0.78x |
| 5 | Nissan Titan | $17,752 | 7.0 | $2,530 | 0.80x |
| 6 | Toyota Tundra | $25,209 | 8.6 | $2,920 | 0.92x |
| 7 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $19,920 | 6.4 | $3,128 | 0.99x |
| 10-Year-Old Used Truck Average | $20,353 | 6.4 | $3,165 | -- | |
| 8 | GMC Sierra 1500 | $21,977 | 6.6 | $3,317 | 1.05x |
| 9 | Ram 1500 | $18,381 | 5.5 | $3,368 | 1.06x |
| 10 | Ford F-150 | $20,972 | 5.7 | $3,671 | 1.16x |
Most reliable 5-year-old SUVs for the money
The Buick Encore touts the lowest price per remaining year for 5-year-old SUVs, while still having an 8.8-year remaining lifespan. With an average price of $16,633 and a price-per-remaining year of $1,897 the Buick represents excellent used car value.| Best 5-Year-Old Used SUVs for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Remaining Lifespan (Years) | Price per Remaining Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Buick Encore | $16,633 | 8.8 | $1,897 | 0.58x |
| 2 | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | $15,821 | 7.5 | $2,102 | 0.64x |
| 3 | Honda CR-V | $24,524 | 10.8 | $2,276 | 0.69x |
| 4 | Mitsubishi Outlander | $17,011 | 7.2 | $2,363 | 0.72x |
| 5 | Toyota RAV4 | $24,823 | 10.3 | $2,416 | 0.74x |
| 6 | Infiniti QX60 | $24,329 | 10.0 | $2,426 | 0.74x |
| 7 | Jeep Compass | $18,332 | 7.5 | $2,455 | 0.75x |
| 8 | Nissan Rogue | $17,983 | 7.3 | $2,458 | 0.75x |
| 5-Year-Old SUV Average | $24,835 | 7.6 | $3,277 | -- | |
Most reliable 10-year-old SUVs for the money
When shopping for 10-year-old used SUVs, several luxury models rank in the top 10. These include the Infiniti QX60, Volvo XC60, Acura RDX, and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. All of these premium nameplates cost less than $15,000 yet offer at least 6.9 years of remaining life.| Best 10-Year-Old Used SUVs for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Remaining Lifespan (Years) | Price per Remaining Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Buick Encore | $11,018 | 6.5 | $1,703 | 0.66x |
| 2 | Jeep Compass | $9,832 | 5.7 | $1,713 | 0.67x |
| 3 | Mazda CX-9 | $11,474 | 6.5 | $1,771 | 0.69x |
| 4 | Infiniti QX60 | $12,518 | 6.9 | $1,805 | 0.70x |
| 5 | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | $9,954 | 5.5 | $1,811 | 0.70x |
| 6 | Volvo XC60 | $12,830 | 7.0 | $1,834 | 0.71x |
| 7 | Mitsubishi Outlander | $10,081 | 5.5 | $1,843 | 0.72x |
| 8 | Honda CR-V | $15,336 | 8.3 | $1,845 | 0.72x |
| 9 | Acura RDX | $14,497 | 7.7 | $1,890 | 0.73x |
| 10 | Land Rover Range Rover Evoque | $13,583 | 7.0 | $1,944 | 0.75x |
| 10-Year-Old SUV Average | $14,794 | 5.7 | $2,575 | -- | |
Most reliable 5-year-old passenger cars
Whether shopping for new or used vehicles, compact cars remain the most cost-effective form of personal transportation. The average 5-year-old passenger car has an average price per year of $2,772, but these models all have a price per year below $2,500.| Best 5-Year-Old Used Passenger Cars for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Remaining Lifespan (Years) | Price per Remaining Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Honda Fit | $18,336 | 11.6 | $1,583 | 0.57x |
| 2 | Volkswagen Passat | $17,636 | 9.6 | $1,845 | 0.67x |
| 3 | Kia Rio 5-Door | $14,037 | 6.9 | $2,023 | 0.73x |
| 4 | Honda Civic | $20,157 | 9.8 | $2,053 | 0.74x |
| 5 | Mazda Mazda3 (hatchback) | $20,262 | 9.8 | $2,073 | 0.75x |
| 6 | Toyota Yaris | $16,427 | 7.6 | $2,148 | 0.78x |
| 7 | Toyota Corolla | $17,728 | 8.1 | $2,201 | 0.79x |
| 8 | Infiniti Q50 | $24,000 | 10.6 | $2,261 | 0.82x |
| 9 | Hyundai Elantra | $15,165 | 6.4 | $2,384 | 0.86x |
| 10 | Kia Soul | $15,019 | 6.2 | $2,420 | 0.87x |
| 11 | Honda Civic (coupe) | $21,882 | 9.0 | $2,422 | 0.87x |
| 12 | Honda Accord | $22,421 | 9.2 | $2,438 | 0.88x |
| 13 | Toyota Prius | $22,006 | 9.0 | $2,452 | 0.88x |
| 5-Year-Old Passenger Car Average | $20,489 | 7.4 | $2,772 | -- | |
Most reliable 10-year-old passenger cars
The Tesla Model S just misses a top-10 ranking for most reliable 10-year-old used passenger cars, but at number 11 it’s the only electric car to appear in these rankings. Several hybrid models also make the list.| Best 10-Year-Old Used Passenger Cars for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Remaining Lifespan (Years) | Price per Remaining Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Honda Fit | $12,169 | 9.0 | $1,358 | 0.64x |
| 2 | Volkswagen Passat | $9,912 | 7.0 | $1,424 | 0.67x |
| 3 | Lincoln MKZ | $12,298 | 7.6 | $1,625 | 0.77x |
| 4 | Kia Rio 5-Door | $9,059 | 5.6 | $1,626 | 0.77x |
| 5 | Mercedes-Benz CLA | $13,885 | 8.5 | $1,643 | 0.78x |
| 6 | Kia Rio | $8,051 | 4.8 | $1,666 | 0.79x |
| 7 | Honda Civic | $13,097 | 7.9 | $1,668 | 0.79x |
| 8 | Nissan Versa | $7,638 | 4.5 | $1,716 | 0.81x |
| 9 | Toyota Avalon | $15,876 | 9.0 | $1,760 | 0.83x |
| 10 | Hyundai Elantra | $9,603 | 5.3 | $1,798 | 0.85x |
| 11 | Tesla Model S | $18,960 | 10.5 | $1,800 | 0.85x |
| 12 | Ford Fusion Energi | $10,118 | 5.6 | $1,804 | 0.85x |
| 13 | Infiniti Q50 | $14,400 | 7.9 | $1,816 | 0.86x |
| 14 | Kia Optima Hybrid | $10,171 | 5.6 | $1,818 | 0.86x |
| 15 | Kia Soul | $9,296 | 5.0 | $1,859 | 0.88x |
| 16 | Nissan Altima | $9,920 | 5.3 | $1,876 | 0.89x |
| 17 | FIAT 500L | $9,664 | 5.1 | $1,878 | 0.89x |
| 18 | Honda Civic (coupe) | $13,751 | 7.3 | $1,880 | 0.89x |
| 10-Year-Old Passenger Car Average | $12,772 | 6.0 | $2,120 | -- | |
Most reliable 5-year-old hybrids for the money
Hybrid drivetrains have gained popularity over the past 20 years and, with an average remaining lifespan of 8.6 years, there’s no reason to avoid this technology on the used market. The Toyota Prius was the first mainstream hybrid and it ranks first for most reliable used hybrid for the money.| Best 5-Year-Old Used Hybrids for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Remaining Lifespan (Years) | Price per Remaining Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Toyota Prius | $22,006 | 9.0 | $2,452 | 0.90x |
| 2 | Toyota Camry Hybrid | $23,364 | 9.4 | $2,491 | 0.91x |
| 3 | Ford Fusion Energi | $19,336 | 7.7 | $2,521 | 0.92x |
| 4 | Toyota Avalon Hybrid | $28,901 | 10.8 | $2,665 | 0.97x |
| 5-Year-Old Hybrid Average | $23,652 | 8.6 | $2,735 | -- | |
| 5 | Ford Fusion Hybrid | $17,808 | 5.3 | $3,333 | 1.22x |
| 6 | Lexus RX 450h/450hL | $39,364 | 11.5 | $3,424 | 1.25x |
| 7 | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | $34,172 | 9.8 | $3,490 | 1.28x |
| 8 | Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | $20,358 | 5.8 | $3,524 | 1.29x |
| 9 | Ford Escape Hybrid | $20,437 | 5.2 | $3,950 | 1.44x |
Most reliable 10-year-old used hybrids for the money
Ford was another early investor in hybrid technology and the company’s plug-in Fusion Energi sedan leads the rankings for 10-year-old used hybrids. The Fusion Hybrid (non plug-in model) also makes the list, but Toyota remains the dominant player with three out of the five above-average slots.| Best 10-Year-Old Used Hybrids for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Remaining Lifespan (Years) | Price per Remaining Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Ford Fusion Energi | $10,118 | 5.6 | $1,804 | 0.89x |
| 2 | Kia Optima Hybrid | $10,171 | 5.6 | $1,818 | 0.90x |
| 3 | Toyota Prius | $13,747 | 7.2 | $1,919 | 0.95x |
| 4 | Toyota Avalon Hybrid | $16,406 | 8.5 | $1,933 | 0.95x |
| 5 | Toyota Camry Hybrid | $15,220 | 7.6 | $1,990 | 0.98x |
| 10-Year-Old Hybrid Average | $13,834 | 6.8 | $2,027 | -- | |
| 6 | Ford Fusion Hybrid | $10,637 | 5.1 | $2,068 | 1.02x |
| 7 | Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | $10,855 | 5.0 | $2,177 | 1.07x |
| 8 | Lexus RX 450h | $20,358 | 8.9 | $2,299 | 1.13x |
| 9 | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | $21,848 | 7.4 | $2,938 | 1.45x |
Many buyers continue to wrestle with the cost of new and used vehicles. With these most reliable used cars for the money rankings, consumers have a range of used vehicle options that feature a low purchase price and a useful remaining lifespan.
Methodology
iSeeCars analyzed the prices of over 700,000 5- and 10-year-old used cars sold from September 2024 - February 2025 and the odometer readings of over 368 million used cars from its Longest Lasting Cars Study. The average list price of each model was compared to its expected remaining lifespan (in years) to calculate the list price per year. Low-volume vehicles and sports cars were excluded from further analysis.
About iSeeCars.com
iSeeCars.com is a data-driven car search and research company that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, including the iSeeCars VIN Check report and Best Cars Rankings. iSeeCars has saved users over $437 million so far by applying big data analytics powered by over 25 billion (and growing) data points and using proprietary algorithms to objectively analyze, score and rank millions of new cars and used cars.
